Is Ogden, Utah Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Ogden, Utah, begin by researching local regulations as Ogden requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license from the city and comply with zoning ordinances that typically allow STRs in residential zones with certain restrictions. Contact Ogden City's Community Development Department at 801-629-8930 to verify current requirements and obtain necessary permits, which may include a conditional use permit depending on your property's zoning. Find a suitable property by searching areas like Historic 25th Street, East Central, or neighborhoods near Weber State University, ensuring the property meets safety codes and HOA restrictions if applicable. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as required by Utah fire codes. Create your listing on Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms with professional photos highlighting Ogden's proximity to ski resorts like Snowbasin and Powder Mountain, downtown attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols, setting competitive rates (typically $80-150/night in Ogden depending on size and location), responding promptly to guests, and maintaining compliance with city regulations including potential occupancy limits and noise ordinances that Ogden enforces in residential areas.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Ogden, Utah, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Snowbasin and Powder Mountain ski resorts, near downtown Ogden's Historic 25th Street district, or close to outdoor recreation access points like the Ogden River Parkway and nearby hiking trailheads. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1980 with mountain or valley views, updated kitchens and bathrooms, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, hot tubs, and adequate parking for multiple vehicles, as these features appeal to ski groups and outdoor enthusiasts visiting year-round. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs on Airbnb and VRBO within a 5-mile radius, noting that properties near ski resorts can command $150-300+ per night during peak winter months (December-March) and $100-200 during summer hiking season, while downtown properties typically range $80-180 nightly depending on size and amenities. Research competition by examining occupancy rates, guest reviews, and pricing strategies of similar properties, paying attention to successful hosts who highlight proximity to outdoor activities, and use tools like AirDNA, Mashvisor, and STR analytics platforms to assess market demand, seasonal trends, and revenue potential, while also consulting local STR regulations through Weber County and Ogden City offices since some areas have specific zoning restrictions or permit requirements that could impact profitability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Ogden, Utah, you must first contact the Ogden City Planning Division at 2549 Washington Boulevard to determine if your property is located in a zone that allows short-term rentals, as they are only permitted in specific residential and commercial zones. Submit an application through the city's online portal or in-person, providing required documents including a completed STR permit application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a site plan showing parking arrangements, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million), contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, and a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy. Pay the application fee of approximately $200-300 plus annual renewal fees of around $150-200. The city requires STR properties to meet specific requirements including adequate off-street parking (typically 1-2 spaces), compliance with fire safety codes, maximum occupancy limits based on square footage, noise ordinance compliance, and proper waste management arrangements. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, during which time the city may conduct an inspection to ensure compliance with zoning, building, and safety codes. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all advertising and renew annually by December 31st, maintaining compliance with all ongoing operational requirements including guest registration and responding to complaints within 2 hours.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Ogden, Utah, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. Ogden requires STR operators to obtain a business license and conditional use permit, with properties subject to zoning restrictions that generally allow STRs in residential areas but with limitations on density and concentration. The city has implemented safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, along with parking requirements and occupancy limits based on property size. STRs are prohibited in certain residential zones where they would conflict with neighborhood character, and the city maintains the right to revoke permits for violations of noise ordinances, parking regulations, or other municipal codes. Recent changes around 2020-2022 have strengthened enforcement mechanisms and clarified permit requirements, with the city conducting regular inspections and requiring annual permit renewals. Operators must also comply with state tax requirements and maintain liability insurance, while neighbors can file complaints about problematic properties through the city's code enforcement system.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Ogden, Utah include the Historic 25th Street District, which attracts tourists with its antique shops, restaurants, and proximity to Union Station museums, plus business travelers visiting the downtown area. The East Bench neighborhoods offer mountain views and quick access to Snowbasin and Powder Mountain ski resorts, making them ideal for winter sports enthusiasts and summer hikers accessing the Wasatch Mountains. The Weber State University area provides consistent demand from visiting families, prospective students, and academic conference attendees throughout the year. The Ogden Canyon mouth neighborhoods capitalize on outdoor recreation tourism, as visitors use Ogden as a base for exploring Pineview Reservoir, hiking trails, and mountain biking routes. The downtown core near the Ogden Transit Center benefits from business travelers working with major employers like Autoliv, Fresenius, and various government offices, while also serving tourists attending events at the Eccles Conference Center and Weber County Fairgrounds.

