Is Reliance, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Reliance, Wyoming, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Sweetwater County planning department, as Reliance is an unincorporated community that may have specific restrictions on short-term rentals. Contact the Wyoming Department of Revenue to obtain necessary business licenses and understand tax obligations, including the 4% state lodging tax that applies to rentals under 30 days. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with the area, considering that Reliance is a small historic town with limited housing stock, so properties may be scarce and expensive. Once you secure a property, furnish it with durable, western-themed décor that appeals to tourists visiting nearby attractions like Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, ensuring you include essential amenities like reliable internet, heating for harsh Wyoming winters, and outdoor gear storage. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, highlighting proximity to outdoor recreation, fishing, and the historic significance of the area as a former railroad town. For management, establish relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Rock Springs or Green River (about 20-30 miles away), create a system for key exchange since the remote location may require lockboxes or smart locks, and develop partnerships with local businesses for guest recommendations while maintaining 24/7 communication availability despite the area's potential cell service limitations.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Reliance, Wyoming, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of major outdoor recreation areas like the Green River and nearby fishing access points, as this small unincorporated community attracts anglers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes with rustic charm, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and amenities like fire pits or hot tubs that appeal to vacation renters seeking authentic Wyoming experiences. Analyze comparable STR properties within a 15-mile radius including Rock Springs and Green River using AirDNA or Mashvisor to benchmark nightly rates of $80-150 depending on size and amenities, while calculating potential annual revenue of $15,000-35,000 for well-positioned properties. Research competition by monitoring active Airbnb and VRBO listings in Sweetwater County, noting occupancy patterns during peak fishing seasons (May-September) and hunting seasons (September-November), while identifying gaps in amenity offerings or property types. Utilize tools like STR Helper for market analysis, Rabbu for revenue projections, and local resources including the Sweetwater County tourism board and Wyoming Game and Fish Department data to understand seasonal demand patterns, then cross-reference findings with Zillow and LoopNet for property acquisition opportunities under $300,000 that can achieve 8-12% annual returns after expenses.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Reliance, Wyoming, you'll need to contact the Sweetwater County Planning and Zoning Department since Reliance is an unincorporated community within Sweetwater County. Start by calling the county offices at (307) 872-6409 or visiting their office at 80 West Flaming Gorge Way in Green River, Wyoming to inquire about short-term rental regulations and permit requirements. You'll likely need to submit a completed application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement, submit a site plan or property survey, obtain liability insurance documentation (typically $1 million minimum coverage), and provide contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. Required documents may also include a septic system inspection certificate, well water testing results if applicable, and fire safety compliance documentation. Application fees typically range from $100-300 for initial permits with annual renewal fees of $50-150. The approval timeline is generally 30-60 days depending on completeness of application and any required inspections. Specific Reliance/Sweetwater County requirements may include occupancy limits based on septic capacity, parking requirements (usually 2 spaces minimum), noise ordinance compliance, and adherence to rural zoning setback requirements. You may also need to register for local sales tax collection and remittance with the Wyoming Department of Revenue.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Reliance, Wyoming, as the state of Wyoming does not prohibit STRs at the state level and allows local municipalities to regulate them. Reliance, being a small unincorporated community in Sweetwater County, likely falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal regulations. Sweetwater County has not implemented comprehensive STR restrictions, meaning property owners can typically operate short-term rentals with basic business licensing requirements. However, operators must comply with state tax obligations including lodging taxes and sales taxes, and properties must meet standard safety and health codes. There are no specific prohibited areas within Reliance itself, though operators should verify zoning compliance and any homeowners association restrictions if applicable. Recent changes in Wyoming have focused more on larger tourist destinations like Jackson and resort areas rather than small communities like Reliance, so the regulatory environment remains relatively permissive for STR operations in this location.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Reliance, Wyoming are primarily concentrated around the Green River corridor and the historic downtown district near the Union Pacific Railroad depot, as these locations attract fishing enthusiasts, railroad history buffs, and travelers exploring the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area approximately 30 miles south. The residential areas along Bitter Creek offer scenic views and proximity to outdoor recreation, making them appealing to hunters, anglers, and nature photographers visiting during peak seasons from May through October. Properties near the Reliance Tipple historical site and along Highway 191 benefit from steady traffic of tourists traveling between Rock Springs and Flaming Gorge, while accommodations closer to the Green River provide direct access to world-class trout fishing, particularly attracting visitors during the summer months and fall hunting seasons when occupancy rates typically peak at 70-85% due to the area's reputation for blue-ribbon fishing and big game hunting opportunities.

