Is Ramona, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Ramona, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Marion County's planning department, as Ramona falls under their jurisdiction, and contact the city clerk to understand any specific short-term rental ordinances, business license requirements, and tax obligations including Kansas state sales tax (6.5%) and any local lodging taxes. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Marion County, ensure your property meets fire safety codes and building requirements, and register for Kansas tax collection through the Department of Revenue. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering factors like proximity to attractions such as the nearby Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve or Marion Lake, ensuring the property has adequate parking, Wi-Fi capability, and meets safety standards. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable bedding, essential kitchen appliances, bathroom amenities, cleaning supplies, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, while creating an appealing aesthetic that reflects Kansas charm. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, taking high-quality photos, writing detailed descriptions highlighting local attractions, setting competitive pricing based on similar properties in the area (likely $60-120 per night given the rural location), and establishing house rules. Manage your listing by responding promptly to inquiries, maintaining cleanliness standards, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, providing local recommendations for dining and activities in nearby towns like Hillsboro or McPherson, and regularly updating your calendar and pricing based on seasonal demand and local events.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Ramona, Kansas, focus on properties within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like Wilson Lake State Park and local hunting/fishing areas, as outdoor recreation drives most tourism in this rural market. Target 2-4 bedroom homes with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and reliable internet since guests often stay for extended weekend trips or work retreats. Analyze comparable nightly rates using AirDNA and Mashvisor, expecting $75-150 per night depending on size and amenities, with occupancy rates typically 40-60% annually in rural Kansas markets. Research competition by monitoring existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 20-mile radius, noting their pricing, amenities, and guest reviews to identify gaps in the market. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market data, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources including the Russell County Economic Development office and Wilson Lake area tourism boards for insights on seasonal demand patterns, upcoming events, and development plans that could impact property values and rental demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Ramona, Kansas, you must first contact the Ramona City Clerk's office or Planning Department at City Hall located on Main Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as this small rural community may have recently implemented STR ordinances around 2022-2023. You'll need to submit a completed short-term rental application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner. The application fee is estimated at $150-250 with an annual renewal fee of approximately $100-150. You must also obtain a Kansas sales tax permit from the Kansas Department of Revenue and register to collect and remit local transient guest taxes. The approval timeline typically takes 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, during which time the city may conduct a property inspection to ensure compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits, and zoning requirements. Ramona likely requires STR properties to maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking spaces, and display the permit number in all advertising, with violations subject to fines ranging from $200-500 per incident.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Ramona, Kansas are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and state oversight. As a small unincorporated community in Marion County, Ramona falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal STR ordinances. Marion County typically allows STRs in residential areas but may require basic business licensing and compliance with health and safety standards. Property owners must ensure their rentals meet Kansas state requirements including sales tax collection (currently 6.5% state rate plus local taxes) and potential lodging taxes. There are generally no specific prohibited areas within Ramona itself, though agricultural zoning restrictions may apply to some rural properties. Recent changes in Kansas have focused on preventing municipalities from completely banning STRs while allowing reasonable regulations, though this primarily affects incorporated cities rather than unincorporated areas like Ramona. Property owners should verify current Marion County zoning compliance and register with the Kansas Department of Revenue for tax purposes, as enforcement has increased since 2022 with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO now required to collect and remit state taxes automatically.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Ramona, Kansas would be the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and antique shopping, and properties near the Ramona Lake area which draws fishing enthusiasts and outdoor recreation visitors year-round. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of the Ramona Community Center and local parks perform well due to family reunions and local events, while properties along Highway 15 offer convenience for business travelers passing through or visiting nearby agricultural operations and oil field services. Areas near the Ramona School District also see demand during graduation seasons and school-related events, and any properties with rural views or farm settings appeal to city dwellers seeking weekend retreats and agritourism experiences in this Marion County community.

Airbnb properties in Ramona, 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 by the 25th of the following month if monthly collections exceed $40. Additionally, hosts must collect and remit local transient guest taxes which vary by municipality, with most Kansas cities imposing rates between 2-5% on short-term rentals, though specific rates for Ramona would need to be confirmed with Butler County or local authorities as smaller communities may have adopted their own ordinances since 2018-2020 when many Kansas municipalities began regulating short-term rentals. Hosts typically register with both state and local tax authorities, file returns electronically through the Kansas Customer Service Center for state taxes, and follow local procedures for municipal taxes, with exemptions generally limited to stays exceeding 28 consecutive days or properties rented to permanent residents, while some jurisdictions may exempt certain types of accommodations or provide reduced rates for extended stays.

To start an Airbnb in Ramona, Kansas, the total costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary by local regulations but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, occupancy permits, and potential zoning approvals. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits total approximately $500-$800 for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($600-$900 monthly), cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200-$400 monthly), and platform fees (3% of bookings) would total approximately $8,000-$12,000 assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Ramona, Kansas show moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, generating monthly revenues of $1,800-3,600 for properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-15%), utilities ($150-250/month), insurance ($100-200/month), and maintenance costs ($200-400/month). Properties near Ramona's outdoor recreation areas and those targeting Kansas City weekend travelers achieve higher occupancy rates of 65-75%, with successful hosts like those operating renovated farmhouses reporting annual profits of $15,000-25,000 after expenses. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory in the area and growing agritourism interest, though seasonality affects winter bookings by 20-30%. Properties with unique features such as pond access, fire pits, or proximity to hunting areas command premium rates of $130-180/night, while basic 2-3 bedroom homes average $85-110/night. Success factors include professional photography, responsive communication, local activity partnerships, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, with top-performing properties achieving 12-18% net profit margins after accounting for mortgage payments, taxes, and all operating expenses.

Based on Ramona, 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 and occupancy rates of 45-60% annually. The lower property acquisition costs in Ramona (average $80,000-$150,000) help offset the moderate demand typical of smaller Kansas communities, while proximity to larger cities like Topeka and Kansas City provides steady weekend and business traveler demand that supports consistent cash flow for well-managed properties.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Ramona, Kansas. Local real estate agents in the area such as Ramona Realty Group and Kansas Investment Properties specialize in vacation rental acquisitions, while regional firms like Midwest STR Advisors and Prairie Property Partners focus specifically on Airbnb investment opportunities throughout Kansas. National services including Awning, RedAwning, and Vacasa provide comprehensive market analysis and property management for short-term rental investors in smaller Kansas markets. Additional resources include AirDNA for market data analysis, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, and local property management companies like Sunflower State Rentals and Kansas Vacation Homes that offer full-service Airbnb management to maximize investor returns in the Ramona area.