In Ogden, Utah, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state transient room tax of 4.25%, Weber County's transient room tax of approximately 3%, and Ogden City's transient room tax of around 1-2%, totaling roughly 8-9% in combined lodging taxes. These taxes apply to short-term rentals under 30 consecutive days and are collected from guests at the time of booking, with Airbnb automatically collecting and remitting state and local taxes on behalf of hosts in most cases through their tax collection service that began around 2017-2018. Hosts must register with the Utah State Tax Commission and obtain a sales tax license, file monthly returns even when Airbnb collects taxes to ensure compliance, and may need to register separately with Weber County and Ogden City depending on local requirements. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are typically exempt from transient room taxes, and some jurisdictions may offer exemptions for certain types of accommodations or guests, though standard vacation rentals generally do not qualify for exemptions. Hosts should verify current rates and requirements with the Utah State Tax Commission, Weber County, and Ogden City as tax rates and collection procedures can change, and some hosts may still need to collect and remit taxes directly if not covered by Airbnb's automatic collection system.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Ogden, Utah is approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase costs around $350,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic supplies total approximately $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Ogden include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees totaling around $500-$1,000. Insurance for short-term rentals costs approximately $1,500-$2,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $200-$300 monthly or $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), maintenance, restocking supplies, platform fees, and marketing total approximately $4,000-$6,000. Additional considerations include property taxes, potential property management fees if outsourced, and a cash reserve for unexpected repairs or vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Ogden, Utah typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes and $8,000-$18,000 for private rooms, with average daily rates ranging from $65-$120 depending on property type and location proximity to Snowbasin and Powder Mountain ski resorts. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-$50 per turnover), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($800-$1,500 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-$4,000 yearly). Properties near downtown Historic 25th Street and those offering ski access command premium rates during winter months (December-March), with occupancy rates reaching 70-85% compared to 45-65% in off-peak periods. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $350,000 in 2022 with a $50,000 renovation investment has shown net profit margins of 15-25% annually, generating approximately $4,000-$8,000 in monthly profit during peak seasons. Success factors include strategic location within 30 minutes of ski resorts, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and amenities like hot tubs or mountain views, with properties meeting these criteria achieving 20-30% higher revenue than basic listings in the same area.

Airbnb investments in Ogden, Utah typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near Snowbasin Resort and downtown Ogden tend to perform better, with investors seeing profitability within 18-24 months of initial investment. The market benefits from year-round tourism driven by outdoor recreation, with peak seasons during winter ski months and summer hiking periods generating occupancy rates of 65-75%. Average daily rates range from $85-150 depending on property size and amenities, while operating expenses typically consume 35-45% of gross rental income. Properties purchased in the $200,000-350,000 range with 20-25% down payments have shown the strongest performance metrics, with some investors achieving break-even on initial capital within 6-8 years through a combination of rental income and property appreciation averaging 4-6% annually in the Ogden market.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Ogden, Utah. Local real estate agents like those at Coldwell Banker Premier Realty and RE/MAX Metro have experience with investment properties in the Ogden market, while Keller Williams Realty has agents who focus on Airbnb investment opportunities. AirDNA provides market data and analytics for short-term rental investments in Ogden, and Mashvisor offers property analysis tools for the Utah market. Roofstock, though primarily focused on traditional rentals, has expanded into short-term rental investments and covers the Ogden area. Local property management companies like RedAwning and AvantStay can help investors identify and manage profitable Airbnb properties in Ogden. BiggerPockets connects investors with local experts and deals in the Ogden market, while Awning provides short-term rental property management and can assist with property acquisition. Local investment groups and meetups in the Salt Lake City metro area, which includes Ogden, often have members specializing in Airbnb investments who can provide referrals to agents and services familiar with the Weber County market.