Is South Jordan, Utah Good for Airbnb Investment?

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South Jordan, Utah market research

South Jordan, Utah Airbnb Investment Overview

$1,200–$2,800Typical monthly host earnings
8–14%Typical annual ROI
65–70%Average annual occupancy
VariesCombined taxes and local fees
Investment

Is Airbnb a Good Investment in South Jordan, Utah?

Potentially. South Jordan, Utah combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

  • Presents a promising opportunity given the city's continuous growth and appeal as a family-friendly community with access to outdoor activities.
  • Current market conditions in South Jordan show a steady appreciation in property values, driven by its desirable suburban environment, excellent schools.
  • Tourism trends indicate a consistent influx of visitors drawn to Utah's national parks, ski resorts, and local events, with South Jordan serving as a comfortable base.
  • The investment potential is further bolstered by a strong local economy and a growing population, suggesting sustained demand for short-term rentals.
Earnings

How Much Does an Average Airbnb Earn in South Jordan?

$1,200–$2,800 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

  • Based on available market data and rental analytics, Airbnb hosts in South Jordan, Utah typically earn between $1,200 to $2,800 per month.
  • Seasonal variations show peak earnings during summer months (June through August) when revenue can increase by 25-40% due to higher tourism demand and proximity to outdoor recreation areas.
  • Spring and fall maintain moderate occupancy rates with earnings closer to the annual average.
  • Key factors influencing earnings include property size and amenities, with 3-4 bedroom homes commanding premium rates, proximity to ski resorts and national parks driving seasonal demand.
  • Properties within walking distance of public transportation or major attractions typically achieve 10-15% higher occupancy rates.
ROI Analysis

Airbnb Return on Investment in South Jordan

Potentially strong, with a typical annual ROI of 8–14%.

  • Typically generate ROI between 8-14% annually, with higher-end properties near ski resorts and outdoor recreation areas achieving the upper range due to strong tourism demand from nearby Snowbird and Alta ski areas.
  • The average payback period ranges from 7-12 years depending on property type and initial investment, with condos and townhomes recovering costs faster than single-family homes.
  • Short-term rentals in South Jordan generally outperform traditional long-term rentals by 2-4 percentage points, as long-term rentals in the area typically yield 6-10% ROI annually.
  • Properties within 30 minutes of major ski destinations command premium nightly rates of $150-300 during peak winter months and $100-200 during summer hiking season.
  • The market benefits from South Jordan's proximity to Salt Lake City airport, downtown attractions, and world-class outdoor recreation, though investors face higher management costs.
Occupancy Rate

Average Airbnb Occupancy Rate in South Jordan

South Jordan, Utah averages 65–70% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

  • Airbnb occupancy rates in South Jordan, Utah typically average around 65-70% annually, with significant seasonal variation driven by proximity to ski resorts and outdoor recreation areas.
  • Peak occupancy occurs during winter months (December-March) at approximately 75-85% due to nearby Alta, Snowbird, and other Wasatch Range ski destinations.
  • Spring and fall represent shoulder seasons with occupancy dropping to 50-60% as weather transitions limit both winter and summer activities.
  • South Jordan's occupancy rates generally exceed Utah's statewide average of approximately 60-65% due to its strategic location between Salt Lake City and major recreational areas.
Best Neighborhoods

Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in South Jordan

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

  • The best Airbnb investment neighborhoods in South Jordan include Daybreak, a master-planned community offering modern amenities, family-friendly atmosphere.
  • South Jordan City Center provides excellent investment potential with its walkable downtown area, shopping and dining options, and easy access to TRAX light rail connecting to Salt Lake City.
  • The Bingham Junction area offers more affordable entry points while maintaining proximity to major employers like eBay and Adobe.
  • River Front District capitalizes on its scenic Jordan River location and trail access, drawing outdoor enthusiasts and families willing to pay premium rates for nature-adjacent accommodations.
  • The neighborhoods near South Jordan Parkway benefit from excellent highway access and proximity to major shopping centers.
  • Glenmoor and surrounding golf course communities offer upscale accommodations for visitors seeking luxury stays.
  • The areas near Daybreak Lake provide waterfront appeal rare in the region, commanding premium pricing from guests seeking unique Utah experiences beyond typical mountain destinations.
Regulations

Short-term Rental Regulations in South Jordan

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

  • South Jordan, Utah requires short-term rental operators to obtain a conditional use permit through the city's planning department.
  • Properties are limited to a maximum occupancy of two people per bedroom plus two additional guests, with total occupancy not exceeding 12 people regardless of bedroom count.
  • Owner-occupancy is not required, allowing for non-resident ownership of short-term rental properties.
  • Short-term rentals are permitted in residential zones including R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts but are prohibited in certain HOA-restricted neighborhoods and must comply with existing residential design standards.
  • The registration process involves submitting a conditional use permit application with a fee of approximately $1,500, providing proof of insurance, emergency contact information.
  • Recent changes implemented in 2022 include stricter noise ordinance enforcement with fines up to $1,000 for violations, mandatory posting of house rules regarding quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM.
Fees and Taxes

