Is Ogilvie, Minnesota Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Ogilvie, Minnesota combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a specific niche opportunity, primarily driven by its proximity to Mille Lacs Lake and its appeal for outdoor recreation.
• While Ogilvie itself is a small rural community with limited direct demand, the surrounding area benefits from consistent tourism related to fishing (especially ice fishing and walleye season), hunting.
• Property values in this area are generally more affordable than major metropolitan areas, making the initial investment potentially lower.
• The investment potential lies in targeting guests seeking quiet getaways and outdoor activities, and properties with lakefront access or amenities like boat access or fishing equipment tend to command higher rates and better occupancy.
• However, the limited local population and specific seasonal demand mean investors must carefully consider the niche market and property features to ensure profitability.

$800–$2,200 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available data for small rural Minnesota communities similar to Ogilvie, average Airbnb earnings typically range from $800 to $2,200 per month.
• Summer months generally see the highest occupancy rates at 60-75% with nightly rates averaging $85-120, while winter months drop to 25-40% occupancy with rates around $65-90 per night.
• Peak earning periods align with fishing seasons, particularly ice fishing in winter and walleye season in spring and summer, as well as fall hunting seasons.
• Key factors affecting earnings include property size and amenities, with lakefront or lake-view properties commanding premium rates 30-50% higher than standard accommodations, while properties offering boat access.
• The limited supply of short-term rentals in this small community of approximately 400 residents creates less competition but also limits overall demand, with most guests being anglers, hunters.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with payback periods ranging from 8-12 years depending on property acquisition costs and renovation expenses.
• The small town's proximity to Mille Lacs Lake and outdoor recreation areas drives seasonal demand.
• Occupancy rates generally hover between 45-65% annually, with higher performance during fishing season and fall hunting periods.
• Compared to traditional long-term rentals in Ogilvie that yield approximately 6-8% ROI with more consistent monthly income of $800-1,200, short-term rentals offer higher potential returns but require more active management and face seasonal fluctuations.
• The limited supply of quality short-term rental properties in this rural market of roughly 400 residents creates opportunities for well-positioned properties.

Ogilvie, Minnesota averages 45–55% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Airbnb occupancy rates in Ogilvie, Minnesota typically average around 45-55% annually, with significant seasonal variation driven by the area's proximity to Mille Lacs Lake and outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Peak occupancy occurs during summer months (June through August) when rates climb to 70-80%, coinciding with fishing season, boating, and family vacations.
• Spring and fall shoulder seasons maintain moderate occupancy around 40-50% as visitors come for hunting, hiking, and fall foliage viewing.
• These rates generally align with rural Minnesota averages of 50-60% annually but fall below the statewide average of approximately 65% and the national Airbnb average of 70-75%.
• Paul or established resort destinations, though the town's lakeside location and outdoor recreation access help maintain competitive occupancy during peak summer months.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• Ogilvie, Minnesota is a small rural community with limited distinct neighborhoods, but the best Airbnb investment areas include the downtown core around Highway 47 which offers proximity to local businesses and easy highway access for travelers, the residential areas near Ogilvie Lake providing waterfront appeal and recreational activities that command premium pricing from fishing and boating enthusiasts, properties along the Rum River corridor which attract nature lovers and offer scenic views with strong seasonal demand, the historic district near the original town center featuring charming older homes that appeal to visitors seeking authentic small-town experiences, areas close to the Mille Lacs Kathio State Park boundary which benefit from overflow tourism and outdoor recreation demand, and properties near the local golf course and recreational facilities that attract weekend visitors and sports tourists willing to pay higher rates for convenient access to amenities.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Short-term rental regulations in Ogilvie, Minnesota are primarily governed by county and state guidelines since the small city of approximately 400 residents has limited municipal ordinances specifically addressing vacation rentals.
• Property owners typically need to obtain a business license from Kanabec County and register with the Minnesota Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes.
• Owner-occupancy requirements are not mandated at the municipal level, though properties must comply with residential zoning restrictions that may limit commercial activities in certain neighborhoods.
• The registration process involves submitting applications to Kanabec County for business licensing, obtaining necessary inspections for health and safety compliance.
• Recent regulatory changes since 2020 have included enhanced cleaning protocols due to COVID-19 requirements and stricter enforcement of tax collection.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in Ogilvie, Minnesota are subject to Minnesota's statewide lodging tax of 3% on gross receipts.
• Property owners must register their rental with the Minnesota Department of Revenue, which typically costs around $50-75 annually for business registration.
• Kanabec County, where Ogilvie is located, may impose additional local lodging taxes of approximately 1-2%.
• Property owners must also pay standard property taxes on their rental units, and if operating as a business.
• Tourism promotion taxes in the region typically add another 1% to the total tax burden, bringing the combined lodging tax rate to approximately 5.5-7.5% of gross rental income.