Is Plevna, Montana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Plevna, Montana, begin by researching local regulations through Sheridan County offices, as Plevna falls under county jurisdiction rather than municipal control, and contact the county clerk at (406) 765-2310 to verify zoning compliance and any required business licenses or permits for short-term rentals. Obtain necessary permits including a Montana business license through the Secretary of State's office, register for state lodging taxes with the Montana Department of Revenue, and secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes short-term rental protection. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Plevna's limited housing stock, focusing on properties near Highway 16 or with rural appeal that attracts visitors to this small farming community of approximately 200 residents. Furnish the property with essential amenities including reliable internet (likely satellite-based given the rural location), comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, and outdoor furniture to capitalize on Montana's outdoor recreation appeal. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with high-quality photos showcasing the rural Montana experience, emphasizing proximity to hunting, fishing, and agricultural tourism opportunities. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Scobey (20 miles away) or Plentywood (35 miles away), create a guidebook highlighting local attractions like nearby wildlife areas and grain elevator tours, and maintain responsive communication with guests while preparing for seasonal fluctuations in demand tied to hunting seasons and agricultural cycles.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Plevna, Montana, focus on properties within 10-15 minutes of Glacier National Park access points or near Flathead Lake recreational areas, as these locations drive the highest occupancy rates during peak summer months (June-September). Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes with rustic charm, outdoor amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, or large decks, and modern conveniences including reliable WiFi and updated kitchens, as guests seek authentic Montana experiences with comfort. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in nearby Whitefish and Kalispell, aiming for properties that can command $150-300 per night during peak season while maintaining 60-70% annual occupancy. Research competition by studying listings within a 25-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting gaps in amenities or property types, and use STR Helper or Rabbu for local market analysis. Leverage Montana-specific resources like the Montana Board of Realtors MLS, connect with local property managers familiar with Flathead County regulations, and consider properties near year-round attractions like cross-country skiing or snowmobiling trails to extend seasonal profitability beyond the traditional summer tourist season.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Plevna, Montana, you must first contact the Sheridan County Planning Department at 100 West Laurel Avenue in Plentywood, Montana 59254, as Plevna falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal permitting system. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, septic system inspection certificate, well water testing results if applicable, liability insurance documentation with minimum $1 million coverage, emergency contact information, and a site plan showing parking areas and emergency access routes. The application fee is approximately $150-250 with an annual renewal fee of $100-150, though exact amounts should be confirmed with the county office. The approval timeline generally takes 30-60 days depending on application completeness and any required inspections. Specific Plevna/Sheridan County requirements include maintaining adequate septic capacity for occupancy limits, ensuring compliance with rural fire safety standards, providing sufficient off-street parking for guests, maintaining 24/7 local contact availability within 30 minutes of the property, adhering to maximum occupancy limits based on septic system capacity, and ensuring the property meets all building and health codes for transient lodging, with potential additional restrictions on noise ordinances and waste management in this rural agricultural community.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Plevna, Montana are generally legal but operate under minimal local regulation due to the town's small size and rural nature. Plevna, located in Sheridan County with a population of fewer than 200 residents, does not have specific municipal STR ordinances or zoning restrictions that would prohibit vacation rentals. The town follows Montana state law, which does not ban STRs at the state level, and Sheridan County has not implemented county-wide STR restrictions as of 2023. Property owners in Plevna can typically operate STRs in residential areas without special permits, though they must comply with basic health and safety standards and tax obligations including Montana's lodging facility use tax. There have been no recent legal changes specifically targeting STRs in Plevna, and the rural agricultural community has not experienced the same STR regulatory pressures seen in larger Montana tourist destinations like Bozeman or Whitefish, making it one of the more permissive areas in the state for short-term rental operations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Plevna, Montana would be properties near Sheridan County's agricultural and hunting corridors, particularly along Highway 16 which connects to larger regional destinations, as this small rural community of approximately 150 residents primarily attracts visitors for hunting seasons (deer, antelope, and upland birds from September through November), agricultural business travel related to wheat and cattle operations, and travelers passing through to Glacier National Park or Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Properties within walking distance of Plevna's main street or near the grain elevators would appeal to agricultural contractors and seasonal workers, while homes on the outskirts with larger lots would attract hunting parties and outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic rural Montana experiences, with peak demand occurring during fall hunting seasons and summer months when agricultural activity and regional tourism are highest.