Short-term Rental Fees and Taxes in South Jordan

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

  • Short-term rentals in South Jordan, Utah are subject to several fees and taxes including Utah state transient room tax of 4.25%, Salt Lake County transient room tax of approximately 1%.
  • Property owners must obtain a business license from South Jordan costing approximately $50-75 annually, register with Utah State Tax Commission for sales tax purposes with no fee.
  • Additional costs include Utah sales tax of 4.85% plus local sales tax of approximately 2-3% on rental income, potential HOA fees if applicable ranging from $50-300 annually.
  • Tourism promotion taxes may apply at 0.5-1% depending on the specific location within Salt Lake County, and some properties may require zoning compliance fees of $25-50 for initial approval.
Common questions

South Jordan, Utah Airbnb investment FAQs

How to start an Airbnb in South Jordan, Utah?

To start an Airbnb in South Jordan, Utah, begin by researching local regulations as South Jordan requires short term rental operators to obtain a business license and conditional use permit, with properties limited to owner occupied homes or properties in specific zoning districts.

Launch checklist

  • Contact South Jordan City's Planning Department at 801 to 254 3740 to verify current zoning compliance and apply for the necessary conditional use permit, which typically costs around $500 to 800 and requires neighbor notification.
  • Next, secure a suitable property either by purchasing a home in an approved zone or using your primary residence, ensuring it meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper egress windows.
  • Furnish the space with quality essentials including comfortable bedding, basic kitchen supplies, toiletries, towels, Wi Fi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000 to 8,000 for initial furnishing depending on property size.
  • Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to attractions like Daybreak community and Jordan River Parkway, and competitive pricing based on comparable properties in the $80 to 150 per night range.
  • Finally, establish management systems including automated messaging, cleaning protocols between guests, key exchange methods, and maintain compliance with South Jordan's requirements for parking availability, noise ordinances.
What's the best way to identify good STR properties in South Jordan, Utah?

To identify profitable short term rental properties in South Jordan, Utah, focus on locations within 15 to 20 minutes of Snowbird and Alta ski resorts, near Silicon Slopes tech corridor, or close to recreational areas like Jordan River Parkway.

What to prioritize

  • Target 3 to 4 bedroom single family homes or townhomes built after 2000 with modern amenities, hot tubs, mountain views, and parking for multiple vehicles, as these appeal to both business travelers and vacation groups.
  • Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, aiming for $150 to 300 per night depending on size and amenities, with occupancy rates of 65 to 75% being typical for the market.
  • Research competition by studying listings within a 3 mile radius, noting their pricing strategies, amenities, and guest reviews to identify gaps in the market.
  • Utilize tools like Rabbu for Utah specific market data, STR Helper for regulatory compliance since South Jordan requires business licenses and has specific zoning restrictions.
  • Consider proximity to major employers like Adobe, eBay, and other tech companies in nearby Lehi and Draper, as corporate housing demand remains strong year round.
How to get an Airbnb permit in South Jordan, Utah?

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in South Jordan, Utah, you must first contact the South Jordan City Planning Department at City Hall located at 1600 W Towne Center Drive to determine if short term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has restrictive regulations on STRs.

Documents and approvals

  • If allowed, you'll need to submit an application through the city's planning department including a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a site plan showing parking arrangements, floor plans of the rental unit.
  • Required documents also include a business license application, fire safety inspection certificate, and compliance with all building and safety codes.
  • Application fees typically range from $200 to 500 for the initial permit plus annual renewal fees of approximately $100 to 200.
  • The timeline for approval is generally 4 to 6 weeks after submitting a complete application, though this can extend to 8 to 10 weeks if planning commission review is required.
  • South Jordan specific requirements include restrictions on the number of STR permits issued per neighborhood, mandatory parking provisions (usually 2 spaces minimum), occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, quiet hours enforcement.
  • You must also register for a Utah state tax license and collect transient room tax.
Is it legal to operate a short-term rental in South Jordan, Utah?

Short term rentals (STRs) are legal in South Jordan, Utah, but operate under specific municipal regulations that require proper licensing and compliance with zoning restrictions.

Core operating requirements

  • The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and conditional use permit, with properties limited to owner occupied dwellings or properties in certain zoning districts.
  • South Jordan prohibits STRs in some residential neighborhoods to preserve community character and has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions.
  • Recent changes around 2022 to 2023 have tightened enforcement and added stricter application processes, including neighbor notification requirements and enhanced inspection protocols.
  • The city also requires operators to maintain liability insurance, provide emergency contact information, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes, with violations potentially resulting in permit revocation and fines up to several thousand dollars.
What are the best places to invest in Airbnb in South Jordan, Utah?

The best areas for Airbnb investment in South Jordan, Utah include the Daybreak master planned community, which attracts families and business travelers due to its proximity to major employers like eBay, Adobe, and other tech companies in the Silicon Slopes corridor. The South Jordan City Center area offers excellent investment potential with its walkable downtown district, shopping venues, and easy access to both Salt Lake City International Airport and downtown Salt Lake City, making it ideal for business travelers and tourists exploring Utah's outdoor recreation areas.

