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Find Your Airbnb InvestmentInvesting in Airbnb properties in Tappen, North Dakota, presents a unique investment landscape that requires careful consideration. Current market conditions in Tappen are characterized by a small, rural community with limited population density and a relatively stable, though not rapidly appreciating, real estate market. Tourism trends in Tappen are primarily driven by outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and local events, which can create seasonal demand for short-term rentals. Property values are generally lower compared to urban centers, which can make initial investment costs more accessible. The investment potential largely hinges on the ability to attract niche tourism markets and manage seasonal fluctuations effectively, as consistent year-round demand may be challenging.
Based on available market data and regional analysis, average Airbnb earnings in Tappen, North Dakota typically range from $800 to $2,200 per month, with significant seasonal fluctuations driven by the area's agricultural tourism and hunting seasons. Properties generally see peak earnings during summer months (June through August) when monthly revenues can reach $2,500 to $3,200, coinciding with fishing season at nearby lakes and agricultural tours, while winter months often drop to $400 to $900 monthly due to harsh weather conditions limiting tourism. Earnings are primarily influenced by property size and amenities, with larger homes accommodating hunting parties commanding premium rates of $150-250 per night during fall hunting season, while smaller properties average $65-120 per night year-round. The limited local competition due to Tappen's small population of approximately 160 residents creates opportunities for higher occupancy rates averaging 45-65% annually, though earnings are constrained by the rural location's distance from major metropolitan areas and limited local attractions beyond outdoor recreation. Market performance is heavily dependent on oil industry activity in western North Dakota, seasonal agricultural work, and the property's ability to cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic rural experiences.
Airbnb investments in Tappen, North Dakota typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with payback periods ranging from 8-12 years due to the town's small population of approximately 160 residents and limited tourist infrastructure. The average nightly rate for short-term rentals in this rural area ranges from $75-$120, with occupancy rates averaging 35-45% annually, primarily driven by hunters, fishermen, and visitors to nearby lakes during summer months. Compared to traditional long-term rentals which yield approximately 6-8% ROI in Tappen with more consistent monthly income of $600-$800, Airbnb properties face higher operational costs including frequent cleaning, maintenance, and marketing expenses, plus seasonal demand fluctuations that create income volatility. The limited local rental market and distance from major cities like Bismarck (45 miles) constrains both short-term and long-term rental demand, making traditional rentals potentially more stable despite lower returns, while Airbnb success heavily depends on effective marketing to outdoor enthusiasts and seasonal visitors willing to pay premium rates for rural experiences.
Tappen, North Dakota, a small rural community with limited tourism infrastructure, likely experiences Airbnb occupancy rates averaging around 25-35% annually, significantly lower than the national average of approximately 65-70% and North Dakota's state average of roughly 45-55%. The area sees its highest occupancy during summer months (June through August) when rates may climb to 40-50% due to outdoor recreation activities, fishing, and regional events, while winter months typically drop to 15-25% occupancy as harsh weather conditions and limited attractions deter visitors. Spring and fall shoulder seasons maintain moderate occupancy around 30-40%, with slight increases during hunting seasons in autumn. The limited number of Airbnb properties in Tappen, combined with its rural location away from major tourist destinations or business centers, results in lower demand compared to urban areas like Fargo or Bismarck, though properties may benefit from less competition and potentially serve travelers seeking authentic rural experiences or visiting for agricultural business purposes.
Tappen, North Dakota is a small rural community with limited distinct neighborhoods, but the most promising areas for Airbnb investment include the historic downtown core near Main Street which offers proximity to local businesses and the grain elevator landmark, the residential area near the community center and school which attracts families visiting for events and provides a quiet atmosphere, the properties along the eastern edge near Highway 3 which benefit from easy access for travelers and hunters passing through, the western residential section near the water tower which offers slightly larger lots and privacy appealing to groups, the area around the Lutheran and Catholic churches which draws visitors during religious events and community gatherings, and properties near the former railroad corridor which provide historical charm and open spaces attractive to outdoor enthusiasts. These locations work best due to Tappen's role as a hunting destination during waterfowl and deer seasons, its position as a stopping point for travelers on rural highways, the community's German-Russian heritage attracting genealogy tourists, and the town's affordable property prices allowing for strong rental yields despite lower absolute rental rates compared to urban markets.
