Is Wildwood, Missouri Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Wildwood, Missouri, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Wildwood Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with residential zoning restrictions that may limit rentals to primary residences or specific zones. Contact Wildwood City Hall at 636-458-0440 to verify current STR ordinances and apply for necessary permits, including a business license ($50-100 annually) and potentially a conditional use permit if required in your zoning district. Find a suitable property by searching areas near popular attractions like Babler Memorial State Park or Historic Main Street, ensuring the property meets city fire safety codes and has adequate parking as required by municipal regulations. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, and amenities while ensuring compliance with Wildwood's occupancy limits (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests) and installing required safety equipment like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to St. Louis attractions (30 minutes away), local hiking trails, and family-friendly amenities, setting competitive rates based on comparable properties in West County ($80-150/night average). Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, and ensuring compliance with Wildwood's noise ordinances and parking requirements while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and potential city inspections.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Wildwood, Missouri, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Hidden Valley Ski Resort and Babler Memorial State Park, as these drive year-round tourism, with properties near Highway 109 and Wild Horse Creek Road offering optimal accessibility. Target 3-4 bedroom homes built after 1990 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, and unique features such as wooded lots or creek access that capitalize on Wildwood's natural setting. Pricing analysis should benchmark against comparable STRs in nearby Chesterfield and Eureka, aiming for $150-250 per night depending on size and amenities, while analyzing seasonal demand patterns with peak periods during ski season (December-February) and summer months. Competition research reveals limited STR inventory compared to urban St. Louis areas, creating opportunity, but monitor new developments in West County suburbs that may increase supply. Utilize AirDNA and Mashvisor for market analytics specific to the 63005 and 63011 zip codes, leverage the St. Louis County property records database for acquisition targets, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with Wildwood's zoning regulations, as the city has specific ordinances governing short-term rentals that require proper permitting and compliance with residential district restrictions.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Wildwood, Missouri, you must first contact the City of Wildwood Planning Department at City Hall located at 16860 Main Street, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a conditional use permit. Begin by submitting an application for a conditional use permit to the Planning and Zoning Commission, which requires a completed application form, site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, and a detailed operational plan describing guest management procedures. The application fee is approximately $500-800, with additional fees for public notices and hearings. You must also register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for state tax collection and obtain a City of Wildwood business license from the City Clerk's office for an additional $25-50 fee. The property must comply with residential zoning requirements, maintain owner occupancy or local management within 30 minutes of the property, provide adequate parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), and meet all building and fire safety codes. The approval process typically takes 60-90 days, including a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission, and may require City Council approval depending on the specific zoning district, with final inspection required before operation can begin.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Wildwood, Missouri are generally permitted but subject to local zoning regulations and restrictions. The city of Wildwood, located in St. Louis County, allows STRs in certain residential zones but requires operators to obtain proper permits and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency egress requirements. STRs are typically prohibited in areas zoned exclusively for single-family residential use unless specifically permitted through conditional use permits. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced permit requirements to address neighborhood concerns about parking, noise, and property maintenance. Operators must register with the city, pay applicable fees, and ensure compliance with both local zoning codes and state tax collection requirements, with violations subject to fines and permit revocation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Wildwood, Missouri include the Pond Athletic Club vicinity and neighborhoods near Babler State Park, as these locations attract visitors for sports tournaments, outdoor recreation, and family gatherings throughout the year. The areas around Highway 109 and Manchester Road offer excellent accessibility for business travelers visiting nearby corporate offices and medical facilities in West County. Neighborhoods near the Wildwood Town Center and along the Meramec River provide appeal for tourists seeking shopping, dining, and scenic river activities. The residential areas close to Hidden Valley Ski Resort become particularly attractive during winter months for seasonal rentals. Properties near the numerous golf courses such as The Golf Club at Tapawingo draw golf enthusiasts year-round, while homes in the newer subdivisions off Clarkson Road attract families visiting the area for youth sports events and tournaments at local facilities.

Airbnb properties in Wildwood, Missouri are subject to Missouri state sales tax of 4.225% and St. Louis County sales tax of approximately 3.5-4%, totaling around 7.5-8.5% in combined sales tax on lodging rentals. The City of Wildwood does not impose a separate lodging or occupancy tax as of 2023. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests through their platform and remitted to the Missouri Department of Revenue quarterly, though individual hosts may need to register for a sales tax license if they handle their own tax collection. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these transient lodging taxes. Hosts should verify their tax obligations with the Missouri Department of Revenue and may need to file Form MO-1 for sales tax reporting, with remittance due by the 20th of the month following the end of each quarter.

Starting an Airbnb in Wildwood, Missouri requires approximately $450,000-$550,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $400,000 based on Wildwood's median home prices as of 2023. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property typically costs $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run approximately $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Missouri include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit if required by local ordinance ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees ($100-$300). Insurance costs for short-term rental coverage average $1,500-$2,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total approximately $1,000-$1,500. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($200/month), cleaning services ($100 per turnover, estimated 8 turnovers monthly), maintenance reserves ($300/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing expenses ($200/month) total approximately $6,600. Additional considerations include potential property improvements or renovations which could add $10,000-$30,000 depending on the property's condition and desired amenities to compete effectively in the Wildwood vacation rental market.

Airbnb properties in Wildwood, Missouri typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for single-family homes, with average daily rates ranging from $80-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$75 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties near Babler Memorial State Park and those featuring pools, hot tubs, or proximity to hiking trails command premium rates and achieve 65-75% occupancy rates compared to 45-55% for basic properties. Net profit margins typically range from 15-25% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts like those operating lakefront cabins near Rockwoods Reservation reporting annual profits of $8,000-$12,000 on properties generating $30,000+ in revenue. Key success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, strategic pricing during peak seasons (spring through fall), and targeting corporate travelers visiting nearby Chesterfield business districts. Properties within 30 minutes of Lambert-St. Louis International Airport perform particularly well, with some hosts achieving 80%+ occupancy by marketing to flight crews and business travelers, resulting in profit margins exceeding 20% when properly managed.

Airbnb investments in Wildwood, Missouri typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, based on average property acquisition costs of $250,000-$400,000 and nightly rates of $85-$150 during peak seasons. Properties in this St. Louis County suburb benefit from proximity to attractions like Hidden Valley Ski Resort and Six Flags St. Louis, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, factoring in renovation costs of $15,000-$30,000 for short-term rental optimization, monthly operating expenses of $800-$1,200, and average gross rental income of $35,000-$55,000 per year. The market shows particular strength during summer months and winter ski season, with properties near recreational areas and the Meramec River commanding premium rates and achieving the higher end of ROI projections.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Wildwood, Missouri. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Realty Partners and RE/MAX Results have agents experienced in investment properties and vacation rentals in the St. Louis metro area including Wildwood. Mashvisor and AirDNA provide market analysis and property search tools specifically for Airbnb investors, while BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals and resources. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors identify and manage profitable properties in the area. Local investment-focused agents at Coldwell Banker Gundaker and Century 21 Prestige often work with clients seeking vacation rental properties near popular attractions like Hidden Valley Ski Resort and the Missouri River. National services like Roofstock and HomeUnion also provide turnkey investment property solutions that may include suitable Airbnb properties in the Wildwood market, which benefits from its proximity to St. Louis attractions and outdoor recreation areas.