Is Richfield, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Richfield, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Morton County's planning department, as Richfield typically falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal codes. Contact Morton County Clerk's office at (620) 697-2157 to verify if short-term rental permits are required, though many rural Kansas counties have minimal restrictions. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Midwest Land Group or consulting with Elkhart Real Estate, focusing on properties near recreational areas like the Cimarron National Grassland which attracts hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Obtain necessary business licenses through the Kansas Department of Revenue and register for state sales tax collection. Furnish the property with essential amenities including reliable internet (contact Pioneer Communications for rural internet options), comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, and outdoor equipment storage since many visitors come for hunting and fishing. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting the rural setting and proximity to outdoor activities, pricing competitively around $75-125 per night based on regional market rates. For management, consider using automated messaging systems, install keyless entry locks, establish relationships with local cleaning services in nearby Elkhart or Hugoton, and maintain the property regularly while building relationships with guests who often return seasonally for hunting trips in this agricultural region of southwestern Kansas.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Richfield, Kansas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and near Highway 50 for accessibility, as these locations attract hunters, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like fire pits, grills, and parking for boats/trailers, built after 1980 to minimize maintenance issues. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings within 25 miles including Great Bend and Larned, aiming for $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities, with higher rates during hunting seasons (October-January) and migratory bird periods (March-May, September-November). Competition research should include monitoring occupancy rates of existing STRs on AirDNA and noting that limited inventory in rural Kansas creates opportunities for well-positioned properties. Utilize tools like Mashvisor for rental analysis, contact Stafford County planning department for zoning compliance, partner with local real estate agents familiar with recreational properties, and connect with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to understand seasonal tourism patterns that drive demand in this agricultural region known for outdoor recreation.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Richfield, Kansas, contact the Richfield City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 108 N Main Street or call (620) 893-4515 to begin the application process. You will need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, submit a floor plan of the rental property, provide proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage, pass a fire safety inspection conducted by the local fire department, and obtain a business license from the city. Required documents include a valid driver's license, property deed or lease, insurance certificate, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. The application fee is approximately $150 with an annual renewal fee of $75, plus inspection fees of around $50. The timeline typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission to permit approval, depending on scheduling of required inspections and any necessary corrections. Richfield requires all STR properties to have working smoke detectors in each bedroom and common area, carbon monoxide detectors if gas appliances are present, clearly posted maximum occupancy limits, and a local contact person available 24/7 for emergencies, with parking limited to designated areas only and quiet hours enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Richfield, Kansas are generally legal as the small rural community in Morton County does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them, operating under Kansas state law which allows property owners to rent their homes for short periods. However, STR operators must comply with state tax requirements including collecting and remitting transient guest taxes, and properties must meet basic safety and health standards required for rental accommodations. Given Richfield's small size (population under 100), there are no designated prohibited areas or zoning restrictions specifically targeting STRs, though any rental property must comply with existing residential zoning requirements. The city has not enacted recent changes to STR regulations as of 2023-2024, largely due to limited STR activity in this rural agricultural community, but operators should verify current local requirements with Morton County and ensure compliance with Kansas Department of Revenue registration requirements for tax collection purposes.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Richfield, Kansas include the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's agricultural heritage and serves as a convenient base for business travelers visiting local farming operations and the grain elevator facilities. The residential areas near Richfield Elementary School and along Highway 25 offer quiet, family-friendly accommodations that appeal to travelers passing through on road trips or visiting relatives in this rural community. Properties near the Richfield Community Center and park areas are attractive for guests attending local events, high school sports tournaments, and family reunions. The outskirts of town, particularly properties with larger lots or rural views, can capitalize on the growing agritourism trend, attracting visitors interested in experiencing authentic Kansas farm country, hunting during pheasant and deer seasons, and those seeking peaceful retreats from urban areas in nearby Wichita or Garden City.

Airbnb properties in Richfield, 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 if gross receipts exceed $4,000 annually. Additionally, Richfield may impose a local transient guest tax of approximately 2-4% depending on municipal ordinances, though many small Kansas towns like Richfield (population under 100) may not have established formal lodging tax structures as of 2023. The state tax applies to the total consideration paid for lodging including cleaning fees but excludes stays of 28 days or longer, and hosts must register with the Kansas Department of Revenue, collect taxes from guests, and file returns by the 25th of the following month. Local tax collection procedures would follow similar patterns if implemented, with remittance typically required monthly or quarterly to the city clerk's office, and exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 28 days, government employees on official business, and in some cases nonprofit organizations.

To start an Airbnb in Richfield, Kansas, expect total costs around $85,000-$95,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $65,000-$75,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,000 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning approvals from Cowley County. Insurance costs approximately $1,200-$1,800 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total around $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees to Airbnb (3% of bookings), and marketing budget total approximately $3,500-$4,500, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 40-50% typical for rural Kansas markets.

Airbnb properties in Richfield, Kansas face challenging profitability conditions due to the town's small population of approximately 45 residents and extremely limited tourism infrastructure. Properties in this rural area typically generate annual revenues between $2,000-$8,000, with average daily rates of $40-$65 and occupancy rates below 15% annually, primarily from hunters, agricultural workers, and travelers passing through on Highway 50. Operating expenses including utilities, maintenance, insurance, and platform fees typically consume 70-85% of gross revenue, leaving profit margins of 15-30% at best. Success factors include targeting hunting seasons (October-December), offering amenities for agricultural contractors, and maintaining extremely low acquisition costs under $50,000 per property. A typical example would be a renovated farmhouse purchased for $35,000 generating $4,500 annually in revenue against $3,200 in expenses, yielding roughly $1,300 in annual profit, representing a 3.7% return on investment. The market's viability depends heavily on owners who can perform their own maintenance and have minimal financing costs, as the limited demand and seasonal nature make it unsuitable for investors seeking substantial returns.

Based on Richfield, 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 Richfield generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $75-$95 and occupancy rates around 45-55% annually. The rural Kansas market benefits from hunting season tourism, agricultural business travelers, and visitors to nearby attractions, though seasonal fluctuations significantly impact performance with peak months (September-November and May-July) generating 60-70% higher revenues than off-season periods. Initial investment costs are relatively low compared to urban markets, with median property prices around $85,000-$125,000, allowing for faster break-even timelines and stronger cash-on-cash returns for investors who can maintain consistent property management and marketing efforts.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance across Richfield, Kansas. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors and RE/MAX Associates, both established in the Kansas market since the 1980s. National services like Awning (founded 2017), RedAwning, and Vacasa offer end-to-end Airbnb investment solutions including property identification, purchase assistance, and management services. AirDNA provides market analytics and revenue projections for the Richfield area, while companies like Mashvisor and BiggerPockets offer investment analysis tools. Local property management companies such as Kansas Property Solutions and Heartland Property Management can assist with ongoing operations. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Fundrise have expanded into Kansas markets, and specialized Airbnb consultants including The STR Show and AirbnbAutomated provide market-specific guidance for investors targeting the Richfield area's growing tourism and business travel sectors.