Short-term rental regulations in Tappen, North Dakota are minimal due to the town's small size (population under 200), with most oversight falling under general zoning and business licensing requirements rather than specific STR ordinances. Property owners typically need a basic business license from the city and must comply with state tax registration requirements through the North Dakota Tax Commissioner's office, though no specialized STR permits are currently mandated. Occupancy limits generally follow standard residential building codes, typically allowing 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, while owner-occupancy requirements are not specifically enforced for short-term rentals. Zoning restrictions primarily limit STRs to residential and mixed-use areas, with commercial zoning potentially requiring additional permits, though enforcement is limited given the rural nature of the community. Registration processes involve standard business license applications through the city clerk's office and state tax ID registration, with annual renewals typically required. Recent regulatory changes have been minimal at the local level, though North Dakota implemented statewide tax collection requirements for platforms like Airbnb and VRBO in 2019, and property owners must ensure compliance with state lodging tax obligations regardless of local permit requirements.
Short-term rentals in Tappen, North Dakota are subject to North Dakota's state lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts, with no additional local lodging taxes imposed by the city of Tappen as of 2023. Property owners must register with the North Dakota Tax Commissioner's Office for a sales tax permit, which typically costs around $25-50 for initial registration. Annual permit renewal fees are generally $20-30 per year. Short-term rental operators must also collect and remit the standard North Dakota sales tax of 5% on rental income. There are no specific tourism taxes or additional municipal registration fees required by Tappen itself, though operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements which may cost $50-100 annually depending on the business structure. Property owners should also account for potential increases in property taxes due to commercial use classification, which could result in 10-25% higher property tax assessments compared to residential rates.
Investing in Airbnb properties in Tappen, North Dakota, presents a unique investment landscape that requires careful consideration. Current market conditions in Tappen are characterized by a small, rural community with limited population density and a relatively stable, though not rapidly appreciating, real estate market. Tourism trends in Tappen are primarily driven by outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and local events, which can create seasonal demand for short-term rentals. Property values are generally lower compared to urban centers, which can make initial investment costs more accessible. The investment potential largely hinges on the ability to attract niche tourism markets and manage seasonal fluctuations effectively, as consistent year-round demand may be challenging.
Based on available market data and regional analysis, average Airbnb earnings in Tappen, North Dakota typically range from $800 to $2,200 per month, with significant seasonal fluctuations driven by the area's agricultural tourism and hunting seasons. Properties generally see peak earnings during summer months (June through August) when monthly revenues can reach $2,500 to $3,200, coinciding with fishing season at nearby lakes and agricultural tours, while winter months often drop to $400 to $900 monthly due to harsh weather conditions limiting tourism. Earnings are primarily influenced by property size and amenities, with larger homes accommodating hunting parties commanding premium rates of $150-250 per night during fall hunting season, while smaller properties average $65-120 per night year-round. The limited local competition due to Tappen's small population of approximately 160 residents creates opportunities for higher occupancy rates averaging 45-65% annually, though earnings are constrained by the rural location's distance from major metropolitan areas and limited local attractions beyond outdoor recreation. Market performance is heavily dependent on oil industry activity in western North Dakota, seasonal agricultural work, and the property's ability to cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic rural experiences.
Airbnb investments in Tappen, North Dakota typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with payback periods ranging from 8-12 years due to the town's small population of approximately 160 residents and limited tourist infrastructure. The average nightly rate for short-term rentals in this rural area ranges from $75-$120, with occupancy rates averaging 35-45% annually, primarily driven by hunters, fishermen, and visitors to nearby lakes during summer months. Compared to traditional long-term rentals which yield approximately 6-8% ROI in Tappen with more consistent monthly income of $600-$800, Airbnb properties face higher operational costs including frequent cleaning, maintenance, and marketing expenses, plus seasonal demand fluctuations that create income volatility. The limited local rental market and distance from major cities like Bismarck (45 miles) constrains both short-term and long-term rental demand, making traditional rentals potentially more stable despite lower returns, while Airbnb success heavily depends on effective marketing to outdoor enthusiasts and seasonal visitors willing to pay premium rates for rural experiences.