Areas to research

  • The areas near South Jordan Parkway and Bangerter Highway provide strategic locations for guests visiting the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, one of Utah's top attractions.
  • The neighborhoods around Daybreak Lake and the Jordan River Parkway Trail system appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and families visiting for recreational activities.
Airbnb and lodging taxes in South Jordan, Utah

In South Jordan, Utah, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state transient room tax of 4.25%, Salt Lake County's transient room tax of 1.0%, and South Jordan's municipal transient room tax of approximately 1.0%, totaling around 6.25% on gross rental receipts. These taxes apply to stays of less than 30 consecutive days and are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for most jurisdictions.

Taxes and filing responsibilities

  • Hosts must register with the Utah State Tax Commission and obtain a sales tax license, then remit taxes monthly by the 20th of the following month using Utah's online filing system.
  • Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, rentals to permanent residents, and certain government or nonprofit organization bookings.
Total cost to purchase, furnish and operate an Airbnb in South Jordan, Utah

To start an Airbnb in South Jordan, Utah, the total costs would be approximately $520,000 to $580,000.

Cost breakdown

  • Property purchase represents the largest expense at $450,000 to $500,000 based on median home prices in South Jordan as of 2023 to 2024.
  • Furnishing costs typically range $15,000 to $25,000 for a complete 3 to 4 bedroom home including furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an attractive rental space.
  • Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $2,000 to $3,000.
  • Permits and fees in South Jordan include business license ($100 to $200), short term rental permit ($300 to $500), and potential HOA approval fees ($200 to $500).
  • Insurance costs approximately $2,000 to $3,000 annually for landlord and short term rental coverage.
  • Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable run $500 to $800 initially.
  • First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200 to $1,800), cleaning services ($2,400 to $3,600), maintenance reserves ($1,500 to $2,500), marketing ($600 to $1,000).
  • Additional considerations include potential property improvements or renovations which could add $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the property condition and desired positioning in the market.
Are Airbnb properties in South Jordan, Utah profitable?

Airbnb properties in South Jordan, Utah typically generate annual revenues between $25,000 to $45,000 for well positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85 to $150 depending on property size and amenities.

Profitability indicators

  • Operating expenses generally consume 40 to 60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30 to 50 per turnover), property management (15 to 25% of revenue), utilities ($150 to 300 monthly), insurance ($1,200 to 2,000 annually), and maintenance costs.
  • Properties near Daybreak community and those offering mountain views or proximity to ski resorts command premium rates, with some hosts reporting profit margins of 25 to 35% after all expenses.
  • Success factors include professional photography, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, strategic pricing during peak ski season (December March) and summer months, and targeting business travelers visiting nearby tech companies like Adobe and Vivint.
  • A typical 3 bedroom home purchased for $450,000 in 2022 with a $2,800 monthly mortgage can achieve break even occupancy rates around 45 to 50%, with successful hosts maintaining 65 to 75% occupancy generating net profits of $12,000 to $18,000 annually.
  • Properties within 30 minutes of Park City ski resorts and those featuring hot tubs or game rooms consistently outperform the market average by 15 to 25%.
What is the expected return on investment for an Airbnb in South Jordan, Utah?

Based on South Jordan, Utah market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8 to 12% with cash on cash returns ranging from 6 to 10% depending on property type and location within the city.

Return planning figures

  • Properties near Daybreak community and close to ski resort access points tend to perform at the higher end, achieving 10 to 12% annual returns, while standard residential properties average 8 to 9% ROI.
  • Cash on cash returns generally fall between 7 to 9% for well positioned properties with strong occupancy rates of 65 to 75% annually.
  • Most investors reach profitability within 18 to 24 months, with break even typically occurring around month 14 to 18 after accounting for initial setup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses.
  • The South Jordan market benefits from proximity to Salt Lake City corporate centers, outdoor recreation demand, and steady population growth, supporting average daily rates of $120 to 180 depending on property size and amenities.
What company can help me find and buy a profitable Airbnb in South Jordan, Utah?

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short term rental properties for investors in South Jordan, Utah.

Companies and resources

  • Local real estate agents who focus on Airbnb investments in the area include Realtypath Utah, Equity Real Estate, and Windermere Real Estate agents who understand the South Jordan market dynamics.
  • National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification services for the Salt Lake County region.
  • Local property management companies such as Utah Airbnb Management, SLC Property Management, and Wasatch Property Management offer turnkey solutions for investors.
  • Additional national platforms include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics for South Jordan, and BiggerPockets marketplace where investors can connect with local wholesalers and agents.
  • Roofstock and Arrived Homes also occasionally feature properties in the South Jordan area suitable for short term rental conversion.
  • Local mortgage brokers like Academy Mortgage and Mountain West Financial specialize in investment property financing for Airbnb purchases in Utah markets.