Is Pinedale, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Pinedale, Wyoming, begin by researching local regulations through the Town of Pinedale Planning Department and Sublette County offices, as Wyoming generally allows short-term rentals but local municipalities may have specific zoning requirements and occupancy limits. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the Town of Pinedale (approximately $50-100 annually), ensure your property meets fire safety codes, and register for Wyoming state sales tax collection since short-term rentals are subject to 4% state sales tax plus local lodging taxes. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents like those at Century 21 or independent brokers familiar with Pinedale's market, focusing on areas near outdoor recreation access points given the town's proximity to the Wind River Range and Green River. Furnish the property with durable, mountain-appropriate furniture and amenities including high-speed internet, heating systems suitable for Wyoming winters, and outdoor gear storage, sourcing items from regional suppliers or online retailers with delivery to the 82941 zip code area. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photography highlighting Pinedale's outdoor recreation opportunities, competitive pricing based on the local market of $80-200 per night depending on season and property size, and detailed descriptions of nearby attractions like Fremont Lake and hunting/fishing opportunities. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with Wyoming's harsh weather conditions, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or local services if you're not residing in the area, while maintaining compliance with ongoing tax obligations and guest communication standards.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Pinedale, Wyoming, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Pinedale Lake and downtown, as well as properties offering easy access to the Wind River Range and Bridger-Teton National Forest for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Target 3-4 bedroom cabins or homes with mountain views, outdoor amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, and large decks, plus modern kitchens and reliable internet for remote workers visiting during hunting and fishing seasons. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, aiming for $150-300 per night depending on size and amenities, with peak seasons during summer months (June-September) and hunting seasons generating 60-70% occupancy rates. Research competition through Airbnb, VRBO, and local property management companies like Jackson Hole Resort Lodging and Rendezvous River Sports & Rentals to identify gaps in luxury amenities or unique property features. Utilize tools such as Rabbu, AllTheRooms, and local MLS data from Sublette County, while connecting with Pinedale real estate agents familiar with STR regulations and zoning requirements, as the town has specific ordinances governing short-term rentals that require proper licensing and compliance with occupancy limits.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Pinedale, Wyoming, you must first contact the Pinedale Town Hall at 43 Pine Street or call (307) 367-4136 to request a Short-Term Rental Business License application, as Pinedale requires all STR operators to obtain a business license through the town clerk's office. Required documents typically include a completed business license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord permission, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection certificate, and fire safety compliance documentation. The application fee is approximately $150-200 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $75-100. Submit your complete application to the Town Clerk's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), and allow 2-4 weeks for processing and inspection scheduling. Pinedale-specific requirements include maintaining a local contact person available 24/7 within 30 minutes of the property, posting maximum occupancy limits visibly inside the rental, providing adequate parking for all guests on-site, ensuring compliance with residential zoning restrictions (typically limiting rentals to single-family homes), and adhering to quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. You must also register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for sales tax collection and remit the required lodging taxes quarterly, and renew your permit annually by December 31st with updated insurance and inspection certificates.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Pinedale, Wyoming, as the town does not have comprehensive municipal regulations specifically prohibiting them as of 2023. However, STR operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements, zoning ordinances that may restrict commercial activities in residential areas, and state tax obligations including Wyoming's 4% state sales tax and local lodging taxes. The town follows Sublette County's broader regulatory framework, which typically requires basic business registration and adherence to health and safety standards. Recent trends in Wyoming municipalities suggest increasing scrutiny of STRs, with some communities like Jackson implementing stricter regulations around 2021-2022, though Pinedale has not enacted similar comprehensive restrictions. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance for their specific location, as residential zones may have limitations on commercial lodging activities, and ensure proper insurance coverage since standard homeowner policies often exclude commercial rental activities.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Pinedale, Wyoming are the downtown historic district near Pine Street and Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's frontier heritage and provides easy access to restaurants and shops, and the neighborhoods along Fremont Lake Road and near the Green River, which appeal to outdoor enthusiasts visiting for fishing, boating, and water recreation. The areas near the Wind River Range foothills on the town's western edge are particularly attractive for investors due to proximity to world-class hiking, hunting, and wilderness access that draws tourists year-round. Properties near the Museum of the Mountain Man and along Sublette Avenue benefit from cultural tourism and the annual Green River Rendezvous event held each July. The residential areas around Jackson Avenue and near Pinedale High School offer good investment potential due to demand from energy sector workers, as the region has significant natural gas development, creating consistent business travel and temporary housing needs for industry professionals working in the Jonah Field and Pinedale Anticline areas.

