Is Star, Idaho Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Star, Idaho, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Ada County Planning and Zoning Department and the City of Star, as short-term rentals may require conditional use permits or business licenses depending on your property's zoning classification. Contact the City of Star directly at (208) 286-7247 to understand specific permit requirements, which typically include a business license ($50-100 annually) and potentially a conditional use permit ($200-500) if operating in residential zones. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings through companies like Silvercreek Realty Group or Keller Williams Realty Boise, focusing on areas near the Boise River or newer subdivisions that attract visitors, with properties typically ranging from $400,000-800,000 in Star's market. Furnish the property with quality, durable furniture from local stores like Ashley HomeStore Boise or West Elm, ensuring you include essentials like high-speed internet, smart TV, full kitchen amenities, and comfortable bedding while budgeting $15,000-25,000 for complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography from local photographers like Boise Real Estate Photography, setting competitive rates around $120-200 per night based on Star's proximity to Boise and seasonal demand. Manage your property by either self-managing or hiring local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa, ensuring compliance with Ada County's 6% lodging tax collection, maintaining proper insurance coverage through companies like Farmers Insurance or State Farm, and providing 24/7 guest communication while coordinating cleaning services between stays through local companies like Merry Maids Boise.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Star, Idaho, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Boise's downtown core and near outdoor recreation areas like the Boise River Greenbelt, as Star attracts visitors seeking suburban tranquility with city access. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes built after 2000 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking for multiple vehicles, as families and groups comprise the primary STR market in this area. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue (typically $150-250/night for quality homes) exceeds traditional rental income by 40-60%, while factoring in Star's seasonal demand patterns with peak periods during summer months and Boise State University events. Research competition within a 3-mile radius using Airbnb and VRBO searches to identify market saturation and pricing gaps, noting that Star currently has limited STR inventory compared to central Boise. Utilize tools like Rabbu for Idaho-specific market data, connect with local real estate agents familiar with STR regulations in Ada County, and monitor the city's short-term rental ordinances as Star has been developing specific STR policies since 2022 to balance tourism revenue with residential character preservation.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Star, Idaho, you must first contact the Star City Planning Department at City Hall located at 10769 W State Street, Star, ID 83669, or call (208) 286-7247 to begin the conditional use permit application process, as short-term rentals require special approval in residential zones. You'll need to submit a completed conditional use permit application, site plan showing the property layout and parking areas, proof of property ownership or authorization letter from owner, liability insurance documentation with minimum $1 million coverage, septic system approval if applicable, and a detailed operational plan addressing noise control, occupancy limits, and property management. The application fee is approximately $500-750 for the conditional use permit, plus additional fees for public notices estimated at $150-200. After submitting your complete application, the city will schedule a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission, typically within 30-45 days, followed by potential City Council review if required. The entire approval process generally takes 60-90 days from application submission to final decision. Star requires STR operators to limit occupancy to no more than 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, maintain adequate off-street parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), provide 24/7 local contact information to neighbors and guests, comply with all noise ordinances particularly between 10 PM and 7 AM, and ensure the property meets all building and fire safety codes including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Star, Idaho, but operate under the city's zoning regulations and business licensing requirements. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions, which generally limit STRs to owner-occupied properties or properties in areas zoned for commercial use. Star prohibits STRs in certain residential neighborhoods to preserve community character and has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions. The city has been gradually tightening regulations since 2019-2020 in response to resident concerns about neighborhood impacts, requiring annual license renewals and establishing complaint procedures for violations. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency egress requirements, and operators are subject to local taxes and fees that have increased in recent years as the city seeks to balance tourism revenue with residential quality of life concerns.

