Is Stevens Point, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning ordinances through the Stevens Point Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a conditional use permit for properties in residential zones and comply with specific occupancy limits typically set at 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Contact the Stevens Point Building Inspection Department to secure necessary permits including a business license ($25-50 annually) and ensure your property meets fire safety codes with proper smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency egress windows. Find a suitable property in neighborhoods like the Historic District or near UW-Stevens Point campus where demand is higher, ensuring it's zoned appropriately and considering properties with 2-4 bedrooms that can accommodate families or student groups. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, cable TV, full kitchen appliances, quality bedding, and local touches like Wisconsin-themed decor, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting unique features, set competitive pricing based on local market rates of $75-150 per night depending on size and location, and emphasize proximity to attractions like Green Circle Trail, SentryWorld golf course, and downtown dining. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication with visitors, coordinating with local cleaning services like those found through Stevens Point area Facebook groups, and ensuring compliance with Wisconsin's 5.5% state sales tax plus Portage County's additional lodging taxes while keeping detailed records for tax purposes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, focus on locations within 1-2 miles of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus, near the Wisconsin River waterfront, or close to Schmeeckle Reserve and Green Circle Trail for outdoor recreation access. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, parking, and outdoor spaces like decks or patios that appeal to visiting families and university guests. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, aiming for nightly rates between $80-150 depending on size and location, with occupancy rates of 60-70% being realistic for the market. Research competition by studying existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 3-mile radius, noting their pricing, amenities, and guest reviews to identify gaps in the market. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Portage County property records, while connecting with Stevens Point-area real estate agents familiar with rental regulations and university event calendars that drive seasonal demand spikes during graduation, homecoming, and summer conferences.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, you must first contact the Stevens Point Community Development Department at City Hall located at 1515 Strongs Avenue to determine specific zoning compliance for your property, as short-term rentals are typically regulated under conditional use permits in residential zones. Submit a conditional use permit application along with a detailed site plan, property survey, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of property ownership or authorization letter, liability insurance certificate (minimum $1 million coverage), and completed business license application. Required documents also include a parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), waste management plan, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing within 50 miles of Stevens Point. The application fee is approximately $200-400 for the conditional use permit plus $50-100 for the business license, with additional fees for public hearing notices. The process typically takes 6-8 weeks including a mandatory public hearing before the Plan Commission, followed by Common Council approval if recommended. Stevens Point requires STR operators to maintain a guest registry, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide 24/7 local contact information to neighbors, ensure quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and renew permits annually while maintaining compliance with all fire safety codes and building inspections.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, but operate under specific municipal regulations established around 2019-2020. The city requires STR operators to obtain a license and comply with zoning restrictions that generally limit short-term rentals to certain residential districts while prohibiting them in some neighborhoods to preserve residential character. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and occupancy limits, with operators required to provide local contact information for guest issues. Stevens Point has implemented noise ordinances and parking requirements specific to STRs, and violations can result in license suspension or revocation. The city has been actively monitoring and adjusting its STR ordinances in recent years to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood concerns, with some areas near the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus having additional restrictions due to student housing considerations. Property owners must also comply with state tax requirements and register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for room tax collection.

The downtown Stevens Point area near the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus represents the strongest Airbnb investment opportunity, attracting consistent demand from visiting families during graduation ceremonies, prospective students touring the campus, and business travelers attending university events throughout the academic year. The historic downtown district along Main Street offers appeal to tourists visiting local breweries like Stevens Point Brewery (established 1857) and guests attending cultural events at the Noel Fine Arts Center. The Whiting area provides excellent potential due to its proximity to both the Wisconsin River recreational activities and the Green Circle Trail system, drawing outdoor enthusiasts year-round for fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The Plover Road corridor near Centerpoint Mall attracts business travelers due to its concentration of hotels and restaurants, indicating proven commercial demand that could translate to short-term rental success. Properties near Iverson Park and Lake Joanis offer seasonal appeal for families seeking waterfront recreation during summer months, while the residential neighborhoods surrounding Sentry Insurance headquarters provide opportunities for corporate housing demand from extended-stay business visitors and relocated employees.

In Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Wisconsin state sales tax of 5% applies to all short-term rental accommodations, along with an additional state room tax of 5%, for a combined state rate of 10%. Stevens Point imposes a local room tax of 8% on lodging establishments, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 18% on gross rental receipts. These taxes are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated tax collection system for most bookings, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for ensuring proper remittance. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue requires monthly filing and payment of state taxes by the 20th of the following month, while local room taxes must be remitted to the Stevens Point Finance Department quarterly by the last day of the month following each quarter. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and accommodations provided to permanent residents. Hosts must register with both the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for a seller's permit and with the City of Stevens Point for a room tax certificate before operating legally.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Stevens Point, Wisconsin is approximately $185,000-$225,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for beds, linens, furniture, appliances, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees cost approximately $500-$800. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $1,200-$1,800 annually, or $600-$900 for six months. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $200-$300 monthly, totaling $1,200-$1,800 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, supplies, maintenance, marketing, and platform fees range from $3,000-$4,500. Additional working capital for unexpected expenses and vacancy periods should include another $2,000-$3,000, bringing the comprehensive startup investment to approximately $185,000-$225,000 depending on property condition and furnishing quality choices.

Airbnb properties in Stevens Point, Wisconsin typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes and $8,000-$18,000 for private rooms, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on property size and location proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($800-$1,200 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-$4,000 yearly). Properties within walking distance of UWSP or downtown areas achieve higher occupancy rates of 60-75% compared to 40-55% for suburban locations, with peak demand during university events, graduation weekends, and summer months when families visit students. Successful operators in the Stevens Point market typically maintain profit margins of 15-25% by focusing on properties near campus, implementing dynamic pricing strategies, maintaining high cleanliness standards, and offering amenities like high-speed internet and parking. A typical 3-bedroom home near UWSP generating $28,000 annually with $18,000 in expenses would yield approximately $10,000 in net profit, representing a 36% profit margin, while properties further from campus or lacking proper management often struggle to achieve profitability due to lower occupancy rates and higher per-guest acquisition costs.

Airbnb investments in Stevens Point, Wisconsin typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point student population and seasonal tourism from nearby outdoor recreation areas. Properties within 2-3 miles of campus command premium rates of $80-120 per night during peak academic periods, while lakefront or river properties can achieve $100-150 nightly rates during summer months. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with average annual gross revenues of $18,000-28,000 for typical 2-3 bedroom units after accounting for 65-75% occupancy rates. Market factors include strong demand during university events, Packers games (90 minutes to Green Bay), and summer recreation season, though winter months see reduced occupancy requiring strategic pricing adjustments to maintain positive cash flow.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Action and Century 21 Gold Key have experience with investment properties in the Stevens Point area, while Keller Williams and RE/MAX agents often work with Airbnb investors throughout central Wisconsin. National services include Mashvisor, which provides rental property analytics and market data for Stevens Point, and AirDNA, offering short-term rental market insights and performance metrics. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals and resources, while Awning provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services including property identification and management. Local property management companies like Portage County Property Management and Stevens Point Rentals can assist with ongoing operations, and national firms like RedAwning and Vacasa offer comprehensive Airbnb management services. Real estate investment groups such as the Central Wisconsin Real Estate Investors Association provide networking opportunities and local market knowledge for investors targeting the Stevens Point market.