Is Trego, Wisconsin Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Trego, Wisconsin, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Washburn County's planning department, as Trego is an unincorporated community that falls under county jurisdiction rather than municipal control. Contact the Washburn County Zoning Office to verify that short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zone and obtain any required conditional use permits or business licenses, which typically cost $50-200 in rural Wisconsin counties. Find a suitable property near Trego's recreational attractions like the Namekagon River or area lakes, considering properties that can accommodate 4-8 guests given the area's tourism focus on fishing, canoeing, and outdoor activities. Purchase liability insurance specifically covering short-term rentals and ensure compliance with Wisconsin's innkeeper laws, including posting maximum occupancy limits and emergency contact information. Furnish the property with durable, comfortable furniture emphasizing the northwoods aesthetic popular in the region, including essential amenities like Wi-Fi, full kitchen facilities, linens, and outdoor equipment storage for guests' recreational gear. Create your Airbnb listing highlighting proximity to the Namekagon National Scenic River, local fishing spots, and seasonal activities, setting competitive rates based on comparable properties in nearby Hayward or Cable (typically $100-250 per night depending on size and season). Implement a management system including professional cleaning between guests, 24/7 guest communication, key exchange procedures, and regular property maintenance, or consider hiring local property management services available in the greater Hayward area if you're not locally based.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Trego, Wisconsin, focus on waterfront locations near Trego Lake and properties within walking distance of the lake, as this area attracts summer vacationers and fishing enthusiasts from Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area approximately 90 minutes away. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes built after 1980 with updated kitchens, multiple bathrooms, outdoor spaces like decks or fire pits, and amenities such as boat launches, docks, or lake access. Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO in the $150-300 per night range during peak summer months (June-August), with shoulder seasons around $100-180 nightly. Research competition by monitoring existing STR listings within 5-mile radius, noting occupancy rates, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify gaps in amenities or service. Utilize AirDNA for market data analysis, contact Washburn County planning department for zoning regulations, leverage local real estate agents familiar with lake properties, and monitor MLS listings for properties under $400,000 that could generate 15-25% annual returns when properly managed and marketed to outdoor recreation enthusiasts seeking authentic Wisconsin Northwoods experiences.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Trego, Wisconsin, you must first contact the Washburn County Zoning Department since Trego is an unincorporated community within Washburn County, and apply for a short-term rental permit through their office located at 10 4th Avenue in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, site plan showing parking areas and septic system location, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), emergency contact information for a local representative within 30 miles, and a copy of your state tax ID number for collecting room taxes. The application fee is estimated at $150-250 annually, with additional inspection fees of approximately $100-150. You must also register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for room tax collection and obtain any necessary building permits if modifications are made to the property. The timeline for approval is typically 30-60 days after submitting a complete application, including required inspections for septic, well water (if applicable), and fire safety compliance. Specific Trego/Washburn County requirements include maintaining adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces per unit), ensuring septic systems can handle increased occupancy, providing 24/7 local contact information to guests and neighbors, and adhering to occupancy limits based on septic capacity and square footage, with regular renewals required annually.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Trego, Wisconsin, as the small unincorporated community in Washburn County operates under county and state regulations rather than having its own municipal ordinances. Wisconsin state law allows STRs but gives local governments authority to regulate them, and Washburn County has not implemented blanket prohibitions on short-term rentals. However, operators must comply with state tax requirements including collecting Wisconsin sales tax and room tax, obtain proper business licenses, and ensure properties meet safety and zoning requirements. The area's rural nature and proximity to lakes make it popular for vacation rentals, though specific restrictions may apply regarding septic systems, well water standards, and residential zoning classifications. Recent changes in Wisconsin since 2021 have strengthened local government authority to regulate STRs while maintaining their general legality, and property owners should verify compliance with Washburn County zoning ordinances and any homeowners association rules that may apply to their specific location within the Trego area.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Trego, Wisconsin are primarily concentrated around the Namekagon River corridor and the nearby lakes district, particularly properties within 1-2 miles of the Namekagon River which attracts year-round outdoor enthusiasts for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and winter activities like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The downtown Trego area near Highway 63 offers good potential due to its central location and proximity to local businesses, restaurants, and the historic Trego Lake, making it attractive for visitors seeking a small-town Wisconsin experience. Properties near the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway boundary are highly desirable as this federally protected waterway draws significant tourism from Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area visitors (approximately 2.5 hours away) seeking weekend getaways and outdoor recreation. The Cable/Hayward area influence extends to Trego, benefiting from overflow tourism during events like the American Birkebeiner ski race and Lumberjack World Championships, typically occurring in winter and summer respectively. Lakefront or near-lakefront properties on Trego Lake itself command premium rates and high occupancy due to fishing, swimming, and boating activities, while properties along snowmobile trail corridors see strong winter bookings from snowmobile enthusiasts traveling the extensive Washburn County trail system.

