Is Pittsburg, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Pittsburg, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Pittsburg Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions that typically allow rentals in R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts with proper permits. Contact Pittsburg City Hall at 201 W 4th Street to apply for a business license ($25-50 annually) and ensure your property meets fire safety codes and building requirements through the Building Inspection Department. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas near Pittsburg State University or downtown, considering properties that can accommodate 2-6 guests with parking availability, then purchase or lease ensuring your mortgage or lease agreement permits short-term rentals. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, cable TV, full kitchen appliances, quality bedding, towels, and basic toiletries, while ensuring compliance with Kansas health department standards for cleanliness and safety. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing ($60-120/night based on local market), and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to PSU campus and local attractions like Lakeside Park. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleaning schedules between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes, as Kansas requires collection of 6.5% state sales tax plus 2% local transient guest tax on short-term rental income.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Pittsburg, Kansas, focus on locations near Pittsburg State University campus, downtown historic district, and major highways like US-69 for accessibility to Kansas City and Tulsa markets. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 1980 with updated kitchens, reliable HVAC systems, dedicated parking, and strong WiFi capability, as university visitors, traveling professionals, and families visiting students comprise the primary demand. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against the limited existing STR inventory, typically ranging $60-120 per night, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches revealing approximately 15-25 active listings in the market as of 2023-2024. Utilize the Crawford County Appraiser's office for property records, Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce for local event calendars and economic data, and connect with Pittsburg State University's visitor services to understand peak demand periods during graduation, homecoming, and athletic events. Property acquisition should target homes under $150,000 with renovation budgets of $15,000-25,000, focusing on neighborhoods within 2 miles of campus or downtown, while ensuring compliance with city zoning regulations and obtaining proper business licenses through Pittsburg City Hall.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Pittsburg, Kansas, contact the City of Pittsburg Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 201 W 4th Street, or call (620) 231-4100 to begin the application process. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental permit application, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, submit a site plan showing the property layout, provide proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), pass a fire safety inspection conducted by the Pittsburg Fire Department, and obtain a business license from the city clerk's office. Required documents include a valid driver's license or state ID, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, emergency contact information for guests, and parking plan documentation. The application fee is approximately $100-150 with an annual renewal fee of $75-100, plus inspection fees of around $50-75. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission to permit approval, including scheduling and completing the required inspections. Pittsburg-specific requirements include maintaining a local contact person available 24/7 within 30 minutes of the property, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate off-street parking spaces, ensuring compliance with residential zoning restrictions, and maintaining the property according to city housing codes and standards.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Pittsburg, Kansas, though the city operates under relatively basic zoning and rental regulations typical of smaller Kansas municipalities. As of recent years, Pittsburg has not implemented comprehensive STR-specific ordinances like larger cities, meaning most short-term rentals fall under existing residential rental and business licensing requirements. Properties must comply with standard safety codes, fire regulations, and may require basic business licenses depending on the scale of operation. The city primarily regulates STRs through existing zoning laws that distinguish between residential and commercial use, with most residential areas allowing occasional short-term rentals as long as they don't create nuisance issues or violate neighborhood covenants. There are no specific prohibited zones for STRs city-wide, though individual neighborhood associations or HOAs may have their own restrictions. Recent legal changes have been minimal, with the city taking a relatively hands-off approach compared to larger Kansas cities like Lawrence or Overland Park that have implemented more detailed STR regulations around registration, taxation, and operational standards.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Pittsburg, Kansas include the Historic Downtown District near Broadway and 4th Street, which attracts visitors to local events, antique shopping, and the annual Little Balkans Days festival, plus business travelers visiting the nearby Pittsburg State University campus. The University District surrounding PSU offers strong rental demand from visiting families during graduation ceremonies, sporting events, and academic conferences, with properties within walking distance of campus commanding premium rates. The Lakeside area near Lincoln Park and Crawford State Park appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking recreational activities like fishing, boating, and camping, particularly during summer months. The Medical District near Via Christi Hospital attracts medical tourists and families of patients requiring extended stays, providing consistent year-round occupancy. Properties near the Historic Miners Hall and Mining Museum benefit from heritage tourism and visitors exploring the region's coal mining history, while locations close to major employers like Watco Companies and EagleRidge generate business travel demand throughout the year.

In Pittsburg, Kansas, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Kansas state transient guest tax is 6% on gross receipts from lodging rentals under 28 days, which Airbnb typically collects and remits directly to the state on behalf of hosts. At the local level, Pittsburg imposes a transient guest tax of approximately 5-7% on short-term rental accommodations, though the exact rate may vary based on recent city ordinances. This local tax is generally collected by the platform or must be remitted directly by hosts to the City of Pittsburg on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on rental volume. Crawford County may also impose an additional lodging tax of 1-2% for tourism promotion purposes. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding 28 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and accommodations provided to certain government employees or during emergencies. Hosts operating without platform collection must register with both state and local tax authorities, obtain the necessary permits, collect taxes from guests, and file regular returns with payment by the specified deadlines, usually the 25th of the following month.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Pittsburg, Kansas would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$140,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would require $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees would total $500-$1,200. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would cost $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would be $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing would total approximately $6,000-$8,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for smaller Kansas markets.

Airbnb properties in Pittsburg, Kansas typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $45-75 and occupancy rates around 40-55% annually, resulting in gross revenues of $6,500-15,000 per year for well-positioned properties. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($25-35 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), property management (20-25% of revenue), and maintenance typically consume 60-70% of gross income, leaving net profit margins between 15-25% for successful operators. Properties near Pittsburg State University perform best, particularly during football season and graduation periods, with some hosts like those operating converted historic homes downtown reporting annual profits of $3,000-8,000 on properties valued at $80,000-120,000. Success factors include strategic pricing during university events, maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, offering amenities like fast WiFi and parking, and targeting the mix of business travelers visiting local manufacturing facilities like Watco Companies and families visiting PSU students, though the smaller market size and limited tourism infrastructure compared to major metropolitan areas constrains overall profitability potential.

Airbnb investments in Pittsburg, Kansas typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, primarily driven by the city's proximity to Pittsburg State University and steady demand from visiting families, business travelers, and university-related events. Properties near the university campus or downtown area generally achieve higher occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, with average daily rates between $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Initial profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with investors seeing positive cash flow after accounting for mortgage payments, property management fees of 15-25%, cleaning costs, and maintenance expenses. The market benefits from relatively low property acquisition costs compared to larger Kansas cities, with typical investment properties ranging from $80,000-$180,000, allowing for lower barrier to entry and faster capital recovery. Seasonal fluctuations occur during university breaks and summer months, but the consistent academic calendar and regional business activity in this southeast Kansas market provide relatively stable year-round demand for short-term rentals.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Pittsburg, Kansas. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Hedrick Realty Group, RE/MAX Associates, and Century 21 Associated Realty, with agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Thompson focusing on rental property investments since 2019. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market data, and RedAwning for vacation rental management, while companies like Awning and AvantStay provide full-service Airbnb investment solutions. Local property management companies such as Pittsburg Property Solutions and Four State Property Management offer specialized short-term rental services, and investment firms like Kansas Investment Properties and Heartland Real Estate Investors have been active in the Pittsburg market since 2020, helping clients identify properties near Pittsburg State University and downtown areas with strong rental potential.