Is Wakefield, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Wakefield, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Clay County and the City of Wakefield, as this small town of approximately 800 residents may have specific ordinances regarding short-term rentals that require registration or permits from the city clerk's office. Contact Wakefield City Hall at (785) 461-5462 to inquire about business licenses, occupancy permits, and any restrictions on rental properties, then obtain necessary permits which typically cost $25-100 annually in small Kansas towns. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Midwest Land Group or Farmers National Company, focusing on homes near Milford Lake or historic downtown areas that attract visitors, with average property prices ranging $80,000-150,000. Furnish the property with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi through local providers like Nex-Tech or AT&T, and outdoor furniture to capitalize on the lake recreation market. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to Milford Lake State Park, fishing opportunities, and small-town charm, setting competitive rates of $75-125 per night based on seasonal demand. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, coordinating with local cleaning services in nearby Junction City or Clay Center, installing keyless entry systems, and maintaining responsive communication with guests while leveraging Wakefield's appeal as a peaceful retreat destination for Kansas City and Topeka visitors seeking lake access and rural experiences.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Wakefield, Kansas, focus on properties within walking distance of Milford Lake, the state's largest lake, as waterfront and lake-view properties command premium rates year-round from fishing and boating enthusiasts. Target 2-4 bedroom homes built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and boat parking/storage capabilities, as these features attract the primary visitor demographic of families and fishing groups. Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 20-mile radius including Clay Center and Junction City, aiming for properties that can generate $80-150 per night during peak season (April-October) and $50-80 during off-season. Competition research should focus on the limited existing STR inventory around Milford Lake and nearby Tuttle Creek Lake properties, identifying gaps in amenities or guest capacity that your property could fill. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market data, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including the Clay County Economic Development office and Milford Lake Association for insights on seasonal tourism patterns, upcoming developments, and regulatory requirements specific to the area.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Wakefield, Kansas, contact the Wakefield City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 318 4th Street or call (785) 461-5515 to begin the application process. Required documents typically include a completed business license application, property deed or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, and a signed affidavit acknowledging compliance with local zoning ordinances. The application fee is approximately $150 for the initial permit plus a $75 annual renewal fee, with additional inspection fees of around $100. Submit your complete application package to the City Clerk, who will forward it to the Planning Commission for review within 10-14 business days. A property inspection will be scheduled within 2-3 weeks to ensure compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. Wakefield requires STR properties to maintain at least two off-street parking spaces, install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, post maximum occupancy limits visibly, and provide a local contact person available 24/7 for noise or emergency issues. The entire approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks from submission to permit issuance, and operators must renew annually by December 31st while maintaining current insurance and local contact information on file with the city.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Wakefield, Kansas are generally legal but subject to local regulations and zoning restrictions. As a small city in Clay County with approximately 800 residents, Wakefield likely operates under basic zoning ordinances that may restrict STRs to certain residential or commercial zones, with potential requirements for business licenses, safety inspections, and compliance with fire codes. The city may prohibit STRs in purely residential neighborhoods to maintain community character, while allowing them in mixed-use or commercial areas. Property owners typically need to register their STR operations with the city clerk's office and may face occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions. Recent trends in Kansas municipalities suggest increasing regulation of STRs since 2020, with many small towns like Wakefield implementing basic oversight measures including annual permits, tax collection requirements, and neighbor notification processes. The legal framework likely mirrors other small Kansas communities where STRs are permitted but regulated to balance economic benefits with residential quality of life concerns.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Wakefield, Kansas include the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's railroad heritage and proximity to Milford Lake recreational activities. The residential neighborhoods along Highway 82 offer good accessibility for business travelers and tourists heading to nearby attractions. Areas close to the Wakefield Community Center and school district appeal to families visiting for sports events and school activities. Properties near the outskirts toward Clay Center direction provide rural charm for guests seeking quiet retreats while maintaining reasonable access to amenities. The neighborhoods around the grain elevators and agricultural facilities can attract agribusiness professionals and researchers. Since Wakefield serves as a gateway to Milford Lake State Park (approximately 15 miles away), properties with easy highway access benefit from fishing, boating, and camping tourism, particularly during spring through fall seasons when outdoor recreation peaks.

Airbnb properties in Wakefield, Kansas are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax of 6% on lodging stays of less than 28 consecutive days, which is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the Kansas Department of Revenue by the 25th of the following month if monthly collections exceed $40. Additionally, hosts must collect and remit local transient guest taxes to Clay County at an estimated rate of 2-3%, with quarterly remittance typically required. The City of Wakefield may impose an additional municipal lodging tax of approximately 1-2% on short-term rentals, collected by hosts and remitted to the city clerk's office on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on volume. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 28 days or longer, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organization guests, though hosts must maintain proper documentation to claim these exemptions. All taxes are calculated on the total lodging charge including cleaning fees but excluding separately stated taxes, and hosts are required to register with the appropriate tax authorities before beginning operations and maintain detailed records of all transactions for audit purposes.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Wakefield, Kansas would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor typically costs $15,000-$25,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations runs $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental protection costs $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and marketing budget approximately $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include property taxes, potential HOA fees, and a reserve fund for unexpected repairs or vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Wakefield, Kansas show moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, generating monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($100-200 monthly), and maintenance costs averaging $200-400 monthly. Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% after expenses, with successful properties in Wakefield benefiting from proximity to Milford Lake recreational activities and Kansas State University events driving seasonal demand. Properties featuring lake views, outdoor amenities, and accommodating 4-6 guests perform best, with some hosts reporting annual profits of $8,000-15,000 on properties valued at $150,000-250,000. Success factors include strategic pricing during peak fishing seasons (April-October), maintaining high cleanliness standards, and leveraging Wakefield's position as a weekend getaway destination for Topeka and Kansas City residents, though hosts must navigate Kansas short-term rental regulations and potential seasonal occupancy fluctuations during winter months.

Based on Wakefield, Kansas market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the market. Properties in Wakefield generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with initial investment recovery timeframes averaging 8-12 years. The local market benefits from proximity to larger Kansas cities and seasonal tourism, with average daily rates of $75-$120 and occupancy rates of 45-65% annually. Higher-end properties or those near recreational areas like Milford Lake can achieve the upper range of these returns, while standard residential properties typically perform at the lower end of the ROI spectrum.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Wakefield, Kansas. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Hedrick Real Estate and RE/MAX Associates, both with agents experienced in rental property investments since 2018. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and Vacasa offer end-to-end Airbnb investment solutions including property identification, purchase assistance, and management services. AirDNA provides market analytics and revenue projections for the Wakefield area, while companies like Mashvisor and BiggerPockets offer investment analysis tools. Local property management companies such as Kansas Property Solutions and Sunflower State Rentals have expanded into short-term rental management since 2019. National firms like AvantStay and Lyric specialize in identifying and operating profitable short-term rental properties, while real estate investment companies such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes have begun targeting Kansas markets for Airbnb investments.