Is Soldier, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Soldier, Kansas, begin by researching Jackson County and Kansas state regulations, as Soldier falls under Jackson County jurisdiction which typically requires business licenses and may have zoning restrictions for short-term rentals. Contact Jackson County Planning and Zoning Department to obtain necessary permits, which likely include a business license ($25-50 annually) and potentially a conditional use permit if operating in residential zones. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Midwest Land Group or Flint Hills Real Estate, focusing on properties near Soldier's historic sites or within 30 minutes of Topeka for better booking potential, with average property costs ranging $80,000-150,000. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, basic kitchen supplies, linens, and local Kansas-themed decor, budgeting approximately $5,000-10,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with competitive pricing around $75-125 per night based on rural Kansas market rates, highlighting proximity to Banner Creek Reservoir and Prairie Spirit Trail. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding to inquiries within an hour, coordinating with local cleaning services in nearby Holton or Topeka, and maintaining compliance with Kansas sales tax requirements (6.5% state rate plus local taxes) through proper documentation and quarterly filings with the Kansas Department of Revenue.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Soldier, Kansas, focus on properties within 30 minutes of Fort Riley military base and near Tuttle Creek Lake recreational areas, as these locations attract military families and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and reliable internet, priced between $150,000-$250,000 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% in rural Kansas markets) and average daily rates, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches within a 15-mile radius. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets calculators for ROI analysis, contact Riley County planning departments for zoning compliance, and monitor seasonal demand patterns through Google Trends and local event calendars, particularly focusing on Fort Riley training schedules, Tuttle Creek State Park peak seasons, and Kansas State University events in nearby Manhattan that could drive weekend demand.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Soldier, Kansas, you must first contact the Soldier City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 127 First Street to inquire about their specific short-term rental ordinance and application process. Required documents typically include a completed business license application, property deed or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 25 miles, and proof of compliance with Jackson County health department regulations. The application fee is estimated at $150 annually with an additional $50 inspection fee. Submit your application along with all required documents to the City Clerk's office, after which the city will schedule a safety inspection within 2-3 weeks to verify compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. Soldier requires STR properties to have adequate off-street parking for each bedroom, functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, clearly posted house rules and emergency contact information, and compliance with residential zoning restrictions limiting occupancy to no more than 8 guests at one time. The entire approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission, and once approved, you must display your permit number in all online listings and renew annually by December 31st.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Soldier, Kansas are generally legal as the state of Kansas does not prohibit STRs at the state level, leaving regulation to local municipalities. Soldier, a small unincorporated community in Jackson County with a population under 200, likely falls under Jackson County's jurisdiction for zoning and rental regulations. Jackson County does not appear to have specific STR restrictions as of 2023, meaning STRs would typically be permitted in residential areas unless specifically prohibited by local zoning ordinances. Property owners should verify compliance with basic safety requirements, tax obligations including transient guest taxes, and any homeowners association restrictions. Since Soldier is primarily rural residential, there are no designated prohibited areas for STRs, though agricultural zoning might have limitations. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the county level, with most Kansas STR regulations occurring in larger cities like Lawrence, Manhattan, and Topeka rather than rural communities like Soldier.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Soldier, Kansas would be the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in small-town charm and antique shopping, and properties within walking distance of Soldier Creek and the surrounding rural countryside that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and hunters during Kansas's hunting seasons. The area near Highway 16 offers convenience for business travelers and those visiting nearby Topeka (approximately 30 miles south) who prefer quieter, more affordable accommodations outside the city. Properties near local event venues and the Soldier Community Center can capitalize on family gatherings, reunions, and local celebrations throughout the year. The residential areas on the north side of town near agricultural lands attract agritourism visitors and those seeking peaceful retreats, while locations with easy access to Holton (10 miles east) benefit from overflow demand during Prairie Lake activities and Jackson County events.

Airbnb properties in Soldier, Kansas are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax of 6% on gross receipts from lodging rentals, which applies to stays of less than 28 consecutive days. Jackson County, where Soldier is located, does not impose additional county-level lodging taxes as of 2023. The state tax is typically collected by the host and remitted quarterly to the Kansas Department of Revenue using form ST-16, with payments due by the 25th of the month following each quarter (April, July, October, January). Hosts must register for a Kansas sales tax account and obtain a Certificate of Registration before collecting taxes. Properties rented for 28 days or longer are generally exempt from transient guest taxes, as are rentals to permanent residents. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts in Kansas through their platform's tax collection service, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify that taxes are being properly collected and remitted.

To start an Airbnb in Soldier, Kansas, the total costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor 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 expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential zoning approvals from Riley County. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,000 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 approximately $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-$900 monthly), cleaning services ($75-$100 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200-$400 monthly), platform fees to Airbnb (3% host fee), and marketing expenses total roughly $6,000-$9,000. Additional considerations include property taxes averaging $1,500-$2,500 annually and potential HOA fees if applicable.

Airbnb properties in Soldier, Kansas face significant profitability challenges due to the town's small population of approximately 136 residents and limited tourist attractions, resulting in extremely low demand and occupancy rates typically below 15% annually. Properties in this rural area generate average monthly revenues of $200-400, while expenses including mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance, cleaning, and platform fees often exceed $800-1,200 monthly, creating negative cash flows of $400-800 per month. The lack of major employers, universities, or recreational destinations means most successful short-term rentals in Kansas are concentrated in cities like Lawrence, Kansas City, or Wichita, where occupancy rates reach 60-75% and generate $2,000-4,000 monthly revenue. Success factors for rural Kansas properties require unique positioning such as hunting lodges, farm stays, or event venues, but Soldier's location lacks the natural amenities or proximity to major highways that drive rural tourism. Property investors in similar small Kansas towns like Onaga or Havensville have reported losses of $5,000-15,000 annually on Airbnb ventures, with most converting back to traditional long-term rentals within 18 months due to unsustainable economics and minimal booking frequency.

Airbnb investments in Soldier, Kansas typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are estimates given the small market size of this rural community near Topeka. Properties in Soldier, with median home prices around $80,000-$120,000, can achieve profitability within 18-24 months when targeting visitors to nearby attractions like the Kansas State Capitol, Fort Riley military base approximately 45 miles away, and outdoor recreation along the Kansas River. The limited competition in this market of fewer than 200 residents can work favorably for investors, with nightly rates typically ranging $60-$90 for whole-home rentals, though occupancy rates may be seasonal and average 40-55% annually due to the rural location and limited tourist infrastructure compared to larger Kansas markets like Lawrence or Manhattan.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties across markets including Soldier, Kansas. Local real estate agents in the Topeka and Kansas City metro areas such as Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Century 21 have agents experienced in investment properties who can assist with Airbnb acquisitions in rural Kansas markets like Soldier. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing, and Awning for short-term rental investment analysis. Roofstock and HomeUnion focus on turnkey rental properties that can be converted to Airbnb use. Local property management companies like Kansas Property Management Group and Sunflower State Property Management can provide insights into profitable rental markets. Real estate investment firms such as Norada Real Estate Investments and Memphis Invest occasionally work in Kansas markets. Additionally, platforms like AirDNA and Rabbu offer market analysis tools to identify high-performing Airbnb locations, while local mortgage brokers and real estate attorneys in Topeka can facilitate investment property purchases in the Soldier area.