Is Wilson, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Wilson, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Wilson County and the City of Wilson, as Kansas generally allows short-term rentals but municipalities may have specific requirements including business licenses, occupancy permits, and tax registration with the Kansas Department of Revenue for state sales tax collection. Obtain necessary permits by contacting Wilson City Hall for a business license and checking if a special use permit is required for short-term rentals, while also registering for Kansas sales tax and potentially Wilson County lodging taxes. Find a suitable property by researching Wilson's small-town market demand, focusing on properties near local attractions like Wilson Lake or historic downtown areas, considering purchase prices typically ranging from $30,000-$80,000 for modest homes in this rural community of approximately 800 residents. Furnish the property with essential amenities including reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable bedding, basic kitchen supplies, and local information about Wilson Lake recreational activities, keeping in mind the area attracts visitors for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, highlighting Wilson's proximity to Wilson State Park and peaceful small-town atmosphere, setting competitive rates likely between $60-$120 per night based on rural Kansas market conditions. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, coordinating with local cleaning services in nearby Ellsworth or Russell if needed, maintaining responsive guest communication, and ensuring compliance with Kansas health and safety standards while building relationships with Wilson's small business community for guest recommendations and support services.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Wilson, Kansas, focus on properties within walking distance of Wilson Lake and Wilson State Park, as these attract the majority of visitors seeking fishing, boating, and camping experiences. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or cabins with lake views, outdoor amenities like fire pits or grills, and adequate parking for boats and trailers, as properties with these features can command $80-150 per night compared to $50-80 for standard homes. Analyze pricing by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 10-mile radius, noting that peak season (May-September) rates are typically 40-60% higher than off-season rates. Research competition by identifying the 15-20 existing STR properties in the area, focusing on their occupancy rates, guest reviews, and amenities offered through tools like AirDNA or Mashvisor. Utilize the Russell County Appraiser's office for property values, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for visitor statistics to Wilson Lake, and local real estate agents familiar with lakefront properties, while ensuring compliance with Russell County's zoning regulations and any STR licensing requirements that may apply to properties operating as commercial accommodations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Wilson, Kansas, contact the Wilson City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 2120 Avenue D, Wilson, KS 67490, or call (785) 658-2262 to initiate the application process. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, emergency contact information for a local representative within 30 miles, and a $100-150 application fee payable to the City of Wilson. Submit a site plan showing parking areas, trash collection points, and property boundaries, along with proof of compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits based on square footage (generally 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional). The application review process takes approximately 4-6 weeks, during which city staff will conduct a property inspection to verify compliance with zoning regulations, building codes, and safety requirements. Wilson requires STR operators to maintain a guest registry, post house rules including quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 7 AM), provide adequate parking (minimum 1 space per bedroom), and ensure proper waste management with designated collection areas. Annual renewal is required with a $75-100 renewal fee, and operators must maintain current business license and sales tax registration with the Kansas Department of Revenue for collecting and remitting applicable taxes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Wilson, Kansas are generally legal as the city does not have specific ordinances prohibiting them, operating under Kansas state law which allows property owners to rent their properties for short periods. Wilson, a small city in Ellsworth County with approximately 800 residents, has not enacted comprehensive STR regulations like larger Kansas cities such as Wichita or Lawrence. Property owners must still comply with basic zoning requirements, obtain necessary business licenses, collect and remit state and local taxes including Kansas sales tax at 6.5% plus local taxes, and ensure properties meet health and safety standards. There are no specific prohibited areas designated for STRs in Wilson, though properties must conform to existing residential or commercial zoning classifications. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, though Kansas passed legislation in 2021 (HB 2001) that prevents municipalities from completely banning STRs while allowing reasonable regulations. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance with Wilson's city clerk and ensure proper registration with the Kansas Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes, as enforcement of tax obligations has increased statewide since 2020.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Wilson, Kansas include the downtown historic district near the Midland Railroad Hotel and Czech Opera House, which attracts heritage tourists and visitors to cultural events throughout the year. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of Wilson Lake, particularly along the north shore area, offer strong potential due to fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and summer recreation visitors who prefer lakefront or lake-view accommodations. Properties near the Wilson State Park entrance and camping areas capture overflow demand from campers seeking upgraded lodging and families wanting amenities while staying close to outdoor activities. The area around Post Rock Scenic Byway and the historic limestone post rock formations draws geology enthusiasts and road trip travelers exploring Kansas's unique landscape features. Additionally, properties within a few blocks of the main commercial strip along Avenue D benefit from business travelers visiting local agricultural operations, as Wilson serves as a regional hub for farming and ranching activities in Russell County, with peak demand during harvest seasons and agricultural conferences.

