Is Raymond, Nebraska Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Raymond, Nebraska, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Lancaster County planning department since Raymond falls under county jurisdiction, as the village likely doesn't have specific short-term rental ordinances but may require business licenses from the village clerk. Contact Lancaster County Health Department for any required permits and check if you need a Nebraska sales tax permit through the Department of Revenue. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings or consider converting existing residential property, ensuring it meets safety codes and has adequate parking. Furnish the space with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local guidebooks, focusing on comfort and cleanliness standards expected by travelers visiting the Lincoln metropolitan area. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the rural Nebraska charm and proximity to Lincoln (about 15 miles), set competitive pricing around $75-120 per night based on local market rates, and write detailed descriptions emphasizing the peaceful small-town atmosphere. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleaning schedules between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, and building relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance contractors, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and ensuring compliance with Nebraska's 7% state sales tax on lodging services.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Raymond, Nebraska, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Branched Oak Lake and Pawnee Lake recreational areas, as these drive seasonal tourism from April through October. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like decks, fire pits, and boat parking, priced between $150,000-$300,000 to ensure positive cash flow with nightly rates of $80-150. Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates (typically 40-60% during peak season), while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within 15-mile radius including nearby Ashland and Waverly markets. Utilize Lancaster County zoning maps to confirm STR legality, partner with local real estate agents familiar with lake properties, and leverage tools like Rabbu and PriceLabs for dynamic pricing optimization, while considering proximity to Lincoln (30 minutes) for additional guest draw and focusing on properties with strong internet connectivity for remote workers seeking weekend retreats.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Raymond, Nebraska, contact the Village of Raymond clerk's office at 402-783-2266 or visit their office at 200 West 2nd Street during regular business hours to submit an application. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, emergency contact information, and a $100-200 application fee paid by check or money order. The village may require a fire safety inspection, compliance with zoning regulations (likely restricted to residential zones), maximum occupancy limits based on square footage, adequate parking spaces, and adherence to noise ordinances. Submit all materials to the village clerk, schedule any required inspections within 2-3 weeks, address any compliance issues identified during inspection, and expect permit approval within 30-45 days of complete application submission. Annual renewal is typically required with a $50-75 renewal fee, and operators must maintain current insurance, provide local contact information for emergencies, and comply with all village ordinances regarding noise, parking, and occupancy limits.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Raymond, Nebraska are generally legal but subject to state and local regulations. As a small village in Lancaster County with a population under 200, Raymond likely operates under Nebraska state law which does not prohibit STRs at the state level, leaving regulation primarily to local municipalities. Given Raymond's small size and rural nature, the village may not have specific STR ordinances in place, meaning properties would need to comply with basic zoning laws, health and safety codes, and potentially obtain business licenses. Lancaster County and nearby Lincoln have implemented STR regulations in recent years (around 2020-2022), but these typically focus on urban areas rather than small rural communities like Raymond. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance, ensure proper insurance coverage, and check with Lancaster County and Raymond village officials for any recent ordinance changes, as many Nebraska communities have been updating their STR policies following increased popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Raymond, Nebraska are primarily concentrated around the downtown core and residential neighborhoods near Highway 34, which serves as the main thoroughfare connecting to Lincoln approximately 15 miles southeast. The area near Raymond Central Public Schools attracts visiting families for school events, sports tournaments, and graduation ceremonies throughout the year. Properties within walking distance of Raymond's small business district benefit from travelers seeking authentic small-town experiences and those attending local community events like the annual Raymond Days celebration. The neighborhoods along 1st Street and 2nd Street offer charm and accessibility while maintaining lower property acquisition costs compared to larger Nebraska cities. Additionally, areas near the Union Pacific Railroad corridor may attract business travelers and railroad employees requiring temporary accommodations, though this represents a smaller market segment. The proximity to Lincoln makes Raymond attractive for visitors seeking quieter, more affordable alternatives to city hotels while still maintaining easy access to University of Nebraska events, state government business, and Lincoln's larger attractions.

Airbnb properties in Raymond, Nebraska are subject to Nebraska state lodging tax of 1% on gross receipts from room rentals, which is collected by the Nebraska Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by hosts earning over $600 annually. Lancaster County, where Raymond is located, does not impose a separate county lodging tax as of 2023. The City of Raymond does not currently have a municipal occupancy tax ordinance in place. Airbnb typically collects and remits the state lodging tax automatically for hosts through their platform since 2019, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Exemptions include stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging. Hosts must register with the Nebraska Department of Revenue if they exceed the $600 annual threshold and file Form 10 for lodging tax returns, with penalties applying for late payments at 10% of the tax due plus interest.

To start an Airbnb in Raymond, Nebraska, the total estimated costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in small Nebraska towns. Furnishing costs would range $8,000-$12,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would cost $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permits, and tax registrations would total $500-$800. Insurance for short-term rental coverage would cost $1,200-$1,800 annually, with six months costing $600-$900. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable for six months would run $1,800-$2,400. First six months operating costs including cleaning supplies, maintenance, marketing, platform fees, and miscellaneous expenses would add another $3,000-$4,500. Property taxes for six months would contribute an additional $1,500-$2,000. Marketing and initial guest amenities would require $800-$1,200 to establish the property competitively in the market.

Airbnb properties in Raymond, Nebraska face challenging profitability conditions due to the town's small population of approximately 170 residents and limited tourist attractions, with average nightly rates typically ranging from $45-75 compared to urban markets. Properties in this rural area generate estimated annual revenues of $3,000-8,000, while expenses including property taxes ($800-1,500), utilities ($1,200-2,000), cleaning fees ($600-1,200), insurance ($400-800), and maintenance ($500-1,500) often total $3,500-7,000 annually, resulting in thin profit margins of 5-25% in successful cases. Success factors include targeting hunters during deer season (November-December), agricultural workers during harvest periods, and travelers seeking rural retreats, with properties featuring outdoor amenities, hunting access, or unique farm experiences performing better. Most profitable properties are typically larger homes or cabins that can accommodate groups and charge premium rates of $80-120 per night during peak hunting seasons, though occupancy rates generally remain low at 15-30% annually due to limited demand drivers in this small agricultural community located 25 miles northwest of Lincoln.

Based on Raymond, Nebraska's small rural market characteristics and limited tourism infrastructure, Airbnb investments in this community of approximately 150 residents would likely generate modest returns of 4-7% annual ROI, with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 2-5% due to low property acquisition costs ($80,000-$120,000 average) but equally low nightly rates ($45-$75) and occupancy rates of 25-40% annually. The timeframe to profitability would extend 18-36 months given the limited demand from travelers passing through on Highway 34 or visiting nearby Branched Oak Lake, with seasonal fluctuations heavily impacting performance during Nebraska's harsh winter months when occupancy could drop below 15%, making this market more suitable for long-term rental strategies rather than short-term vacation rentals.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Raymond, Nebraska. For local expertise, Nebraska Realty Group and Coldwell Banker NHS Real Estate have agents familiar with investment properties in the Raymond area. RE/MAX Real Estate Group and Nebraska Home Sales also serve the region with agents who understand rental property markets. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property recommendations, AirDNA for market data and investment analysis, and Awning for turnkey Airbnb investment properties. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals and market insights, while Roofstock focuses on single-family rental investments that can be converted to short-term rentals. Local property management companies like Midwest Property Management and Lincoln-based STR management firms can assist with operations once properties are acquired. Real estate investment groups such as Nebraska Real Estate Investors Association provide networking opportunities with professionals experienced in the Raymond and greater Lincoln metropolitan area markets.