Is Oshkosh, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Oshkosh, Wisconsin combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a promising opportunity, largely driven by the city's consistent appeal as a regional tourism and event hub.
• Current market conditions indicate a stable real estate market with accessible property values compared to larger metropolitan areas, making initial investments more manageable.
• Tourism trends in Oshkosh are robust, fueled by popular annual events like EAA AirVenture, various fishing tournaments, and its position on Lake Winnebago.
• This consistent demand contributes to favorable occupancy rates and strong investment potential for short-term rentals.

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

• Based on available market data and rental analytics, Airbnb hosts in Oshkosh, Wisconsin typically earn between $800-$2,200 per month.
• Seasonal variations show peak earnings during summer months (June-August) when revenue can increase by 40-60% due to EAA AirVenture, local festivals, and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh events.
• Properties near Lake Winnebago, downtown areas, or the university campus command premium rates of $80-$150 per night compared to suburban locations at $50-$90 per night.
• Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to major attractions like the EAA Aviation Museum, property size and amenities, professional photography and listing optimization, responsive host communication.
• Occupancy rates generally range from 45-65% annually, with successful hosts maintaining higher occupancy through competitive pricing, excellent reviews.

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

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with properties near the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and downtown areas performing at the higher end of this range due to consistent demand from visiting families.
• The average payback period for initial investment ranges from 7-10 years, depending on property acquisition costs which average around $180,000-220,000 for suitable rental properties in desirable neighborhoods.
• Compared to traditional long-term rentals in Oshkosh that typically yield 6-8% ROI, short-term rentals can provide 25-40% higher returns.
• The market benefits from Oshkosh's position as a regional hub with attractions like the EAA AirVenture fly-in convention and proximity to Lake Winnebago.

Oshkosh, Wisconsin averages 45–55% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Airbnb occupancy rates in Oshkosh, Wisconsin average approximately 45-55% annually, with significant seasonal variation driven by the city's proximity to Lake Winnebago and major events like EAA AirVenture.
• Peak occupancy occurs during summer months (June-August) reaching 70-80%, particularly during the annual EAA fly-in convention in late July when rates can exceed 90% and nightly prices surge dramatically.
• Spring and fall months typically see moderate occupancy around 40-50%, while winter months drop to 25-35% due to harsh weather conditions limiting tourism.
• Oshkosh's annual average occupancy rate falls slightly below Wisconsin's statewide average of approximately 55-60% and significantly below the national Airbnb average of 65-70%.
• However, during peak event periods, Oshkosh can temporarily outperform both state and national averages.

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

• The downtown Oshkosh area near the Fox River offers excellent Airbnb potential due to its proximity to the Paine Art Center, historic districts, and waterfront activities.
• The Lakeshore/Menominee Park neighborhood provides premium investment opportunities with its lakefront access, upscale demographics, and proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
• The Algoma Boulevard corridor appeals to investors seeking steady returns from its mix of historic charm and modern amenities.
• The Westside residential area near Wittman Regional Airport captures aviation enthusiasts visiting for EAA AirVenture and offers lower acquisition costs with seasonal pricing spikes during major events.
• The Southside neighborhoods around the industrial corridor attract business travelers and contractors with competitive nightly rates and consistent weekday occupancy.
• The University area provides reliable rental demand from visiting academics, prospective students, and families.
• The Northside near Lake Winnebago offers seasonal rental opportunities with higher summer rates, appealing to fishing and boating enthusiasts while maintaining affordable entry costs for investors.

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

• Oshkosh, Wisconsin requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and register their property with the city, with applications requiring property owner information, insurance documentation.
• Properties are limited to a maximum occupancy based on bedroom count plus two additional guests, with no more than two adults per bedroom.
• The city does not currently require owner-occupancy for short-term rentals, allowing both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties to operate under the same regulations.
• Zoning restrictions limit short-term rentals primarily to residential districts, though some commercial zones may permit them with conditional use permits.
• The registration process involves submitting an annual application with fees typically ranging from $100-200, providing proof of liability insurance, emergency contact information.
• Recent regulatory changes implemented around 2020-2022 have strengthened enforcement mechanisms, increased penalties for violations, and established clearer guidelines for noise complaints and neighborhood compatibility.

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

• Short-term rentals in Oshkosh, Wisconsin are subject to several fees and taxes including Wisconsin state sales tax of 5%, Winnebago County tax of 0.5%, and Oshkosh city tax of 0.5%.
• The Wisconsin room tax applies at 5% for accommodations, while Oshkosh imposes an additional local room tax of 8%, bringing the total lodging tax to approximately 13%.
• Property owners must obtain a short-term rental permit from the city at an estimated cost of $150-250 annually, plus a one-time registration fee of approximately $50-100.
• Business license fees may apply at around $25-50 per year, and properties may be subject to inspection fees of $75-125.
• Additional costs include potential zoning compliance fees of $100-200 and renewal processing fees of $25-50 annually.