Is Veteran, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Veteran, Wyoming, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Goshen County's planning department, as Veteran falls under county jurisdiction rather than municipal control, and verify that short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zone. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Wyoming Secretary of State, register for state and local taxes with the Wyoming Department of Revenue, and secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes short-term rental protection. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering proximity to attractions like Fort Laramie National Historic Site (about 20 miles away) or Guernsey State Park, and ensure the property meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Furnish the space with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, basic kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, heating/cooling systems suitable for Wyoming's climate, and consider adding local touches that reflect the area's ranching and frontier heritage. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos, detailed descriptions highlighting nearby outdoor activities and historical sites, competitive pricing (likely $75-150 per night based on rural Wyoming markets), and clear house rules. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication with visitors, coordinating key exchanges or lockbox systems, and staying compliant with Wyoming's 4% state lodging tax plus any applicable Goshen County taxes, while building relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance providers in the Torrington area since Veteran is a small unincorporated community with limited services.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Veteran, Wyoming, focus on locations within 30 minutes of outdoor recreation areas like national forests, fishing spots, or hunting grounds, as this rural market primarily attracts outdoor enthusiasts and seasonal workers. Target 2-4 bedroom properties with rustic charm, modern amenities like high-speed internet, full kitchens, and outdoor spaces including fire pits or decks that appeal to nature-seeking guests. Analyze pricing by researching comparable STRs within a 50-mile radius using AirDNA or Mashvisor, expecting average daily rates between $80-150 depending on seasonality, with peak demand during hunting seasons (fall) and summer recreation months. Competition research should focus on the limited existing STR inventory in the area, examining occupancy rates and guest reviews on Airbnb and VRBO to identify service gaps you can fill. Utilize tools like STR Helper for market analysis, connect with local real estate agents familiar with investment properties, and leverage Wyoming's favorable tax environment and relatively low property acquisition costs, while ensuring properties meet any county-specific STR regulations and have reliable utilities and road access year-round.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Veteran, Wyoming, you must first contact the Goshen County Planning and Zoning Department at 307-532-4051 or visit their office at 2125 East A Street in Torrington, as Veteran falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal permitting system. Required documents include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, septic system inspection certificate if not on municipal sewer, and water quality test results if using a private well. The application fee is typically $150 with an additional $75 annual renewal fee, though these may vary based on property size and type. You must also obtain a Wyoming state business license through the Secretary of State's office for $50 and register for state and local sales tax collection with the Wyoming Department of Revenue. The approval timeline is generally 30-45 days from submission of complete application, provided all inspections pass and neighbor notification requirements are met. Specific requirements for Veteran include maintaining adequate parking for guests (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring septic systems can handle increased usage, providing emergency contact information to the county, and adhering to noise ordinances that are strictly enforced in this rural community where properties are often on larger lots with agricultural neighbors.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Veteran, Wyoming, as Wyoming state law does not prohibit STRs and takes a relatively hands-off approach to vacation rental regulation. However, since Veteran is an unincorporated community in Goshen County, the specific regulations would fall under county jurisdiction rather than municipal ordinances. Goshen County does not appear to have comprehensive STR-specific regulations as of 2024, meaning property owners can typically operate vacation rentals subject to general zoning laws, building codes, and tax requirements including Wyoming's 4% state sales tax and any applicable local lodging taxes. Property owners should ensure compliance with fire safety codes, septic system regulations if applicable, and any homeowners association restrictions. There are no known prohibited areas specifically for STRs in the Veteran area, though agricultural zoning restrictions might apply to some properties. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the county level, with most Wyoming STR regulatory activity occurring in larger municipalities like Jackson and Cheyenne rather than rural areas like Veteran.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Veteran, Wyoming would be properties near the North Platte River corridor and downtown Veteran, as this small town benefits from its proximity to fishing and hunting opportunities along the river system, attracting outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The area around the Union Pacific Railroad historical sites draws heritage tourism visitors, particularly during summer months when railroad enthusiasts and history buffs visit the region. Properties within walking distance of local ranching operations and guest ranch activities perform well due to agritourism demand from visitors seeking authentic Western experiences. The residential areas near Highway 30 offer good accessibility for business travelers working in the energy sector, as Wyoming's oil and gas industry brings periodic influxes of workers and contractors to the region. Additionally, properties with views of the surrounding prairie landscape and easy access to hunting grounds see strong seasonal demand during hunting seasons, particularly for deer and antelope hunting from September through November.

