Is Wilson, Wyoming Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Wilson, Wyoming, begin by researching Teton County's short-term rental regulations, which require a business license and compliance with zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Obtain necessary permits including a Teton County business license ($50-100 annually), Wyoming state sales tax permit, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and occupancy limits typically set at 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing in Wilson's limited housing market where median home prices range $800,000-$1.5 million, focusing on properties zoned for short-term rentals and considering proximity to Jackson Hole ski resort and Grand Teton National Park. Furnish the property with high-quality, durable furniture emphasizing rustic Wyoming charm, including essentials like linens, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and outdoor gear storage given the area's recreational focus. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photography highlighting mountain views and outdoor access, set competitive rates ($150-400/night depending on season and size), and emphasize proximity to skiing, hiking, and Jackson attractions. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, coordinating with local cleaning services like Jackson Hole Cleaning Company, implementing keyless entry systems, maintaining responsive guest communication, and ensuring compliance with Teton County's 10% lodging tax collection and remittance requirements while monitoring seasonal demand fluctuations that peak during ski season (December-March) and summer months (June-September).

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Wilson, Wyoming, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Teton Village, prioritizing properties with mountain or valley views and easy access to Highway 22. Target 3-4 bedroom homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, hot tubs, fireplaces, and ski storage, as these command premium rates of $300-600 per night during peak winter and summer seasons. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to track seasonal occupancy rates (typically 60-75% annually) and average daily rates, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO to identify gaps in luxury amenities or unique property features. Focus on properties priced between $800K-$1.5M that can generate 15-25% annual returns, utilizing local market data from Jackson Hole Sotheby's International Realty and Coldwell Banker, while leveraging STR-specific analytics tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms to monitor market saturation and identify underserved price points in this high-demand resort market that benefits from year-round tourism driven by skiing, hiking, and proximity to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Wilson, Wyoming, you must first contact the Teton County Planning Department at 200 South Willow Street in Jackson, Wyoming, as Wilson falls under Teton County jurisdiction. Submit a Conditional Use Permit application along with a site plan, floor plan showing the rental unit, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, septic system compliance certificate, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, and a good neighbor agreement outlining house rules and contact information for a local property manager available 24/7. The application fee is approximately $1,500 for the initial Conditional Use Permit, plus additional fees for inspections and processing totaling around $500-800. Required documents also include a business license from Wyoming Secretary of State ($100), liability insurance proof with minimum $1 million coverage, and compliance with International Building Code and fire safety requirements including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. The timeline typically takes 8-12 weeks from application submission to approval, including a public hearing before the Board of County Commissioners. Wilson-specific requirements include adherence to the rural residential character of the area, maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and septic capacity, quiet hours enforcement from 10 PM to 7 AM, and annual renewal of permits with updated documentation and fees of approximately $300-500.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Wilson, Wyoming, but operate under Teton County's comprehensive regulatory framework established in 2018 and updated through 2023. The county requires STR operators to obtain a conditional use permit, business license, and comply with occupancy limits typically capped at 10-12 guests depending on property size and septic capacity. Wilson falls within Teton County's jurisdiction where STRs face restrictions including mandatory parking requirements (typically 1 space per 4 guests), noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and prohibition in certain residential zones designated as R-1. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, while operators must provide 24/7 local contact information and maintain guest registries. Recent changes in 2022-2023 included stricter enforcement mechanisms, increased penalties for violations up to $1,000 per day, and enhanced neighbor complaint procedures. The regulations aim to balance tourism revenue with community livability concerns, as Wilson's proximity to Jackson Hole makes it a popular STR destination, though the county continues to monitor impacts on housing availability and neighborhood character.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Wilson, Wyoming are the Town of Wilson core area near Highway 22 and Fall Creek Road, which offers proximity to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Teton Village (approximately 10 minutes away), making it ideal for ski tourism during winter months and summer outdoor recreation visitors. The Fish Creek Road corridor provides excellent access to Grand Teton National Park's southern entrance while maintaining the rural Wyoming charm that attracts tourists seeking authentic western experiences. Properties near the Snake River and along West Bank areas capitalize on fly-fishing tourism, wildlife viewing, and river recreation activities that draw visitors year-round. The Aspens/Teton Pines vicinity, though slightly more upscale, attracts golf tourism during summer months and serves business travelers attending conferences at Jackson Lake Lodge and other regional venues. Wilson's strategic location as a less expensive alternative to Jackson proper, combined with its 15-minute proximity to Jackson Hole Airport, makes it attractive for visitors seeking luxury mountain experiences at relatively lower accommodation costs, while the area's growing reputation as an arts and culture hub with local galleries and the Center for the Arts draws cultural tourists throughout the year.