Wilson, Kansas imposes a transient guest tax of approximately 6% on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnb properties, which applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days. This tax is collected directly from guests at the time of booking or check-in by the property owner or host, who must register with the Wilson County Clerk's office and obtain a transient guest tax permit. Remittance is required monthly by the 20th of the following month using forms provided by the county, with payments submitted along with detailed occupancy reports. The tax applies to the total rental amount including cleaning fees but excludes applicable state and local sales taxes. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are exempt from this transient tax, as are accommodations provided to permanent residents or those staying for medical treatment at local healthcare facilities. Additionally, Kansas state sales tax of 6.5% applies to short-term rentals, and Wilson may impose an additional local sales tax of up to 2%, bringing the total tax burden on Airbnb stays to approximately 14.5% when combining occupancy and sales taxes.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Wilson, Kansas would be approximately $85,000-$95,000. Property purchase costs around $65,000 based on the median home price in rural Kansas towns like Wilson. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $8,000-$12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and basic appliances. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration would total $300-$500. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would cost $1,200-$1,800 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable would be $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600), cleaning supplies ($200), maintenance reserves ($500), marketing ($300), and platform fees on estimated bookings ($400) would total approximately $2,000. Additional considerations include property taxes of roughly $800-$1,200 annually and potential HOA fees if applicable.

Airbnb properties in Wilson, Kansas, a small town with approximately 800 residents, face significant profitability challenges due to limited tourism demand and low nightly rates typically ranging from $40-80. Properties in Wilson generally generate annual revenues of $3,000-8,000, while expenses including mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance, cleaning fees, and Airbnb's 3% host fee often total $4,000-12,000 annually, resulting in negative to marginal profit margins of -20% to 15%. Success factors for the few profitable properties include targeting niche markets such as hunters during pheasant season, business travelers visiting nearby oil fields, or travelers seeking authentic small-town experiences, with properties featuring unique amenities like outdoor spaces or historical significance performing better. The Wilson Opera House area properties have shown slightly higher occupancy rates of 25-35% compared to the town average of 15-25%, but the limited population base of 800 residents and minimal tourist attractions make it difficult to achieve the 60-70% occupancy rates needed for strong profitability that larger Kansas cities like Wichita or Lawrence experience.

Based on Wilson, 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 initial investment. Single-family homes in Wilson averaging $80,000-120,000 purchase price can expect gross rental yields of 12-18% annually, with net returns settling around 8-11% after expenses including property management, utilities, maintenance, and local taxes. Properties generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with break-even occurring around month 14-20 for well-positioned rentals near Wilson Lake and recreational areas. Higher-end properties ($150,000+) may see slightly lower percentage returns at 7-9% ROI but offer more stable occupancy rates, while budget properties under $80,000 can achieve 10-14% returns but may require more active management and have higher vacancy risks during off-peak seasons.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Wilson, Kansas. Local real estate agents in the area include Wilson County Realty and Central Kansas Properties, which have experience with investment properties and vacation rental markets. Awning, a national service founded in 2017, provides comprehensive Airbnb investment analysis and property management services for small markets like Wilson. RedAwning offers property sourcing and management services for short-term rental investors nationwide, including rural Kansas markets. Local property management companies such as Heartland Property Management and Kansas Investment Properties can assist with finding suitable properties and ongoing management. BiggerPockets, established in 2004, provides networking and resources for real estate investors, including those interested in Airbnb properties in smaller Kansas towns. Mashvisor offers data-driven property analysis tools that can help identify profitable rental opportunities in Wilson and surrounding areas. Local banks like First National Bank of Wilson and Central National Bank provide financing options specifically for investment properties, while national lenders like Lima One Capital specialize in short-term rental property loans for investors targeting markets like Wilson, Kansas.