Is Scranton, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Scranton, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Osage County Planning Department, as Scranton typically falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal short-term rental ordinances. Contact Osage County at (785) 828-4812 to verify if short-term rentals are permitted in your desired area and obtain any required business licenses or permits, which may include a general business license costing approximately $25-50 annually. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX in nearby Topeka, with average home prices in Scranton ranging from $80,000-150,000 as of 2023. Once you secure a property, furnish it with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local Kansas-themed decor, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for initial furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with competitive pricing around $60-120 per night based on comparable listings in the Topeka metro area. For management, consider using dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs, hire local cleaning services from Topeka (approximately 30 minutes away), and establish relationships with local maintenance contractors since Scranton's small size may require sourcing services from larger nearby communities. Ensure compliance with Kansas state tax requirements by registering for sales tax collection through the Kansas Department of Revenue and remitting the state's 6.5% sales tax plus any applicable local taxes on your rental income.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Scranton, Kansas, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of major attractions like the Scranton Flint Hills Nature Trail and proximity to Highway 75 for easy access from Kansas City metro area visitors. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or historic properties built between 1900-1950 that can accommodate families and groups, with features like full kitchens, outdoor spaces, parking, and period charm that appeals to tourists exploring the Flint Hills region. Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable Airbnb listings within 25 miles including Burlington and Emporia, aiming for properties under $150,000 that can command $80-120 nightly rates during peak seasons (spring through fall when outdoor activities are popular). Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com within Osage County, noting occupancy patterns, guest reviews, and seasonal demand fluctuations tied to hunting seasons, hiking, and regional events. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market data, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including the Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Osage County tourism boards, and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for insights on visitor patterns to the Flint Hills ecosystem, while consulting with local real estate agents familiar with properties suitable for renovation and STR conversion.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Scranton, Kansas, contact the Scranton City Clerk's office at City Hall (typically located on Main Street) or the Johnson County Planning Department since Scranton falls under county jurisdiction for some regulations. Required documents include a completed short-term rental application, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance ($1 million minimum), fire safety inspection certificate, and Kansas sales tax permit. The application fee ranges from $150-300 annually, with additional inspection fees of $75-150. Submit your application to the city clerk, schedule required inspections with the fire marshal and building department, obtain necessary safety certifications including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, and register for local lodging taxes. The approval timeline is typically 30-60 days depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Specific Scranton requirements include maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms (typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional), designated parking spaces for guests, 24-hour contact information posted prominently, and compliance with residential zoning restrictions that may limit STR operations in certain neighborhoods. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all online listings and renew annually by December 31st.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Scranton, Kansas, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements and zoning regulations that may restrict STRs in certain residential areas. Kansas state law allows municipalities to regulate STRs, but Scranton has not implemented comprehensive restrictions like larger cities such as Wichita or Kansas City have done. Property owners should verify compliance with local zoning codes, obtain necessary business licenses, and ensure adherence to health and safety standards. Recent trends in Kansas show increasing municipal regulation of STRs, with some cities implementing registration requirements and occupancy limits, though Scranton has remained relatively permissive compared to urban centers that have faced housing shortage concerns.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Scranton, Kansas would be the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and local events like harvest festivals and community gatherings. The residential neighborhoods surrounding Scranton Lake offer appeal for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking fishing, boating, and camping experiences, particularly during summer months from May through September. Areas near the Scranton Community Center and local parks draw visitors attending youth sports tournaments, family reunions, and regional competitions throughout the year. The agricultural zones on the outskirts of town present opportunities for agritourism stays, appealing to city dwellers wanting farm experiences and seasonal activities like corn mazes and pumpkin patches during fall months. Properties near Highway 75 corridor benefit from business travelers and those passing through to larger Kansas cities, while neighborhoods close to local bed and breakfast establishments can capture overflow demand during peak visitation periods around local festivals and high school homecoming events.

Airbnb properties in Scranton, 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 Kansas Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by hosts who exceed $1,000 in annual rental income. Additionally, Crawford County (where Scranton is located) imposes a 2% transient guest tax that applies to short-term rentals, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 8%. Hosts are required to register with both the Kansas Department of Revenue and Crawford County tax office, collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, and file monthly returns by the 25th of the following month along with tax payments. The city of Scranton itself does not impose additional lodging taxes beyond county and state requirements. Exemptions typically include stays of 28 days or longer (considered long-term rentals), rentals to permanent residents, and properties rented for less than 3 days per year, though hosts must maintain detailed records of all transactions and exemption claims for audit purposes.

To start an Airbnb in Scranton, Kansas, the total initial costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $140,000-$160,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas markets. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property 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, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's policies. Utility setup and deposits total approximately $500-$800 for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($600-$900 monthly), cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400 monthly), and marketing expenses add another $8,000-$12,000 to initial investment requirements.

Airbnb properties in Scranton, Kansas show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $65-95 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $1,200-2,400 monthly revenue at 50-65% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), property management (15-25% if outsourced), insurance ($100-150 monthly), and maintenance costs ($200-400 monthly). Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in the Scranton area reporting annual profits of $8,000-15,000 on properties valued at $120,000-180,000. Key success factors include proximity to local attractions like Scranton's historic downtown area, competitive pricing strategies, professional photography, and maintaining high cleanliness standards. Properties within walking distance of local events venues and business districts typically achieve 10-15% higher occupancy rates, while those offering unique amenities like hot tubs or game rooms can command premium rates of $20-30 above market average, significantly improving overall profitability in this smaller Kansas market.

Based on Scranton, 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 financing structure. Properties in this rural Kansas market generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $75-$95 and occupancy rates around 45-55% annually. Initial investment requirements average $80,000-$120,000 for suitable properties, with monthly operating expenses including utilities, cleaning, and maintenance typically running $800-$1,200. The market benefits from agricultural tourism and hunting seasons, with peak earning periods during fall months generating 20-30% higher rates, while winter months see reduced demand requiring strategic pricing adjustments to maintain overall profitability targets.

STRSearch leads the market in helping investors identify profitable short-term rental properties nationwide including Scranton, Kansas, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. BiggerPockets provides extensive resources and networking opportunities for Airbnb investors, while Mashvisor offers data-driven property analysis tools specifically for vacation rental investments. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker and RE/MAX offices in the greater Pittsburg-Frontenac area (serving Scranton) have agents experienced in investment properties, with agents such as those at United Country Real Estate specializing in rural Kansas investment opportunities. AirDNA provides market data and revenue projections for short-term rentals in small Kansas markets, while Awning offers full-service Airbnb property management and investment guidance. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management services that can help investors maximize returns, and local property management companies in the Four State Area often assist with Airbnb operations. Real estate investment groups through platforms like Roofstock focus on turnkey rental properties, and local banks such as Labette Bank and Community National Bank offer investment property financing options for the Scranton area market.