Downtown Star offers excellent Airbnb investment potential as the city's commercial and cultural hub, featuring proximity to local businesses, restaurants, and community events, with properties appealing to business travelers and visitors attending local festivals or meetings. The Historic District provides strong rental opportunities with its charming older homes, tree-lined streets, and walkable neighborhoods that attract families and couples seeking a quiet, authentic small-town Idaho experience. Areas near Star's parks and recreational facilities, including the Boise River access points, command premium rates from outdoor enthusiasts visiting for fishing, hiking, and water activities, particularly during summer months. The newer residential developments on Star's outskirts offer modern amenities and spacious properties that appeal to larger groups and families, especially those visiting nearby Boise attractions while preferring a quieter suburban setting. Properties near Star Middle School and elementary schools attract visiting families, educators, and sports teams during the school year and summer programs. The agricultural areas surrounding Star provide unique agritourism opportunities, with rural properties appealing to visitors seeking farm experiences, stargazing, and peaceful retreats from urban areas, particularly popular with Boise-area residents looking for weekend getaways.

Airbnb properties in Star, Idaho are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Idaho's state lodging tax of 2% on gross rental receipts, Ada County's lodging tax of 5%, and potentially Star's local lodging tax of approximately 2-3% if applicable. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for most jurisdictions, though hosts may need to register directly with local tax authorities and remit taxes quarterly or monthly depending on revenue thresholds. The Idaho State Tax Commission requires registration for short-term rental operators, while Ada County requires separate registration and remittance through their tax collector's office. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and some jurisdictions may exempt rentals under certain revenue thresholds annually. Hosts should verify current rates and collection procedures with the Idaho State Tax Commission, Ada County, and the City of Star as tax rates and automated collection agreements can change, and some smaller municipalities may require manual collection and remittance by the host rather than through Airbnb's platform.

To start an Airbnb in Star, Idaho, expect total costs around $650,000-$750,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $550,000-$600,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 3-bedroom setup including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and city registration requirements. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage average $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total approximately $1,000-$2,000. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($800/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($300/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management if outsourced (20-30% of revenue) can range $8,000-$15,000 depending on occupancy rates and booking frequency in the Star market.

Airbnb properties in Star, Idaho demonstrate strong profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $150-$300 depending on property size and amenities, generating annual revenues of $35,000-$65,000 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 3% Airbnb service fees, 15-20% for utilities and supplies, and 10-15% for property management if outsourced, resulting in net profit margins of 35-45% for most operators. Success factors in this Boise suburb include proximity to downtown Boise (20 minutes), access to outdoor recreation like Lucky Peak Lake and Bogus Basin skiing, modern furnishings with mountain views, and strong local demand from business travelers and families visiting the area. Properties near the Star town center and newer developments like Meridian Ranch have shown particularly strong performance, with some hosts reporting $4,000-$7,000 monthly revenues during peak summer and winter seasons. The market benefits from Idaho's growing population and tourism sector, though hosts must navigate seasonal fluctuations and increasing competition as more properties enter the short-term rental market, making professional photography, dynamic pricing, and exceptional guest experiences critical differentiators for maintaining above-average profitability.

Airbnb investments in Star, Idaho typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's proximity to Boise and growing tourism demand for outdoor recreation activities. Properties in Star generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $150-220 depending on property size and amenities. The market benefits from year-round demand due to nearby ski resorts, hiking trails, and business travelers visiting the Treasure Valley region. Investment properties averaging $400,000-600,000 can expect gross rental income of $45,000-65,000 annually, with occupancy rates typically running 65-75% throughout the year. Companies like Vacasa and RedAwning report strong performance metrics for Star properties, particularly those within 30 minutes of Eagle or Boise, with cap rates generally falling between 6-9% based on 2023-2024 market analysis.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market data for Star, Idaho. Local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Keller Williams Sun Valley with agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Thompson who focus on investment properties in the Treasure Valley area since 2019. Vacasa, founded in 2009, provides property management and acquisition consulting for Airbnb investments throughout Idaho including Star. AirDNA offers market analytics and investment insights for the Star market, while Mashvisor provides real estate investment analysis tools covering Idaho markets since 2014. Local services include Boise Valley Property Group and Treasure Valley Investment Realty, both specializing in rental property acquisitions. National platforms like Roofstock and BiggerPockets connect investors with Idaho properties, while companies like RedAwning and AvantStay help identify profitable short-term rental opportunities. Local property management companies such as Idaho Vacation Rentals and Gem State Property Management also assist investors in finding suitable Airbnb properties in Star and surrounding areas, with many reporting average annual returns of 12-18% for well-positioned properties in the market.