In Reliance, Wyoming, Airbnb properties are subject to Wyoming's state lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts from accommodations, which applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days. Sweetwater County, where Reliance is located, imposes an additional 2% county lodging tax, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 6%. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the Wyoming Department of Revenue on a monthly basis for properties enrolled in their Voluntary Collection Agreement program. For hosts not using Airbnb's collection service, they must register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue, collect taxes from guests, and remit payments monthly by the 20th of the following month using Form WY-1. Exemptions include stays of 30 days or longer, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organization bookings. The city of Reliance does not impose additional municipal lodging taxes beyond the state and county requirements, and hosts should maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections for compliance purposes.

To start an Airbnb in Reliance, Wyoming, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $200,000-$250,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom home suitable for short-term rental in this small Wyoming community. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen appliances, living room furniture, and décor to create an appealing guest experience. Initial setup costs of $3,000-$5,000 cover professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities. Permits and fees in Wyoming are relatively minimal at $500-$1,500, including business license, potential HOA approvals, and local registration requirements. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits total around $1,000-$2,000 for electricity, water, sewer, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs of $8,000-$12,000 include ongoing utilities, cleaning services, restocking supplies, platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO, property maintenance, and marketing expenses while building initial bookings and reviews in this rural Wyoming market.

Airbnb properties in Reliance, Wyoming face significant profitability challenges due to the town's extremely small population of approximately 150 residents and limited tourist infrastructure. Properties in this remote southwestern Wyoming location typically generate annual revenues of $8,000-$15,000, primarily from hunters, fishermen, and travelers passing through on Highway 191, with peak seasons during hunting months (September-November) and summer fishing season. Operating expenses including utilities, maintenance, cleaning, and property management fees typically consume 65-75% of gross revenue, leaving profit margins of 25-35% or roughly $2,000-$5,000 annually per property. Success factors include proximity to the Green River for fishing access, adequate heating systems for harsh winters, and competitive pricing around $75-$120 per night. The limited market demand, with occupancy rates averaging 15-25% annually, makes Reliance properties more suitable as supplemental income rather than primary investment vehicles, unlike more profitable Wyoming markets such as Jackson Hole or Yellowstone gateway communities where properties can achieve 50-70% occupancy rates and significantly higher nightly rates.

Airbnb investments in Reliance, Wyoming typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the area's proximity to outdoor recreation and seasonal tourism patterns. Properties in Reliance benefit from consistent demand during summer months (June-September) when visitors access nearby Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and fishing activities, with average daily rates of $120-180 for 2-3 bedroom properties. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months, assuming 45-60% annual occupancy rates and average property acquisition costs of $200,000-350,000. The market shows stable performance due to limited hotel inventory in the immediate area, though investors should expect seasonal fluctuations with peak earnings concentrated in warmer months and reduced winter bookings affecting overall annual returns.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations for Reliance, Wyoming. RedAwning provides nationwide Airbnb investment consulting services and has worked with investors in Wyoming markets since 2018. AirDNA offers detailed market analytics and investment guidance for short-term rental properties throughout Wyoming, including the Reliance area. Local real estate agents like Wyoming Mountain Properties and Sweetwater County Realty have experience helping investors identify vacation rental opportunities in the region. Vacasa, founded in 2009, provides property management services and investment consulting for Airbnb properties across Wyoming. AvantStay focuses on group vacation rental investments and has expanded into Wyoming markets since 2020. Local services include High Country Real Estate and Rock Springs-based Century 21 Sweetwater Realty, both of which have assisted investors with short-term rental property acquisitions in Sweetwater County. Mashvisor provides national real estate investment analysis tools and has data coverage for Wyoming Airbnb markets. BiggerPockets connects investors with local Wyoming real estate professionals experienced in vacation rental investments, while Roofstock has facilitated remote real estate investments in Wyoming markets since 2015.