Wilson, Wyoming, located in Teton County, subjects Airbnb properties to a 6% Wyoming state lodging tax and a 3% Teton County lodging tax, totaling 9% on gross rental receipts. The state lodging tax applies to stays under 30 consecutive days, while the county tax applies to all short-term rentals. Airbnb typically collects and remits these taxes automatically for hosts through their platform since 2019, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. If not collected by Airbnb, hosts must register with the Wyoming Department of Revenue and Teton County Treasurer's office, file monthly returns by the 20th of the following month, and remit taxes collected. Exemptions include stays of 30 days or longer for state tax, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organizations. Hosts must maintain detailed records of all bookings, tax collected, and guest information for at least three years, and properties may also be subject to local business licensing requirements in the Town of Jackson if the rental activity constitutes a business operation.

To start an Airbnb in Wilson, Wyoming, expect total costs around $1,850,000-$2,100,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $1,600,000-$1,800,000 for a median-priced home in this luxury Jackson Hole area market as of 2024. Furnishing costs typically run $25,000-$40,000 for a complete mountain-style setup including furniture, linens, kitchen supplies, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials average $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees in Teton County include business license ($150), short-term rental permit ($500-$1,000), and potential HOA approval fees totaling $1,000-$2,000. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $3,000-$5,000 annually, with commercial liability coverage recommended. Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $400-$600 monthly in Wyoming's climate. First six months operating costs encompass utilities ($2,400-$3,600), cleaning services ($3,000-$4,500), property management if outsourced (20-30% of revenue), maintenance reserves ($2,000-$3,000), supplies and amenities ($1,500-$2,500), and marketing expenses ($1,000-$2,000), totaling approximately $15,000-$25,000 for initial operations.

Airbnb properties in Wilson, Wyoming demonstrate strong profitability potential due to the area's proximity to Jackson Hole ski resort and Grand Teton National Park, with average nightly rates ranging from $200-500 during peak winter and summer seasons. Properties typically generate $60,000-120,000 in annual revenue, while expenses including mortgage, utilities, cleaning, maintenance, and property management fees average $35,000-70,000 annually, resulting in profit margins of 25-45% for well-managed properties. Success factors include luxury amenities like hot tubs and mountain views, professional photography, dynamic pricing strategies, and maintaining high guest ratings above 4.8 stars. A typical 3-bedroom cabin purchased for $800,000 in 2021 generated approximately $95,000 in revenue with $55,000 in expenses, yielding a 5% cash-on-cash return plus property appreciation of 8-12% annually. Properties within walking distance to ski lifts or offering unique experiences like wildlife viewing perform 30-40% better than standard rentals, while those lacking proper winterization or reliable internet struggle with occupancy rates below 60% compared to the market average of 75-80%.

Airbnb investments in Wilson, Wyoming typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% due to the area's proximity to Jackson Hole ski resort and Grand Teton National Park, with peak winter and summer tourist seasons driving occupancy rates of 65-75%. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $400-800 per night during peak seasons (December-March and June-September) and $150-300 during shoulder periods. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties near Teton Village or with mountain views, though the high property acquisition costs ($800K-$2M+ for suitable vacation rentals) require substantial initial investment. Properties like luxury cabins or ski-in/ski-out condos managed through companies like Jackson Hole Property Management or RedAwning have shown consistent performance since 2019, with some investors achieving 20%+ returns during peak COVID-era travel rebounds in 2021-2022, though current market conditions suggest more conservative 10-15% annual returns are realistic for new investments entering the Wilson market in 2024.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Wilson, Wyoming. Local real estate agents like Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates and Teton Village Realty have extensive knowledge of Wilson's vacation rental market and zoning regulations. Compass Real Estate and Sotheby's International Realty Jackson Hole also serve the area with agents experienced in investment properties. National services include Awning, which provides market analysis and property management for Airbnb investments, and Mashvisor, offering data-driven property analysis for short-term rentals. AirDNA provides market research and revenue projections specific to Wilson and the greater Jackson Hole area. Local property management companies like Jackson Hole Property Management and Teton County Property Services can assist with both acquisition advice and ongoing management. RedAwning and Vacasa also operate in the region, offering insights into profitable vacation rental opportunities. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and BiggerPockets' marketplace occasionally feature Wilson properties, while local mortgage brokers like First Federal Savings and Loan understand the unique financing requirements for vacation rental investments in this high-end Wyoming market.