Is Oshkosh, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Oshkosh Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a conditional use permit and business license, with properties needing to meet specific zoning requirements and safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Contact the Winnebago County Health Department for any additional health permits and ensure compliance with Wisconsin state tax requirements by registering with the Department of Revenue for sales tax collection. Find a suitable property in residential zones that allow short-term rentals, focusing on areas near the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh or downtown attractions, then secure financing and purchase or lease the property with landlord approval if renting. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and amenities like WiFi, focusing on comfort and local touches that highlight Oshkosh's charm near Lake Winnebago. Create compelling listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos showcasing the property's proximity to EAA AirVenture grounds, Menominee Park, and downtown restaurants. Implement a management system using tools like Hospitable or hire local property management companies such as Vacasa, establish cleaning protocols with local services, set competitive pricing based on seasonal demand especially during EAA AirVenture in July, and maintain excellent guest communication while monitoring reviews and adjusting your offering based on feedback to maximize occupancy and revenue.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh campus and near Lake Winnebago waterfront areas, as these attract consistent demand from visiting families, business travelers, and recreational visitors. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1980 with updated kitchens, reliable WiFi capability, parking spaces, and outdoor amenities like decks or patios that can capitalize on the lake proximity and seasonal tourism. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on size and location, with higher premiums during EAA AirVenture week in July when Oshkosh sees massive influx of aviation enthusiasts. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting occupancy patterns, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through Coldwell Banker or Century 21 offices familiar with Oshkosh market conditions, while monitoring seasonal demand patterns tied to university events, summer lake activities, and the annual experimental aircraft association convention that can drive occupancy rates above 80% during peak periods.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, you must first contact the City of Oshkosh Community Development Department at 215 Church Avenue or call (920) 236-5041 to begin the application process for a short-term rental license. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), contact information for a local responsible party available 24/7, and a site plan showing parking availability. The application fee is estimated at $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of approximately $100-150. You must also comply with Oshkosh-specific requirements including maintaining adequate off-street parking (typically one space per bedroom), ensuring the property meets all building and fire safety codes, obtaining a business license if operating multiple units, and adhering to occupancy limits (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional). The approval timeline is typically 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application, during which time city staff will conduct inspections and review compliance with zoning regulations. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all advertising and maintain records of all bookings for city inspection, with annual renewals required by December 31st each year.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. As of 2023, Oshkosh requires STR operators to obtain a license and comply with zoning restrictions that limit where these rentals can operate, typically allowing them in certain residential districts while prohibiting them in others. The city has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances specifically for STRs, and operators must maintain liability insurance and provide emergency contact information. Recent changes in 2022-2023 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and updated licensing fees, with the city requiring annual renewals and inspections. STRs are generally prohibited in areas zoned exclusively for single-family residential use in certain neighborhoods, and the city maintains a complaint-driven enforcement system. Property owners must also comply with state tax requirements and register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, while the city collects its own room tax on STR bookings.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Oshkosh, Wisconsin include the downtown district near the Fox River and Main Street, which attracts business travelers visiting major employers like Oshkosh Corporation and offers proximity to restaurants, breweries, and cultural venues. The Lakeshore area near Lake Winnebago is highly desirable for vacation rentals due to water recreation activities, fishing, and seasonal tourism, particularly during summer months. The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh campus vicinity presents strong rental demand from visiting families during graduation, sporting events, and academic conferences. The EAA Aviation Museum and Wittman Regional Airport area experiences massive demand during the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh airshow in July, one of the world's largest aviation gatherings that brings over 500,000 visitors annually. The Menominee Park and Zoo area appeals to families and tourists seeking recreational activities, while the historic Algoma Boulevard neighborhood offers charm for visitors preferring upscale accommodations near the lake and downtown amenities.

In Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Wisconsin state room tax is 5% on gross receipts from lodging rentals, which applies to all short-term rentals including Airbnbs. Additionally, Oshkosh imposes a local room tax of 8% on lodging accommodations, bringing the total tax rate to approximately 13%. These taxes are collected from guests at the time of booking, with Airbnb typically collecting and remitting the state portion directly to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts through their automated tax collection system implemented around 2018. However, hosts are generally responsible for registering with the City of Oshkosh and remitting the local 8% tax directly to the city on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on volume. Hosts must obtain a room tax permit from the city and file returns even if no tax is due. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and accommodations provided to permanent residents. The tax applies to the rental rate excluding cleaning fees but may include other service charges depending on local interpretation.

To start an Airbnb in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the total initial investment would be approximately $195,000-$225,000. Property purchase costs average $165,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically requires $8,000-$12,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities total around $1,500-$2,500. Permits and fees vary but generally include business license ($50-$100), potential short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and any required inspections ($300-$600). Insurance for short-term rentals runs $1,200-$2,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and initial connections for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable typically cost $800-$1,200. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning supplies and services ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), maintenance reserves ($100/month), and marketing ($100/month) total approximately $3,600. Additional considerations include potential property improvements or repairs ($2,000-$5,000) and working capital for unexpected expenses.

Airbnb properties in Oshkosh, Wisconsin typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and location proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh campus and Lake Winnebago. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), property management costs (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance premiums ($800-$1,500 annually), and maintenance expenses averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties near campus achieve higher occupancy rates of 65-75% during the academic year, while lakefront properties peak during summer months with 70-80% occupancy but experience significant seasonal fluctuations. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts reporting annual profits of $8,000-$18,000 per unit. Key success factors include strategic pricing during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh events in July when rates can surge to $200-$400 nightly, maintaining high cleanliness standards, providing amenities like WiFi and parking, and targeting both university visitors and recreational travelers. Properties within 2 miles of UW-Oshkosh or offering lake access command premium rates, while those in residential neighborhoods rely heavily on competitive pricing and exceptional guest experiences to maintain profitability in this mid-sized market of approximately 67,000 residents.

Airbnb investments in Oshkosh, Wisconsin typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh student population and seasonal tourism from nearby Lake Winnebago recreational activities. Properties near campus or waterfront areas command premium rates of $80-150 per night during peak seasons (summer months and university events), while off-season rates drop to $60-90 per night. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with average property acquisition costs of $150,000-250,000 and monthly operating expenses including utilities, cleaning, and maintenance averaging $800-1,200. The market benefits from consistent demand during the academic year (September-May) and summer tourism, though investors should expect seasonal fluctuations with lower occupancy rates of 40-50% during winter months compared to 70-85% during peak periods.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Oshkosh, Wisconsin by providing market data and property analysis tools. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group and RE/MAX Lyons Real Estate have agents experienced in investment properties who understand the Oshkosh vacation rental market. AirDNA offers market intelligence and revenue projections for Airbnb properties in the area, while Mashvisor provides investment property analysis tools that cover Wisconsin markets including Oshkosh. Local property management companies such as Fox Cities Property Management and Wisconsin Property Management Group can assist with identifying suitable properties and managing them post-purchase. National services like BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, and Awning provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property identification and management. First Weber Realtors, a Wisconsin-based company, has agents familiar with investment properties in the Oshkosh area, and Roofstock focuses specifically on investment properties though primarily single-family rentals that could be converted to short-term rentals.