Is Superior, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Superior, Wyoming, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Sweetwater County planning department, as Superior falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal government. Contact Sweetwater County at (307) 872-6400 to verify short-term rental requirements, which typically include business licenses and may require conditional use permits for residential properties. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents like those at Century 21 or Coldwell Banker, focusing on properties near outdoor recreation areas since Superior attracts visitors for hunting, fishing, and winter sports. Obtain necessary permits including a Wyoming business license through the Secretary of State's office, register for state and local taxes, and secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes short-term rental protection. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, including amenities like boot drying areas, gear storage, and robust heating systems for Wyoming's harsh winters. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting proximity to outdoor activities and the property's winter-ready features. For management, consider using property management software like Hostfully or hire local cleaning services, establish relationships with maintenance contractors familiar with Wyoming's climate challenges, and create detailed house rules addressing snow removal, heating costs, and outdoor equipment use to ensure smooth operations year-round.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Superior, Wyoming, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Rock Springs for airport access and amenities, prioritizing locations near outdoor recreation areas like the Red Desert and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Target 2-4 bedroom properties with modern amenities, reliable internet, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these appeal to energy workers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families visiting the region. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate average daily rates ($80-150 typical for the area) and occupancy rates, comparing against local hotels like Hampton Inn Rock Springs to ensure competitive positioning. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within 15 miles, noting gaps in amenities or property types, while monitoring seasonal demand patterns driven by energy sector activity and summer recreation tourism. Utilize tools like Rabbu for market analysis, STR Helper for performance tracking, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with Sweetwater County's energy-driven rental market, while considering proximity to major employers like Bridger Coal Company and various natural gas operations that drive consistent business travel demand year-round.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Superior, Wyoming, you must first contact the Town of Superior Planning Department at Town Hall located at 200 N. California Street or call (307) 362-3575 to obtain the short-term rental application form. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, parking plan showing adequate guest parking, and a good neighbor agreement outlining house rules. The application fee is approximately $150-250 with an annual renewal fee of $100-150. Submit your complete application to the Planning Department along with payment, and the review process typically takes 30-45 days including a public notice period and potential planning commission review. Superior requires STR properties to maintain a maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, display the permit number in all advertisements, and ensure a local contact person is available 24/7 for any issues. Once approved, you'll receive your permit which must be renewed annually by December 31st, and you must also register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue for lodging tax collection purposes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Superior, Wyoming, as the town does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. Superior operates under Sweetwater County regulations and Wyoming state law, which do not ban STRs outright, though property owners must comply with standard zoning requirements, safety codes, and tax obligations including Wyoming's 4% state sales tax and local lodging taxes. The town's small size and rural nature mean there are fewer regulatory restrictions compared to larger Wyoming municipalities, but STR operators should ensure compliance with residential zoning laws and may need business licenses depending on the scale of operation. No recent significant legal changes have specifically targeted STRs in Superior, and the regulatory environment remains relatively permissive, though property owners should verify current zoning compliance and tax registration requirements with Sweetwater County and the Wyoming Department of Revenue.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Superior, Wyoming are primarily concentrated around the town center and areas with proximity to outdoor recreation access points. The downtown Superior area offers appeal due to its historic mining town character and serves as a base for visitors exploring the greater Rock Springs region and nearby wilderness areas. Properties near the Union Pacific Railroad corridor can attract business travelers and railroad employees needing temporary accommodations. The residential areas along Pilot Butte Avenue and near Superior Elementary provide family-friendly options for visitors attending local events or exploring the Red Desert region. Areas with easy highway access along US-191 are particularly attractive for investors as they serve travelers heading to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, which is approximately 45 minutes south, and provide convenient stopping points for those exploring Wyoming's outdoor attractions including hunting, fishing, and off-road recreation that draw visitors year-round to this part of Sweetwater County.

In Superior, Wyoming, Airbnb properties 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 the 20th of the following month if monthly gross receipts exceed $750. Carbon County, where Superior is located, imposes an additional 2% county lodging tax that follows similar collection and remittance procedures through the county treasurer's office. The town of Superior may impose a local lodging tax of up to 2%, though specific rates vary by municipal ordinance and are typically collected quarterly. Airbnb began collecting and remitting Wyoming state lodging taxes automatically for hosts starting in 2019, but hosts remain responsible for county and local taxes unless separate agreements exist. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may provide exemptions for certain types of accommodations or during specific circumstances, though most standard Airbnb rentals will be subject to the combined tax rate of approximately 6-8% depending on local municipal rates.

To start an Airbnb in Superior, Wyoming, expect total costs around $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $350,000-$425,000 for a median 2-3 bedroom home suitable for short-term rental in this small town near Jackson Hole. Furnishing costs typically range $25,000-$35,000 for complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor gear storage given the area's recreation focus. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations run $3,000-$5,000. Wyoming requires business registration and local permits totaling approximately $500-$1,200, while Superior may have additional short-term rental licensing fees around $200-$500 annually. Insurance including liability coverage and property protection costs $2,500-$4,000 annually. Monthly utilities average $200-$350 covering electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable, totaling $1,200-$2,100 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services at $75-$100 per turnover, maintenance reserves, supplies, platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO, marketing, and property management if outsourced total $8,000-$15,000. Additional considerations include higher utility costs during winter months due to heating needs and potential seasonal fluctuations in this mountain community.

Airbnb properties in Superior, Wyoming show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $85-150 depending on property size and amenities, generating approximately $15,000-35,000 in annual revenue for properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins generally fall between 20-35% for well-managed properties, with success factors including proximity to outdoor recreation areas like the Bridger-Teton National Forest, quality furnishings, professional photography, and responsive guest communication. Properties near skiing areas or hiking trails command premium rates during peak seasons (June-September, December-February), while shoulder seasons see 30-40% rate reductions. A typical 3-bedroom cabin purchased for $350,000 with $50,000 in renovations can generate $25,000 annual profit after expenses, representing a 12-15% return on investment, though success heavily depends on effective marketing, consistent maintenance, and local tourism trends driven by outdoor recreation demand.

Airbnb investments in Superior, Wyoming typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, primarily driven by the area's proximity to Jackson Hole and seasonal tourism demand. Properties in Superior benefit from overflow demand from Jackson's expensive lodging market, with average daily rates of $180-250 during peak ski season (December-March) and $120-180 during summer months. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 6-8 years, with most investors reaching profitability within 18-24 months of operation. The market shows strong performance due to Superior's location along the Snake River and access to outdoor recreation, though occupancy rates average 65-75% annually with higher concentrations during winter sports season and summer fishing/hiking periods. Property appreciation in the area has averaged 6-8% annually from 2019-2023, contributing to overall investment returns alongside rental income.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Superior, Wyoming. Local real estate agents in the Teton County and Rock Springs area such as Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates and Century 21 BHJ Realty have experience with investment properties that could serve the Airbnb market. National services like Mashvisor, AirDNA, and BiggerPockets provide market analysis and property identification tools for Wyoming markets. Vacasa and RedAwning offer property management services that can help investors optimize their Airbnb investments in the region. Local property management companies such as Teton Property Management and Wyoming Vacation Rentals specialize in short-term rental operations. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Wyoming properties suitable for Airbnb conversion. Additionally, local real estate agents affiliated with RE/MAX and Coldwell Banker in nearby Rock Springs and Green River can assist with identifying investment opportunities in Superior and surrounding areas, while platforms like VRBO and Airbnb themselves provide market insights for potential investors looking at this emerging Wyoming market.