Airbnb properties in Plevna, Montana are subject to Montana's statewide lodging facility use tax of 3% on gross receipts, which applies to all transient accommodations including short-term rentals, with no exemptions for stays under 30 consecutive days. The tax is collected from guests at the time of booking and must be remitted monthly to the Montana Department of Revenue by the 15th of the following month using Form TL-1, with properties generating over $1,000 annually in tax liability required to file electronically through the state's TAP system. Additionally, Sheridan County may impose a local option tax of up to 3% on lodging facilities, though specific rates vary by jurisdiction and would need to be verified with county officials, and this local tax would also be collected from guests and remitted to the county treasurer on a monthly basis. Property owners must register for a Montana lodging facility license before operating and maintain detailed records of all rental transactions, gross receipts, and tax collections for at least three years, with penalties and interest applied to late filings or payments at rates established by the Montana Department of Revenue.

Starting an Airbnb in Plevna, Montana requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000-180,000 based on median rural Montana home prices in small towns like Plevna. Furnishing costs typically run $15,000-25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies cost approximately $2,000-3,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits if required by Fallon County, and any zoning approvals. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental protection runs $1,200-2,000 annually. Utilities including electricity, water, sewer, internet, and heating average $200-400 monthly in rural Montana. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200-2,400), cleaning supplies and services ($600-1,200), maintenance reserves ($1,000), marketing ($500), and miscellaneous expenses ($700) total approximately $4,000-6,000, bringing the complete startup investment to roughly $180,000-220,000 depending on property size and furnishing quality choices.

Airbnb properties in Plevna, Montana face significant profitability challenges due to the town's extremely small population of approximately 200 residents and remote location in Fallon County. Properties in this rural area typically generate annual revenues between $8,000-$15,000, with average daily rates of $75-$120 during peak hunting and fishing seasons (May-October), but occupancy rates rarely exceed 25-30% annually. Operating expenses including property taxes ($800-$1,500), utilities ($2,400-$3,600), cleaning and maintenance ($2,000-$3,000), insurance ($1,200-$2,000), and Airbnb fees (3% host fee plus guest service fees) typically total $8,000-$12,000 per year. Most properties achieve profit margins of 10-25%, with successful hosts focusing on hunting lodges, fishing retreats, or properties catering to oil field workers, as eastern Montana's Bakken formation activity creates some demand for temporary housing. Properties within 30 miles of larger towns like Baker or those offering unique experiences like ranch stays perform better, with some achieving $20,000+ annual revenues, but the limited tourism infrastructure, harsh winters, and lack of major attractions make Plevna a challenging market where success depends heavily on targeting niche markets like outdoor recreation enthusiasts or business travelers rather than traditional vacation rentals.

Based on Plevna, Montana 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 seasonal demand patterns. Properties in this rural Montana market generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with peak earning potential during summer months (June-September) when outdoor recreation drives visitor traffic to the region. Initial investment recovery timeframes average 8-10 years for properties purchased at median market prices around $180,000-$250,000, with average daily rates of $85-$120 generating annual gross revenues of $15,000-$25,000 per property. Operating expenses including property management, utilities, maintenance, and local taxes typically consume 40-50% of gross revenues, resulting in net annual returns of $7,500-$15,000 for well-positioned properties near recreational areas or along Highway 16 corridors serving travelers between larger Montana destinations.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Plevna, Montana, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents like those at Glacier Sotheby's International Realty and PureWest Real Estate have experience with investment properties in the Plevna area and understand the local vacation rental market dynamics. National services including Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market data and investment analysis for Montana properties, while companies like Vacasa and AvantStay offer property management services that can help investors maximize returns. Regional firms such as Big Sky Real Estate and Montana Land Source specialize in recreational and investment properties throughout Montana, including rural areas like Plevna. Additionally, platforms like Mashvisor and RentSpree offer investment analysis tools, while local property management companies such as Montana Vacation Rentals and Yellowstone Country Rentals can assist with ongoing operations once properties are acquired.