Is Westmoreland, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Westmoreland, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Pottawatomie County Planning Department and Westmoreland City Hall, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific zoning restrictions. Contact the city clerk's office to determine if you need a business license, occupancy permit, or special use permit for short-term rentals, and verify compliance with fire safety codes and building inspections. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with Westmoreland's market, focusing on properties near attractions like Tuttle Creek Lake or downtown areas, with typical investment properties ranging from $80,000-$150,000. Furnish the space with quality, durable furniture from retailers like Nebraska Furniture Mart in nearby Manhattan or online suppliers, ensuring you include essential amenities like Wi-Fi, kitchen appliances, linens, and local guidebooks. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting unique features and proximity to Kansas State University (30 minutes away) and local attractions, setting competitive rates based on similar properties in the region (typically $60-$120 per night). Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, maintaining the property regularly, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while potentially partnering with local cleaning services or property management companies in the Manhattan-Westmoreland area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Westmoreland, Kansas, focus on properties within walking distance of Tuttle Creek State Park and Lake, as outdoor recreation drives most tourism to this small town of approximately 800 residents. Target 2-3 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like fire pits, decks, or lake views, priced between $80,000-$150,000 for purchase. Analyze comparable STR rates in nearby Manhattan (20 miles south) where Kansas State University creates consistent demand, typically ranging $75-$125 per night, and expect Westmoreland rates 20-30% lower at $50-$90 nightly due to rural location. Research competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify the limited existing STR inventory (likely under 10 active listings), focusing on seasonal patterns around fishing seasons, hunting periods, and summer lake activities. Utilize local resources like the Pottawatomie County tourism board, Tuttle Creek State Park visitor data, and Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau statistics to understand demand drivers, while leveraging tools like BiggerPockets for investment analysis and STRHelper for revenue projections, keeping in mind that success depends heavily on marketing to Kansas City metro area residents (2 hours away) seeking weekend lake retreats.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Westmoreland, Kansas, contact the Westmoreland City Hall at 785-457-3358 or visit their office at 111 Main Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations and application procedures. You will likely need to submit a completed business license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental property, contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away, and payment for applicable fees which typically range from $50-150 annually. The city may require a fire safety inspection, compliance with zoning ordinances (ensuring the property is in an area that permits short-term rentals), adherence to occupancy limits based on square footage and bedrooms, provision of adequate parking spaces, and installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas. The application process generally takes 2-4 weeks for approval once all documents are submitted and any required inspections are completed. You must also register for and collect Kansas state sales tax through the Kansas Department of Revenue, obtain a Kansas business license if operating as a business entity, and ensure compliance with any homeowners association rules or deed restrictions that may prohibit short-term rentals.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Westmoreland, Kansas are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and state oversight. As a small city in Pottawatomie County, Westmoreland follows Kansas state law which allows municipalities to regulate STRs through zoning ordinances and business licensing requirements. The city likely requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and comply with residential zoning restrictions, though specific regulations may vary by property type and location within city limits. Kansas passed legislation around 2021-2022 that prevented municipalities from completely banning STRs while allowing reasonable regulations for health, safety, and zoning compliance. Westmoreland may restrict STRs in certain residential zones or require conditional use permits, and operators must typically comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Property owners should verify current local ordinances with Westmoreland city officials, as small Kansas municipalities have been updating their STR regulations following recent state legislative changes that balance property rights with community concerns.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Westmoreland, Kansas include the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's railroad heritage and proximity to Tuttle Creek State Park activities. The residential neighborhoods near Highway 99 offer convenient access for business travelers visiting the nearby Fort Riley military installation and Manhattan's Kansas State University, creating steady demand year-round. Areas close to the Westmoreland City Park and community center appeal to families attending local events like the annual Westmoreland Days festival and youth sports tournaments. The neighborhoods within walking distance of local restaurants and the historic depot museum provide authentic small-town experiences that urban visitors seek. Properties near the outskirts of town offer rural charm while maintaining easy access to Interstate 70 for travelers exploring the Flint Hills region, making them attractive for weekend getaways and outdoor enthusiasts visiting the nearby state parks and recreational areas.

Westmoreland, Kansas does not impose specific lodging or occupancy taxes at the municipal level as of 2024. However, Airbnb hosts in Westmoreland are subject to Kansas state sales tax of 6.5% on short-term rental income, which applies to stays of less than 28 consecutive days. Additionally, Pottawatomie County may impose a transient guest tax, though specific rates vary and should be verified with county authorities. Airbnb typically collects and remits state sales tax automatically for hosts through their platform in Kansas, but hosts remain responsible for ensuring compliance and may need to register for a Kansas sales tax permit if they exceed certain revenue thresholds. There are generally no exemptions for short-term rentals under 28 days, and hosts should also be aware that rental income is subject to federal and state income taxes. Collection occurs at the time of booking through Airbnb's system, with remittance handled quarterly by the platform to the Kansas Department of Revenue, though hosts should maintain records and verify that taxes are being properly collected and remitted.

To start an Airbnb in Westmoreland, Kansas, the total initial investment would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property completely would cost $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and licensing fees in Kansas typically run $500-$1,500 depending on local regulations and business registration requirements. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total around $1,000-$2,000. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($300/month), cleaning supplies and services ($200/month), maintenance reserves ($150/month), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO ($100/month), and marketing expenses ($100/month) would total approximately $5,100. Additional working capital of $5,000-$10,000 should be reserved for unexpected repairs, vacancy periods, and seasonal fluctuations in this small Kansas community.

Airbnb properties in Westmoreland, Kansas show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $18,000-28,000 in annual revenue assuming 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 ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-3,500 yearly). Net profit margins generally fall between 25-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in rural Kansas markets like Westmoreland achieving $8,000-12,000 annual profits per property. Success factors include proximity to Fort Riley military base (30 miles away), competitive pricing against limited hotel options, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and targeting military families, hunters, and travelers seeking authentic small-town experiences. Properties with unique features like historic charm, outdoor amenities, or farm stays command premium rates of $100-150 nightly, while basic rentals compete at $65-85 per night. The limited supply of accommodations in Westmoreland creates opportunities for hosts to capture demand from visitors to nearby attractions, business travelers, and extended-stay guests, though seasonal fluctuations and the small market size require careful financial planning and diversified marketing strategies.

Based on Westmoreland, 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 area. Properties near recreational areas like Tuttle Creek Lake or those serving travelers on Interstate 70 tend to perform better, with average daily rates of $75-120 and occupancy rates of 45-65% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses. The rural Kansas market benefits from lower property acquisition costs ($80,000-150,000 for suitable properties) but faces seasonal demand fluctuations, with peak performance during summer months and hunting seasons. Investors should expect gross rental yields of 10-15% before expenses, with net yields settling around 7-11% after property management, cleaning, utilities, and maintenance costs are factored in.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Westmoreland, Kansas. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors and RE/MAX Associates, both with offices serving Pottawatomie County since the early 2000s. National services like Awning (founded 2017), RedAwning Property Management, and Vacasa offer end-to-end Airbnb investment solutions including property identification, purchase assistance, and management services in the Kansas market. AirDNA provides market analytics and revenue projections for the Westmoreland area, while Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools covering Kansas markets since 2016. Local property management companies such as Flint Hills Property Management and Kansas Property Solutions assist investors with short-term rental operations, and national platforms like AvantStay and Lyric focus on identifying and optimizing Airbnb investments in emerging markets including smaller Kansas communities like Westmoreland.