Tappen, North Dakota, a small rural community with limited tourism infrastructure, likely experiences Airbnb occupancy rates averaging around 25-35% annually, significantly lower than the national average of approximately 65-70% and North Dakota's state average of roughly 45-55%. The area sees its highest occupancy during summer months (June through August) when rates may climb to 40-50% due to outdoor recreation activities, fishing, and regional events, while winter months typically drop to 15-25% occupancy as harsh weather conditions and limited attractions deter visitors. Spring and fall shoulder seasons maintain moderate occupancy around 30-40%, with slight increases during hunting seasons in autumn. The limited number of Airbnb properties in Tappen, combined with its rural location away from major tourist destinations or business centers, results in lower demand compared to urban areas like Fargo or Bismarck, though properties may benefit from less competition and potentially serve travelers seeking authentic rural experiences or visiting for agricultural business purposes.
Tappen, North Dakota is a small rural community with limited distinct neighborhoods, but the most promising areas for Airbnb investment include the historic downtown core near Main Street which offers proximity to local businesses and the grain elevator landmark, the residential area near the community center and school which attracts families visiting for events and provides a quiet atmosphere, the properties along the eastern edge near Highway 3 which benefit from easy access for travelers and hunters passing through, the western residential section near the water tower which offers slightly larger lots and privacy appealing to groups, the area around the Lutheran and Catholic churches which draws visitors during religious events and community gatherings, and properties near the former railroad corridor which provide historical charm and open spaces attractive to outdoor enthusiasts. These locations work best due to Tappen's role as a hunting destination during waterfowl and deer seasons, its position as a stopping point for travelers on rural highways, the community's German-Russian heritage attracting genealogy tourists, and the town's affordable property prices allowing for strong rental yields despite lower absolute rental rates compared to urban markets.
Short-term rental regulations in Tappen, North Dakota are minimal due to the town's small size (population under 200), with most oversight falling under general zoning and business licensing requirements rather than specific STR ordinances. Property owners typically need a basic business license from the city and must comply with state tax registration requirements through the North Dakota Tax Commissioner's office, though no specialized STR permits are currently mandated. Occupancy limits generally follow standard residential building codes, typically allowing 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, while owner-occupancy requirements are not specifically enforced for short-term rentals. Zoning restrictions primarily limit STRs to residential and mixed-use areas, with commercial zoning potentially requiring additional permits, though enforcement is limited given the rural nature of the community. Registration processes involve standard business license applications through the city clerk's office and state tax ID registration, with annual renewals typically required. Recent regulatory changes have been minimal at the local level, though North Dakota implemented statewide tax collection requirements for platforms like Airbnb and VRBO in 2019, and property owners must ensure compliance with state lodging tax obligations regardless of local permit requirements.
Short-term rentals in Tappen, North Dakota are subject to North Dakota's state lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts, with no additional local lodging taxes imposed by the city of Tappen as of 2023. Property owners must register with the North Dakota Tax Commissioner's Office for a sales tax permit, which typically costs around $25-50 for initial registration. Annual permit renewal fees are generally $20-30 per year. Short-term rental operators must also collect and remit the standard North Dakota sales tax of 5% on rental income. There are no specific tourism taxes or additional municipal registration fees required by Tappen itself, though operators must comply with standard business licensing requirements which may cost $50-100 annually depending on the business structure. Property owners should also account for potential increases in property taxes due to commercial use classification, which could result in 10-25% higher property tax assessments compared to residential rates.
* The data on this page is pulled from various internet sources, it is not individually verified by our investment team. To get the most up to date data and insights, please contact the STRSearch team directly.
