Is Paxico, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Paxico, Kansas, begin by researching local regulations through Wabaunsee County and the City of Paxico offices, as this small town may have specific zoning requirements for short-term rentals, though Kansas generally has fewer restrictions than larger cities. Contact the Wabaunsee County Planning and Zoning Department to verify if short-term rentals are permitted in your desired location and obtain any necessary business licenses from the county clerk's office, along with registering for Kansas sales tax through the Department of Revenue since you'll need to collect state and local taxes. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering homes near Paxico Lake or historic downtown areas that attract visitors, ensuring the property meets basic safety standards and has adequate parking. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, basic kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like the Flint Hills and Kansas State University in nearby Manhattan. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos, competitive pricing around $75-120 per night based on rural Kansas markets, and descriptions emphasizing the peaceful small-town atmosphere and outdoor activities. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, and considering hiring local cleaning services from nearby Alma or Manhattan if needed, while keeping emergency contacts for maintenance issues and building relationships with neighbors to ensure smooth operations in this close-knit community of approximately 200 residents.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Paxico, Kansas, focus on properties within walking distance of Paxico Lake and Mill Creek Streamway Park, as these natural attractions drive seasonal tourism, particularly during spring and summer months when fishing and outdoor activities peak. Target 2-3 bedroom single-family homes or cabins built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and reliable internet since many guests seek rural retreats for remote work. Pricing analysis should benchmark against similar properties in nearby Wamego and Manhattan, with rates typically ranging $80-150 per night depending on seasonality and property size, while monitoring occupancy rates through AirDNA and STR data platforms. Competition research reveals limited STR inventory in Paxico itself, creating opportunity, though you'll compete with properties in the broader Flint Hills region and Tuttle Creek Lake area. Utilize tools like Mashvisor for market analysis, AirDNA for performance metrics, and local resources including the Wabaunsee County tourism board and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks data to understand visitor patterns, while partnering with local property management companies familiar with rural Kansas regulations and seasonal maintenance requirements.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Paxico, Kansas, you must first contact the Wabaunsee County Planning and Zoning Department since Paxico is a small unincorporated community that falls under county jurisdiction. Submit an application for a conditional use permit or special use permit along with a completed application form, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing the rental property layout, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), septic system inspection certificate, and fire safety compliance documentation. The application fee is estimated at $150-300, with additional inspection fees of approximately $100-200. You'll also need to register with the Kansas Department of Revenue for state tax collection purposes and obtain a sales tax permit. The approval process typically takes 30-60 days and includes a public hearing before the county planning commission. Specific Paxico area requirements likely include compliance with rural zoning regulations, adequate parking provisions (minimum 2 spaces per unit), septic system capacity verification for increased occupancy, and maintaining the rural character of the property. Contact Wabaunsee County at their courthouse in Alma, Kansas, or visit their planning department to begin the application process, as requirements may vary based on your specific property location and zoning classification.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Paxico, Kansas are generally legal as the small city of approximately 200 residents does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting or heavily regulating STR operations as of 2024. Paxico operates under Wabaunsee County jurisdiction, which similarly lacks comprehensive STR restrictions, allowing property owners to rent their homes for periods less than 30 days through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The city follows basic Kansas state regulations regarding business licensing and tax collection, requiring STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and collect applicable state and local taxes including the 6.5% Kansas sales tax. There are no designated prohibited areas within Paxico's city limits specifically for STRs, though operators must comply with standard zoning regulations that typically allow residential use in residential zones. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, with most regulatory discussions occurring at the state level where Kansas has maintained a relatively permissive stance toward STRs compared to other states, focusing primarily on tax compliance rather than operational restrictions.