Airbnb properties in Trego, Wisconsin are subject to Wisconsin's state sales tax of 5% on lodging accommodations, which applies to short-term rentals under 30 days. Additionally, Wisconsin imposes a state room tax of 5% on lodging, bringing the combined state tax burden to 10%. Washburn County, where Trego is located, may impose an additional county room tax of up to 8%, though the specific rate varies by municipality and current county ordinances. The City of Trego or local township may also levy municipal room taxes, typically ranging from 2-6%. These taxes are generally collected by the host/property owner and must be remitted to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue monthly if collections exceed $300 per month, or quarterly for smaller amounts. Airbnb may collect and remit some of these taxes automatically depending on local agreements, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, certain government employee travel, and accommodations for permanent residents, though specific exemption criteria should be verified with current Wisconsin tax code as rates and collection procedures can change based on local ordinances passed by Washburn County and Trego municipal authorities.

Starting an Airbnb in Trego, Wisconsin requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000-180,000 based on median home prices in rural Wisconsin lake communities like Trego. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $15,000-25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor amenities suitable for the area's recreational tourism. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations run $2,000-4,000. Permits and fees are minimal in small Wisconsin towns, estimated at $200-500 for business licenses and short-term rental permits. Insurance costs approximately $1,500-2,500 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, and seasonal heating average $200-300 monthly. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200-1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($600-1,200), maintenance reserves ($1,000), marketing ($500), and property management software ($300) total approximately $3,600-4,800, bringing the complete startup investment to roughly $172,300-216,800.

Airbnb properties in Trego, Wisconsin, a small lakeside community in Washburn County, typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for seasonal cabins and lake homes, with occupancy rates averaging 45-65% during peak summer months (May-September). Operating expenses generally range from $8,000-$18,000 annually, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-125 per turnover), utilities ($2,400-$4,800), insurance ($1,200-$2,500), and maintenance ($2,000-$4,000), resulting in net profit margins of 25-45% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to Trego Lake and nearby Chain O' Lakes, competitive pricing ($120-$280 per night for 2-4 bedroom properties), professional photography showcasing lake access and outdoor amenities, and partnerships with local activity providers like fishing guides and ATV rental companies. Properties within 500 feet of lake access command 30-40% higher rates than those further inland, with lakefront cabins owned by hosts like those managing through Vacasa or similar property management companies achieving the highest profitability due to premium positioning and professional marketing, while smaller inland properties still maintain viability through lower acquisition costs and operating expenses targeting budget-conscious families and fishing enthusiasts visiting the area's numerous lakes and state forests.

Airbnb investments in Trego, Wisconsin, a small rural community in Washburn County, typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by seasonal tourism to nearby lakes and outdoor recreation areas. Properties in this market, averaging $150,000-$250,000 for suitable vacation rentals, can expect 40-60% occupancy rates during peak summer months (June-August) with average daily rates of $120-$180, while winter months see reduced demand at $80-$120 per night with 20-30% occupancy. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, factoring in renovation costs of $20,000-$40,000 for most properties to meet vacation rental standards, with annual gross revenues typically ranging from $18,000-$35,000 depending on property size and amenities. The market benefits from proximity to Minong Flowage and other recreational areas, though investors should account for seasonal fluctuations and limited year-round demand in this rural Wisconsin location.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Trego, Wisconsin. For the Trego area, local real estate agents like those at Eliason Realty and Century 21 Burkett & Associates in nearby Spooner have experience with vacation rental properties around the lakes region. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb investment analysis tools, and AirDNA for market data and revenue projections. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals, while Roofstock and Awning specialize in turnkey rental property investments. Local property management companies like Northwoods Property Management and Lake Country Rentals can assist with operations. RedAwning and Vacasa offer full-service vacation rental management that can help investors understand market potential. For financing, Lima One Capital and Visio Lending specialize in investment property loans for short-term rentals.