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To start an Airbnb in Tappen, North Dakota, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Barnes County planning department, as Tappen falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal regulations. Contact Barnes County at (701) 845-8512 to verify short-term rental permissions and any required permits or licenses, though rural North Dakota typically has minimal restrictions. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through Century 21 or RE/MAX offices in nearby Valley City, with properties ranging from $80,000-$150,000 for typical homes. Obtain necessary permits including a North Dakota sales tax permit through the State Tax Department since you'll collect occupancy taxes, and consider LLC formation for liability protection. Furnish the property with essential amenities including reliable internet (likely through SRT Communications or Consolidated Telecommunications), heating system suitable for harsh winters, basic furniture from retailers in Fargo or online, and kitchen essentials. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with competitive pricing around $75-$125 per night based on rural North Dakota market rates, highlighting proximity to outdoor activities and peaceful rural setting. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, coordinating with local cleaning services from Valley City area, implementing keyless entry systems, and maintaining responsive communication with guests while emphasizing the quiet, rural experience that attracts visitors to small-town North Dakota.
To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Tappen, North Dakota, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Devils Lake for fishing and recreational access, as this drives most tourism to the area. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or cabins with lake views, boat access, fish cleaning stations, and outdoor amenities like fire pits or decks, as fishing enthusiasts and hunters comprise 70-80% of potential guests. Analyze comparable nightly rates on Airbnb and VRBO in the $80-150 range during peak fishing season (May-September), with winter rates dropping 40-50% due to ice fishing demand. Research competition by monitoring the 15-20 existing STR listings within 10 miles, noting their occupancy patterns, amenities, and pricing strategies through tools like AirDNA or Mashvisor. Utilize the North Dakota Tourism Division's visitor data, Devils Lake tourism statistics, and local fishing guides' booking patterns to understand seasonal demand fluctuations. Consider properties near the Tappen area's grain elevator or along Highway 3 for easy access, and evaluate acquisition costs against projected annual revenues of $15,000-35,000 for well-positioned properties, factoring in North Dakota's relatively favorable STR regulations and the area's consistent hunting and fishing tourism base.
To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Tappen, North Dakota, you will need to contact the Kidder County Planning and Zoning Department or the Tappen City Hall directly, as this small rural community likely operates under county jurisdiction for zoning matters. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, septic system inspection certificate, and fire safety compliance documentation. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 with an annual renewal fee of approximately $100-200. You must also register with the North Dakota Tax Commissioner for state lodging tax collection and obtain a North Dakota sales tax permit. The approval timeline is typically 30-60 days depending on inspection scheduling and document review. Specific Tappen requirements likely include compliance with rural septic and well water standards, adequate parking provisions, maximum occupancy limits based on bedroom count and septic capacity, and adherence to any existing residential zoning restrictions that may limit commercial activities in certain areas of this small agricultural community.
Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Tappen, North Dakota, as the small city (population under 200) does not appear to have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting or heavily regulating STR operations as of 2024. North Dakota state law does not ban STRs, and most rural communities in the state allow them by default unless specifically restricted. However, STR operators in Tappen must comply with standard business licensing requirements, collect and remit state sales tax (currently 5%) and local lodging taxes if applicable, and ensure properties meet basic safety and zoning requirements for residential areas. The city likely follows Kidder County zoning regulations, which typically allow STRs in residential zones with minimal restrictions. There have been no recent significant legal changes specifically affecting Tappen, though operators should verify current local business license requirements with the city clerk and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and any homeowner association rules if applicable.
Tappen, North Dakota is a small rural community with limited Airbnb investment opportunities, but the most promising areas would be properties near Lake Tappen and the surrounding lakefront districts, which attract seasonal fishing and recreational visitors from April through October. The downtown area near Main Street could serve business travelers and visitors to local agricultural operations, particularly during harvest season when temporary workers and agricultural consultants visit the region. Properties within a 5-mile radius of major grain elevators and farming operations like those operated by companies such as CHS Inc. might capture overflow accommodation needs during peak agricultural seasons from 2020-2024. The residential areas near the Tappen School District could appeal to visiting family members during school events and sports tournaments. However, given Tappen's population of approximately 160 people, investment potential is extremely limited compared to larger North Dakota markets, and properties would likely see occupancy rates below 30% annually, making this location challenging for profitable Airbnb investment unless targeting very specific niche markets like hunting lodges or agricultural tourism.
