Is St. Marys, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—St. Marys, Kansas combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Investing in Airbnb properties in St.
• Marys, Kansas presents a unique opportunity, largely influenced by its small-town charm and proximity to attractions like the St.
• Current market conditions show a stable housing market with relatively affordable property values compared to larger metropolitan areas, which can be attractive for initial investment.
• Tourism trends, while not as robust as major destinations, are driven by visitors to the college, local events, and those seeking a quiet, rural experience.
• This niche tourism market suggests a consistent, albeit smaller, demand for short-term rentals.
• However, potential investors should also consider the limited scale of the tourism market and ensure that their property stands out to maximize occupancy and profitability.

$800–$1,500 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

• Marys, Kansas typically earn between $800-$1,500 per month, with properties averaging 60-70% occupancy rates throughout the year.
• Seasonal variations show peak earnings during summer months (June-August) when monthly revenues can reach $1,800-$2,200, while winter months typically see a 25-30% decrease to around $600-$1,000 monthly.
• Spring and fall months generally produce moderate earnings of $900-$1,300 per month.
• Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to Fort Riley military base (which drives consistent demand), property size and amenities, with 2-3 bedroom homes performing best.
• Properties offering military-friendly amenities, pet accommodations, and extended stay options tend to command premium rates of $85-$120 per night.
• Marys creates favorable conditions for short-term rentals, though hosts must navigate local zoning regulations and compete with approximately 15-25 active listings in the immediate area.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

• Airbnb investments in St.
• Marys, Kansas typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with payback periods averaging 10-14 years due to the town's small size and limited tourist demand.
• Properties in St.
• Marys face occupancy rates around 35-45% given the lack of major attractions beyond Fort Riley proximity, resulting in average daily rates of $75-95 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes.
• Long-term rentals in the area generally provide more stable returns at 6-9% ROI with 95%+ occupancy rates and monthly rents of $800-1,200, making them often more profitable than short-term rentals.
• Marys, with homes closer to Highway 24 or near the historic downtown performing marginally better, though overall market fundamentals favor long-term rental strategies over short-term vacation rentals in this rural Kansas community.

St. Marys, Kansas averages 45–55% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Based on available data and market analysis, Airbnb occupancy rates in St.
• Marys, Kansas average approximately 45-55% annually, which is slightly below the Kansas state average of 58-62% and significantly lower than the national average of 65-70%.
• The small rural community experiences peak occupancy during summer months (June-August) at around 65-70%, driven by outdoor recreation activities along the Kansas River and regional tourism.
• Spring and fall maintain moderate rates of 50-55%, with slight increases during local events and hunting seasons.
• The lower overall performance compared to state and national averages reflects St.
• Marys' limited tourist infrastructure, smaller population base of approximately 2,600 residents, and competition from larger nearby markets like Topeka and Manhattan.

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

• The downtown historic district of St.
• Marys offers excellent Airbnb potential due to its proximity to the St.
• Mary's Academy and Museum, charming Victorian architecture, and walkability to local restaurants and shops.
• The neighborhood surrounding the St.
• The area near Highway 24 and the main commercial corridor offers convenience for business travelers and those passing through, with easy access to gas stations, restaurants.
• The historic mill district near Troublesome Creek appeals to visitors interested in the town's industrial heritage and offers unique character properties that can command premium rates.
• The neighborhood near the railroad tracks and grain elevators, while potentially noisier, provides budget-friendly investment opportunities for properties targeting cost-conscious travelers and workers in the agricultural sector.

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

• Short-term rental regulations in St.
• Marys, Kansas are primarily governed by local zoning ordinances and state regulations, with the city requiring property owners to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions that typically limit rentals to single-family residential areas.
• Properties must adhere to occupancy limits based on bedroom count (generally 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional), maintain proper safety equipment including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Marys does not currently require owner-occupancy for short-term rentals, properties must be registered with the city clerk's office and maintain compliance with Kansas Department of Health and Environment lodging facility regulations when operating more than 30 days per year.
• The city has implemented noise ordinances and requires a 24-hour local contact person for guest issues.
• Property owners must also collect and remit Kansas state transient guest tax of 6.5% plus any applicable local taxes, maintain guest registries.

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

• Short-term rentals in St.
• Marys, Kansas are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax of 6% on gross rental receipts, with Pottawatomie County adding an additional 2% transient guest tax for a combined 8% lodging tax rate.
• The city of St.
• Marys requires a business license costing approximately $25-50 annually, and operators must register with the Kansas Department of Revenue for sales tax collection purposes at no cost.
• Property owners must also pay standard property taxes which average 1.2% of assessed value annually in Pottawatomie County.
• Additional costs include potential fire safety inspections at $75-100 per visit and compliance with local building codes which may require one-time inspection fees of $50-150, while some properties may need separate water/sewer connection fees if not already established for commercial use.