Is South Pass City, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in South Pass City, Wyoming, begin by researching local regulations through Fremont County's planning department and South Pass City's municipal office, as this historic mining town may have specific preservation requirements for its 1860s-era buildings. Contact the Wyoming Department of Revenue to understand state lodging tax obligations (typically 4% state sales tax plus local taxes) and register for a sales tax permit. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with historic properties, ensuring the building meets safety codes and can accommodate modern amenities while preserving historical character. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Fremont County, potential conditional use permits for short-term rentals, and ensure compliance with fire safety and building codes through the county building department. Furnish the property with period-appropriate décor that appeals to tourists visiting the historic site, including modern necessities like Wi-Fi, heating systems suitable for Wyoming winters, and quality bedding. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms, emphasizing the unique historical location near the South Pass and Oregon Trail sites, targeting history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. For management, consider the remote location's challenges including reliable internet, winter accessibility, and the seasonal nature of tourism, potentially partnering with local property management services in nearby Lander (35 miles away) for cleaning and maintenance, while implementing self-check-in systems due to the area's sparse population and limited services.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in South Pass City, Wyoming, focus on properties within walking distance of the historic mining town attractions and South Pass City State Historic Site, as tourists primarily visit for the gold rush history and outdoor recreation access. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or historic-style homes with rustic charm, modern amenities like WiFi and heating, and outdoor spaces for stargazing given the area's dark skies. Pricing analysis should consider seasonal variations with peak rates during summer months (June-September) when weather permits easier access, typically ranging $150-300 per night based on comparable rural Wyoming markets. Competition research reveals limited lodging options in the immediate area, creating opportunity, though you'll compete with nearby Lander and Atlantic City accommodations. Utilize AirDNA for market data, STR Helper for performance metrics, and local resources like the Wyoming Office of Tourism and Fremont County economic development data, while monitoring booking patterns through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to understand demand cycles tied to historical events, hunting seasons, and Continental Divide Trail hikers passing through the region.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in South Pass City, Wyoming, contact the Fremont County Planning and Zoning Department at 450 N 2nd St, Lander, WY 82520, as South Pass City falls under county jurisdiction due to its unincorporated status. Submit a completed short-term rental application along with proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate ($1 million minimum coverage), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection certificate, and fire safety compliance documentation. Pay the application fee of approximately $150-200 plus annual renewal fees of $75-100. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks including site inspection and neighbor notification period. Specific requirements include maximum occupancy limits based on septic capacity, designated parking spaces, 24-hour local contact information, guest registry maintenance, and compliance with historic district guidelines since South Pass City is a historic site. Properties must also meet International Building Code standards for egress windows, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, and maintain quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM with a maximum of two vehicles per rental unit.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in South Pass City, Wyoming, as the small historic town in Fremont County does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them, and Wyoming state law does not restrict STRs at the state level. South Pass City, with a population of fewer than 50 residents, operates under minimal local regulations and relies primarily on county and state oversight. Fremont County does not have comprehensive STR restrictions, though operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements, health and safety codes, and tax obligations including Wyoming's 4% state sales tax and any applicable local lodging taxes. The town's status as a historic site managed partly by the Wyoming State Parks system may create some limitations in certain designated historic areas, but private property owners can typically operate STRs in residential zones. There have been no significant recent legal changes specifically targeting STRs in South Pass City, and given the town's small size and tourism-dependent economy related to its gold rush history, local authorities generally support visitor accommodations that contribute to the area's economic vitality while maintaining the historic character of this former mining boomtown.

South Pass City, Wyoming offers limited but focused Airbnb investment opportunities primarily centered around the historic South Pass City State Historic Site area and nearby Atlantic City. The South Pass City Historic Site district is the most attractive investment area due to its significance as a restored 1860s gold rush town that draws history enthusiasts, educational groups, and tourists exploring the Oregon Trail heritage from May through September. The nearby Atlantic City area, located about 2 miles south, presents opportunities for investors targeting visitors to the historic mining district and those seeking authentic Old West experiences. The Sweetwater Station vicinity along Highway 28 could attract travelers following the Continental Divide Trail and Oregon Trail interpretive routes. These areas benefit from seasonal tourism peaks during summer months when the historic site is fully operational, weekend visitors from Lander and Riverton (30-40 miles away), and the growing interest in Wyoming's mining and pioneer history, though occupancy rates would be highly seasonal with limited winter demand due to harsh weather conditions and reduced site accessibility.