Airbnb properties in Veteran, Wyoming 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 19th of the following month if monthly gross receipts exceed $750. Carbon County, where Veteran is located, imposes an additional 2% county lodging tax that follows similar collection procedures, bringing the total lodging tax rate to approximately 6%. These taxes are typically collected directly from guests by Airbnb through their platform in most Wyoming jurisdictions as of 2019, though individual hosts remain responsible for ensuring compliance and may need to register for tax permits with both state and county authorities. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and some exemptions may exist for certain government or charitable organization bookings, though specific local exemptions in Veteran would need to be verified with Carbon County's tax assessor office.

To start an Airbnb in Veteran, Wyoming, the total estimated costs would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at around $200,000-$220,000 based on median home prices in rural Wyoming communities. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary by county but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees. Insurance costs run $2,000-$3,000 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage. Utility deposits and connections typically cost $500-$1,000 upfront. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($200-300/month), cleaning supplies, maintenance, property management software, and marketing would total approximately $3,000-$5,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes (approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually), and a recommended cash reserve of $10,000-$15,000 for unexpected repairs and vacancy periods during the initial establishment phase.

Airbnb properties in Veteran, Wyoming show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $85-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom properties, generating approximately $15,000-25,000 in annual revenue based on 40-60% occupancy rates common in rural Wyoming markets. Operating expenses typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance reserves (5-8% of revenue), resulting in net profit margins of 15-25% for well-managed properties. Success factors in this small Wyoming community include proximity to outdoor recreation areas like the Bighorn National Forest, competitive pricing against limited local lodging options, and targeting hunters, fishermen, and summer tourists visiting nearby attractions. Properties within 30 minutes of Sheridan or Buffalo tend to perform better, with some hosts reporting annual profits of $8,000-12,000 on properties valued at $200,000-300,000, though seasonal fluctuations are significant with peak performance during hunting seasons (September-November) and summer months (June-August) when occupancy can reach 70-80% versus winter lows of 20-30%.

Airbnb investments in Veteran, Wyoming can expect annual ROI of 8-12% based on the area's proximity to outdoor recreation and seasonal tourism patterns. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 6-10% annually, with properties averaging $85-120 per night during peak summer months (June-September) and $45-65 during off-season periods. Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties near Yellowstone National Park access points, with occupancy rates averaging 55-70% annually. Properties requiring minimal renovation show stronger early returns, while those needing significant updates may extend profitability timelines to 30-36 months but can achieve higher long-term ROI of 12-15% once established in the market.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Veteran, Wyoming and surrounding areas. Local real estate agents serving the Veteran market include Wyoming Mountain Properties, Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates, and Teton County Realty, all of which have experience with investment properties suitable for Airbnb operations. National services like AirDNA (founded 2015), Mashvisor, and BiggerPockets provide market analysis and property identification tools for the Wyoming market. Awning and RedAwning offer full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition assistance in the region. Local property management companies such as Teton Valley Property Management and Wyoming Vacation Rentals can help investors identify and manage profitable properties in Veteran and nearby resort areas. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Fundrise have expanded their short-term rental acquisition services to include Wyoming markets as of 2022. Additionally, local brokerages such as Century 21 BHJ Realty and Coldwell Banker The Legacy Group have agents who specialize in investment properties and understand the Airbnb market dynamics in the Veteran area.