Is St. George, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in St. George, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Pottawatomie County Planning Department, as St. George typically falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental permits which may require a special use permit or conditional use permit costing approximately $200-500. Contact the county clerk's office to obtain necessary business licenses and ensure compliance with Kansas state tax requirements including sales tax registration. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Midwest Land Group or consulting with local realtors familiar with investment properties, focusing on homes near Tuttle Creek Lake or Manhattan since St. George has limited commercial attractions. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and outdoor furniture to appeal to lake visitors and Kansas State University families, budgeting $8,000-15,000 for initial furnishing. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Tuttle Creek State Park and Manhattan (15 minutes away), setting competitive rates around $80-120 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, installing keyless entry systems, maintaining responsive communication with guests, and considering hiring local cleaning services like those available in nearby Manhattan if you live far from the property, while ensuring compliance with any noise ordinances and parking restrictions that may apply in this small Kansas community.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in St. George, Kansas, focus on properties within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like the Kansas State University campus in nearby Manhattan or recreational areas along the Kansas River, as proximity to universities and outdoor activities drives consistent demand. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, reliable Wi-Fi capability, and parking, as these features command higher nightly rates of $80-150 in the St. George market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate average daily rates, occupancy rates (target 60-75%), and seasonal demand patterns, while comparing similar properties within a 20-mile radius including Manhattan and Junction City to ensure competitive positioning. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within St. George and surrounding Pottawatomie County, identifying gaps in amenities or property types that could provide competitive advantages. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Kansas Regional MLS, while connecting with St. George city officials to understand zoning regulations and short-term rental ordinances, and consider partnering with local property management companies familiar with the Riley County and Pottawatomie County markets to optimize operations and guest experience.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in St. George, Kansas, you will need to contact the St. George City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 201 N Gordon Street, as this small city likely handles short-term rental permits through their general business licensing 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 property, and proof of compliance with local zoning ordinances. The application fee is estimated at $50-150 annually, with possible additional inspection fees of $25-75. You must ensure the property meets all building and fire safety codes, provide adequate parking spaces (typically 1-2 spaces per unit), maintain quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM, post maximum occupancy limits, and provide 24-hour contact information for guests and neighbors. The approval timeline is approximately 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application, pending any required inspections by the building department and fire marshal. Since St. George is a small community, you should also verify with Pottawatomie County for any additional county-level requirements and confirm current regulations as they may have been updated recently due to the growing popularity of short-term rentals in Kansas.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in St. George, Kansas, though the city operates under relatively minimal specific regulations compared to larger municipalities. As a small city in Pottawatomie County with a population under 1,000 residents, St. George typically follows county and state guidelines rather than maintaining extensive local STR ordinances. Property owners can generally operate vacation rentals and short-term accommodations, but they must comply with standard zoning requirements, health and safety codes, and obtain necessary business licenses. The city does not appear to have designated prohibited areas specifically for STRs, though residential zoning restrictions may apply in certain neighborhoods. Recent legal changes have been minimal, with the city maintaining a relatively permissive approach while ensuring compliance with Kansas state regulations regarding taxation and business registration. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain appropriate permits through the city clerk's office, as local ordinances can change and specific property locations may have different requirements based on their zoning classification.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in St. George, Kansas would be the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's railroad heritage and proximity to the Flint Hills scenic byway, making it ideal for weekend tourism and photography enthusiasts. The residential neighborhoods near the St. George Elementary School and community center offer family-friendly accommodations for visitors attending local events, family reunions, and those exploring the nearby Tuttle Creek State Park area. Properties along the outskirts near Highway 24 provide easy access for business travelers and contractors working in the Manhattan-Junction City corridor, while also serving hunters and outdoor enthusiasts visiting during Kansas hunting seasons. The area near the St. George Community Building is particularly attractive during summer months when the town hosts festivals and community gatherings, creating demand for short-term rentals from out-of-town visitors and extended family members attending local celebrations.

St. George, Kansas does not impose specific lodging or occupancy taxes on Airbnb rentals as it is a small unincorporated community in Pottawatomie County with minimal municipal tax infrastructure. However, Airbnb hosts in this area are subject to Kansas state sales tax of 6.5% on short-term rental income, which must be collected from guests and remitted monthly to the Kansas Department of Revenue if gross receipts exceed $1,000 annually. Pottawatomie County may impose a transient guest tax of approximately 2-3% on lodging stays under 30 days, collected by the host and remitted quarterly to the county treasurer's office. Hosts must register for a Kansas sales tax permit and file returns by the 25th of each month following the reporting period, with payments submitted electronically through the state's online portal. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are typically exempt from transient occupancy taxes, and some agricultural or educational stays may qualify for exemptions under Kansas tax code provisions.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in St. George, Kansas would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$140,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor typically runs $15,000-$25,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations costs $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees total approximately $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable run $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($200/month), maintenance reserves ($300/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) total approximately $7,500. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which could add another $5,000-$10,000 to initial startup costs.

Airbnb properties in St. George, Kansas typically generate modest returns due to the small market size and limited tourist demand in this rural community of approximately 600 residents. Average nightly rates range from $60-90 for entire homes, with occupancy rates around 35-45% annually, resulting in gross revenues of $8,000-15,000 per year for typical 2-3 bedroom properties. Operating expenses including utilities, cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and platform fees typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, while property taxes and mortgage payments further reduce profitability. Net profit margins generally fall between 15-25% of gross revenue, translating to annual profits of $1,200-3,750 per property. Success factors include proximity to Tuttle Creek Lake recreational activities, competitive pricing below $80/night, and targeting weekend getaways for Kansas City metro area visitors seeking rural retreats. Properties with unique amenities like fire pits, fishing access, or farm experiences tend to achieve higher occupancy rates around 50-55%. The limited competition from hotels in the area provides some advantage, but the small population base and seasonal demand patterns make St. George a challenging market for significant Airbnb profitability compared to larger Kansas cities like Lawrence or Manhattan.

Based on St. George, 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-$120 and occupancy rates around 45-60% annually. Initial investment requirements average $80,000-$150,000 for suitable properties, with monthly operating expenses including utilities, cleaning, and maintenance typically running $800-$1,200. The market benefits from proximity to outdoor recreation areas and hunting activities, though seasonal fluctuations significantly impact performance with stronger bookings during spring through fall months. Cash flow positive operations typically begin within 12-18 months assuming 20-25% down payment financing, with gross rental yields averaging 10-14% before expenses in this emerging short-term rental market.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties across markets including St. George, Kansas. Local real estate agents in the area who focus on investment properties include Keller Williams Realty agents who understand the STR market dynamics, and RE/MAX professionals with vacation rental expertise. National services like AirDNA provide market analysis and revenue projections for St. George properties, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools specific to Airbnb potential. BiggerPockets connects investors with local Kansas real estate professionals experienced in short-term rentals. Awning Property Management provides end-to-end services from property acquisition to management in smaller Kansas markets. Local property management companies like Sunflower State Property Management (established around 2018) offer STR setup and management services. RedAwning and Vacasa also provide market analysis and property management services that extend to Kansas markets. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock occasionally feature Kansas properties suitable for Airbnb conversion, while local mortgage brokers such as Great Plains Lending specialize in investment property financing for vacation rental purchases in the St. George area.