Airbnb properties in South Pass City, Wyoming are subject to Wyoming's state lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts from short-term rentals under 30 days, which is collected by the Wyoming Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by hosts who register for a lodging tax license. Fremont County imposes an additional 2% county lodging tax that applies to all transient accommodations including Airbnbs, bringing the total lodging tax rate to approximately 6%. The state tax is collected directly from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's platform in most cases, though individual hosts may need to collect and remit taxes depending on their booking arrangements. Hosts must register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue within 30 days of beginning operations and file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, even if no tax is owed. There are no specific exemptions for small operators, though stays of 30 days or longer are generally exempt from lodging taxes as they are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations. Local municipal taxes may also apply depending on South Pass City's specific ordinances, though the town's small size suggests minimal additional local tax burden beyond state and county requirements.

Starting an Airbnb in South Pass City, Wyoming requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000-180,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom historic home suitable for short-term rental in this small former mining town. Furnishing costs typically run $15,000-20,000 to create an appealing rustic Western atmosphere with quality beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and period-appropriate decor. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-5,000. Permits and fees are minimal at approximately $500-800, covering business licenses and any local registration requirements with Fremont County. Insurance costs around $1,200-1,800 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utilities including electricity, propane/heating, water, internet, and trash service average $200-300 monthly. First six months operating costs encompass utilities ($1,200-1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($600-900), maintenance reserves ($1,000), marketing ($300-500), and platform fees to Airbnb/VRBO ($200-400), totaling approximately $3,300-4,600 for the initial operating period.

Airbnb properties in South Pass City, Wyoming face significant profitability challenges due to the town's extremely small population of approximately 4 residents and remote location, though the area's historical significance as a gold rush town and proximity to attractions like the Continental Divide Trail can generate seasonal tourism revenue. Properties in this area typically generate $8,000-$15,000 annually in gross revenue with average daily rates of $75-$120, primarily during summer months (June-September) when outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs visit the South Pass Historic Site. Operating expenses including property management, utilities, maintenance, insurance, and platform fees typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue, resulting in net profit margins of 15-25% or roughly $2,000-$4,500 annually per property. Success factors include marketing the property's proximity to historic mining sites, offering amenities for outdoor activities, maintaining reliable internet and utilities despite the remote location, and partnering with local tour operators. The limited year-round demand, harsh winter weather reducing bookings to near zero for 4-5 months, high utility costs due to remote infrastructure, and competition from properties in nearby Lander (45 minutes away) significantly impact profitability, making South Pass City Airbnb investments viable primarily for owners who can leverage existing property ownership and provide unique historical or outdoor recreation experiences.

Airbnb investments in South Pass City, Wyoming typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% due to the area's historical tourism appeal and proximity to outdoor recreation areas, though the small population of approximately 7 residents limits year-round demand. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 6-10% annually, with properties averaging $150-250 per night during peak summer months (May-September) when visitors come for gold rush history tours and nearby hiking trails. Investment properties in this historic mining town, with average purchase prices of $200,000-350,000, typically reach profitability within 18-24 months, benefiting from Wyoming's favorable tax environment and the unique appeal of staying in an authentic 1860s gold rush settlement. Seasonal occupancy rates peak at 60-70% during summer months but drop significantly in winter, creating an overall annual occupancy rate of 35-45%, making success heavily dependent on marketing to history enthusiasts and adventure tourists visiting nearby attractions like the Continental Divide Trail.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in South Pass City, Wyoming. For this remote historic mining town area, investors typically work with Wyoming-based real estate agents like those at Century 21 BHJ Realty in nearby Lander or Fremont County specialists who understand the unique tourism patterns around the Oregon Trail historic sites. National services like AirDNA and Mashvisor provide market analysis for the region, while Awning and RedAwning offer property management services that can extend to rural Wyoming locations. Local property management companies such as Wyoming Vacation Rentals and Jackson Hole-based firms like Rendezvous Mountain Rentals sometimes expand services to cover historic tourism areas throughout the state. Real estate investment companies like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Wyoming mountain properties, though coverage in South Pass City specifically may be limited due to its small size and seasonal tourism patterns focused on Oregon Trail history and nearby outdoor recreation areas.