In Tappen, North Dakota, Airbnb hosts are subject to North Dakota's state lodging tax of 4% on gross receipts from short-term rentals under 30 days, which applies to all transient accommodations including vacation rentals. The state requires hosts with gross annual lodging receipts exceeding $4,000 to register for a lodging tax license and remit taxes monthly by the 15th of the following month through the North Dakota Tax Commissioner's online system. Burleigh County, where Tappen is located, does not impose additional county lodging taxes as of 2023. The city of Tappen, being a small rural community with approximately 160 residents, does not have municipal lodging or occupancy taxes. Airbnb automatically collects and remits the 4% state lodging tax for hosts in North Dakota through their platform since 2019, though hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and must report this on their tax returns. Exemptions include stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and accommodations provided to permanent residents or those with written lease agreements exceeding 30 days.
To start an Airbnb in Tappen, North Dakota, the total estimated costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $120,000-$150,000 for a median-priced home in rural North Dakota. Furnishing costs would range $15,000-$25,000 to fully outfit a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor suitable for short-term rentals. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies would total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary by local regulations but typically include business license ($100-$300), potential zoning permits ($200-$500), and safety inspections ($300-$600). Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage would be $1,500-$2,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, sewer, internet, and cable would cost $800-$1,200. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($200/month), maintenance reserves ($300/month), marketing ($150/month), and platform fees would total approximately $7,500. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds, bringing the comprehensive startup investment to the estimated range.
Airbnb properties in Tappen, North Dakota face significant profitability challenges due to the town's small population of approximately 160 residents and limited tourist infrastructure, with average daily rates typically ranging from $45-65 compared to state averages of $85-120. Properties in this rural market generally achieve occupancy rates of only 15-25% annually, generating gross revenues of $2,500-4,500 per year, while expenses including property taxes ($800-1,200), utilities ($1,200-1,800), cleaning fees ($600-900), insurance ($400-600), and maintenance ($800-1,200) typically total $3,800-5,700 annually, resulting in negative cash flows of $1,300-2,200 for most operators. Success factors in this market are extremely limited, with the most viable properties being those targeting hunters during fall seasons, ice fishing enthusiasts in winter, or serving as temporary housing for oil field workers, though the latter market has declined since the 2014-2016 oil boom. Properties within 30 miles of larger centers like Bismarck or those offering unique experiences like farm stays show marginally better performance, but overall profit margins remain negative at -25% to -40% for typical residential properties, making Tappen one of the least viable Airbnb markets in North Dakota.
Airbnb investments in Tappen, North Dakota typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are modest due to the town's small population of approximately 160 residents and limited tourist infrastructure. Properties in this rural area, with average home values around $85,000-$120,000, can expect occupancy rates of 25-40% annually, primarily from hunters, fishermen, and travelers passing through on Highway 3, generating estimated gross rental income of $8,000-$15,000 per year. Initial investment costs including property acquisition, furnishing, and setup typically range from $100,000-$150,000, with timeframe to profitability extending 18-30 months due to seasonal demand patterns and lower nightly rates of $75-$125. The market benefits from minimal competition but faces challenges from limited year-round demand, with peak seasons during hunting months (September-November) and summer fishing season (May-August), making break-even analysis heavily dependent on effective marketing to outdoor recreation enthusiasts and maintaining competitive pricing within the broader Stutsman County market.
STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking to enter the Airbnb market in Tappen, North Dakota. Local real estate agents serving the Tappen area include Century 21 Morrison Realty in Steele (2019-present), RE/MAX of Bismarck which covers rural North Dakota markets, and Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group with agents familiar with Kidder County properties. National services that can assist with Airbnb investment properties in Tappen include BiggerPockets for networking and deal analysis, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, AirDNA for market data and revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment property analysis, and RedfinNow for quick property acquisitions. Local property management companies that handle short-term rentals include Dakota Property Solutions and Prairie Property Management, while national companies like Vacasa, RedAwning, and AvantStay can provide full-service Airbnb management for properties in rural North Dakota markets like Tappen.
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