For Airbnb investment in Paxico, Kansas, focus on properties near the Paxico area along Highway 99 and close to Mill Creek, as this small town benefits from its proximity to Topeka (about 30 minutes away) making it attractive for visitors seeking rural retreats while maintaining access to the state capital. The downtown historic district around Main Street offers charm for guests interested in small-town Kansas experiences and antique hunting. Properties near the Mill Creek area are ideal for fishing and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the region. The agricultural tourism sector presents opportunities, especially during harvest seasons when agribusiness professionals visit local farms and grain elevators. Additionally, consider areas near the Union Pacific Railroad corridor, as Paxico's railroad heritage attracts train enthusiasts and history buffs, while the town's location makes it a convenient stopover for travelers heading to larger Kansas destinations like Manhattan or Lawrence.

Airbnb properties in Paxico, Kansas are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax of 6% on lodging stays of less than 28 consecutive days, which is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the Kansas Department of Revenue if gross receipts exceed $4,000 annually. Wabaunsee County, where Paxico is located, does not impose additional lodging taxes as of 2023. The city of Paxico, being a small rural community with a population under 1,000, does not have a municipal occupancy tax ordinance in place. Hosts must register with the Kansas Department of Revenue, collect the 6% tax from guests, and file returns by the 25th of the following month using form ST-16. Exemptions include stays of 28 days or longer, which are considered residential rather than transient, and properties with annual gross lodging receipts under $4,000 are not required to collect or remit the tax. Payment can be made online through the Kansas Department of Revenue's customer service center, and hosts should maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections for audit purposes.

Starting an Airbnb in Paxico, Kansas requires approximately $85,000-$95,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $65,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor runs $8,000-$12,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations costs $2,000-$3,000. Permits and licensing fees in Kansas typically range $200-$500, while short-term rental insurance adds $800-$1,200 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $500-$800. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning supplies ($50/month), maintenance reserves ($100/month), property taxes ($200/month), and marketing expenses ($75/month) amount to approximately $3,450. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees if applicable and emergency repair funds of $1,000-$2,000 for unexpected issues during the initial operating period.

Airbnb properties in Paxico, Kansas face significant profitability challenges due to the town's small population of approximately 220 residents and limited tourist attractions, resulting in estimated average annual revenues of $3,000-$8,000 per property compared to operational expenses of $4,000-$7,000 including utilities, cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and platform fees of 3-5%. Properties near Paxico Lake or those targeting hunters during deer season (November-December) may achieve occupancy rates of 15-25% annually with average daily rates of $65-$85, while most properties struggle with single-digit occupancy rates. Success factors include targeting outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby Milford Lake, offering competitive pricing 20-30% below Topeka rates (45 minutes away), and marketing to Kansas State University visitors in Manhattan (30 minutes away). The limited market size means most Airbnb investments in Paxico operate at break-even or slight losses of $500-$2,000 annually, making profitability dependent on minimal debt service, owner-occupied properties with occasional rental income, or unique positioning for niche markets like hunting lodges or lake access properties.

Based on Paxico, Kansas market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and occupancy rates. Properties in this rural Kansas market generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $75-$120 for well-positioned properties near recreational areas or serving travelers on Highway 99. The limited competition in Paxico creates opportunities for consistent bookings, though seasonal fluctuations affect performance with stronger returns during spring and fall months when outdoor activities peak, while winter occupancy drops to 40-50% of summer levels, requiring investors to maintain 6-8 months of operating reserves for sustainable cash flow.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Paxico, Kansas, using data analytics to evaluate potential returns. Local real estate agents in the Paxico area who specialize in investment properties include Flint Hills Realty and Kansas Prairie Properties, both serving the greater Wabaunsee County region since the early 2010s. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and Vacasa provide comprehensive Airbnb investment analysis and property management solutions for the Kansas market. AirDNA and Mashvisor offer market research and investment analytics specifically for short-term rental properties in smaller Kansas markets like Paxico. Local property management companies such as Heartland Property Solutions and Kansas Investment Properties have expanded their services to include Airbnb management and investor consultation since 2018. BiggerPockets and Roofstock also provide online platforms connecting investors with Kansas rural market opportunities, while companies like AvantStay and Lyric focus on identifying emerging markets in small Kansas towns for vacation rental investments.