Airbnb properties in Pinedale, Wyoming are subject to Wyoming's statewide lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts from short-term rentals under 30 days, which is collected by the Wyoming Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by the 19th of the following month if monthly gross receipts exceed $750. Sublette County, where Pinedale is located, imposes an additional 2% county lodging tax that applies to all accommodations including short-term rentals, bringing the total lodging tax to approximately 6%. The town of Pinedale may also impose a local lodging tax of up to 2% under Wyoming statute, though specific rates vary by municipal ordinance. Property owners must register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for a lodging tax license and collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, with quarterly filing required for smaller operators earning less than $9,000 annually. 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. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes on behalf of hosts through their platform in Wyoming as of 2019, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify collection with their local tax authorities.

To start an Airbnb in Pinedale, Wyoming, expect total costs around $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $350,000-$425,000 based on median home prices in this rural mountain town. Furnishing costs typically range $25,000-$35,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen appliances, living room furniture, and outdoor gear appropriate for the area's recreational tourism. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations run $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance including liability and property coverage specifically for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$3,500 annually. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $300-$450 monthly or $1,800-$2,700 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, supplies, maintenance, marketing, and platform fees total approximately $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential property management fees if using a service, which typically charge 20-30% of rental income, and seasonal fluctuations in this ski and outdoor recreation market that may affect cash flow timing.

Airbnb properties in Pinedale, Wyoming show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $85-150 during peak seasons (June-September) when outdoor recreation and energy sector workers drive demand. Annual gross revenues for typical 2-3 bedroom properties average $18,000-35,000, while operating expenses including cleaning fees ($75-100 per turnover), utilities ($200-300 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance ($2,000-4,000 yearly) typically consume 45-60% of gross income. Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with success factors including proximity to outdoor recreation areas like the Wind River Range, reliable internet for remote workers, and professional photography showcasing mountain views. Properties near Pinedale's downtown or with unique amenities like hot tubs or game rooms command premium rates, while those targeting hunting and fishing seasons (September-November) can achieve 70-80% occupancy rates. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and strong demand from energy sector contractors, though seasonality remains a challenge with winter occupancy dropping to 20-30%, making annual cash flow heavily dependent on summer performance and requiring owners to budget carefully for off-season periods.

Airbnb investments in Pinedale, Wyoming typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the town's proximity to outdoor recreation areas and seasonal tourism patterns driven by hunting, fishing, and energy sector workers. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near Fremont Lake or those catering to energy industry temporary housing achieving the higher end of this range. Most investors reach profitability within 18-24 months, with peak earning months occurring during summer recreation season (June-September) and hunting seasons (September-November). Properties purchased in the $200,000-$350,000 range with 20-25% down payments typically generate $2,000-$4,500 monthly gross rental income during peak seasons, dropping to $800-$1,500 during slower winter months. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory and consistent demand from Jonah Field and Pinedale Anticline natural gas workers, though investors should factor in seasonal vacancy rates of 30-40% and higher maintenance costs due to Wyoming's harsh winters.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Pinedale, Wyoming. Local real estate agents in the Pinedale area who work with Airbnb investors include Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates and Pinedale Properties, both of which have experience with vacation rental investments in the region. National services that assist with Airbnb property acquisition include Awning (formerly RedAwning), which provides market analysis and property management services, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, AirDNA for short-term rental data and market insights, and Roofstock, which specializes in turnkey rental properties. BiggerPockets also offers educational resources and networking for real estate investors interested in short-term rentals. Local property management companies like Sublette County Property Management and Wind River Property Services can assist with the operational aspects of Airbnb investments in the Pinedale market. Additionally, platforms like Vacasa and Evolve provide full-service vacation rental management that can help investors maximize returns on properties in Wyoming's outdoor recreation markets.