Is Winona, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Winona, Kansas, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Logan County's planning department, as Winona typically falls under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations, though you should verify if the city has specific ordinances requiring business licenses or permits. Contact Logan County Clerk's office at (785) 672-4244 to inquire about any required permits, business licenses, or occupancy certificates needed for short-term rentals. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like United Country Real Estate or local agents familiar with Winona's market, focusing on properties near Highway 25 or with easy access for travelers, as Winona serves as a stop along scenic western Kansas routes. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, basic kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and local information about nearby attractions like the Winona area's historic sites and outdoor activities. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos emphasizing the rural Kansas experience, mentioning proximity to Monument Rocks (about 45 minutes away) and other western Kansas attractions, pricing competitively with similar rural properties in the $50-80 per night range. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, and considering hiring local cleaning services from nearby towns like Scott City or Oakley if needed, while ensuring you comply with Kansas state tax requirements for short-term rental income reporting.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Winona, Kansas, focus on properties within walking distance of Winona State Lake and recreational areas, as these drive tourism demand in this small community of approximately 150 residents. Target 2-3 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with outdoor amenities like fire pits, fishing access, or lake views, priced between $80,000-$150,000 given the rural market. Analyze comparable nightly rates on Airbnb and VRBO for similar properties within a 20-mile radius, typically ranging $75-$125 per night during peak fishing and hunting seasons (spring through fall). Research competition by monitoring existing STR listings in Logan County and nearby areas, noting that limited inventory creates opportunity but also indicates smaller demand. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for investment calculations, and local resources including the Logan County Economic Development office and Winona Lake Association for tourism trends, while connecting with Prairie Land Electric Cooperative and local internet providers to ensure properties have adequate utilities and high-speed internet essential for remote-working guests seeking rural retreats.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Winona, Kansas, contact the Winona City Clerk's office at City Hall located at 115 Main Street or call (785) 846-7651 to begin 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 $150 application fee plus $75 annual renewal fee. The application process generally takes 2-4 weeks for approval once all documents are submitted. Winona-specific requirements include maintaining occupancy limits of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate parking spaces (minimum 1 space per bedroom), ensuring compliance with residential zoning restrictions, maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and displaying the permit number in all online listings. Properties must pass a basic safety inspection covering smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit routes before permit issuance.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Winona, Kansas are generally legal as the small rural community in Logan County does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting or heavily regulating STR operations as of 2024. Kansas state law allows local municipalities to regulate STRs, but many smaller towns like Winona have not enacted comprehensive STR regulations, meaning property owners can typically operate vacation rentals under existing zoning and business licensing requirements. The city may require basic business licenses or permits, and operators must comply with standard property maintenance codes, fire safety regulations, and collect applicable state and local taxes including Kansas sales tax. There are no known prohibited areas specifically for STRs within Winona's city limits, though standard residential zoning restrictions may apply. Recent legal changes have been minimal at the local level, with most regulatory activity occurring in larger Kansas cities like Lawrence, Overland Park, and Wichita rather than in small rural communities, leaving Winona's STR market relatively unencumbered by specific short-term rental legislation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Winona, Kansas would be the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's railroad heritage and vintage architecture from the early 1900s. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of Winona Lake offer seasonal appeal for fishing and outdoor recreation enthusiasts, particularly during spring and summer months. Properties near the grain elevator and agricultural facilities could serve business travelers and agricultural consultants visiting local farming operations, as Winona sits in prime wheat country. The area around the old Santa Fe Railroad depot, though the structure may no longer be active, still draws railroad history buffs and photographers interested in Kansas prairie town heritage. Given Winona's small size (population under 200), properties that offer authentic rural Kansas experiences with easy access to US Highway 40 would appeal to cross-country travelers seeking unique overnight stops between major cities, capitalizing on the growing trend of experiential travel in small American towns.

Airbnb properties in Winona, Kansas are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax of 6% on gross rental receipts, which is collected by the Kansas Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by hosts who exceed $1,000 in annual rental income. Additionally, hosts must collect the standard Kansas sales tax of 6.5% on short-term rental accommodations. At the local level, Winona may impose a city transient guest tax of approximately 2-4%, though specific rates should be verified with Logan County or city officials as rural Kansas municipalities have varying local tax structures. Collection typically occurs through the booking platform for larger operators or directly by individual hosts, with quarterly remittance to local authorities required. Exemptions generally apply to rentals exceeding 28 consecutive days, rentals to permanent residents, and properties rented fewer than 3 times per year, though hosts must maintain detailed records and register with both state and local tax authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable lodging taxes.

To start an Airbnb in Winona, Kansas, the total estimated costs would be approximately $85,000-$95,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at around $65,000-$75,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities. Furnishing costs would range $8,000-$12,000 to outfit a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and electronics from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and Amazon. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would cost $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees would total approximately $500-$800. 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 require $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), platform fees (3% of bookings estimated at $150/month), and marketing would total approximately $6,300-$7,500, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 40-50% during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Winona, Kansas face significant profitability challenges due to the town's small population of approximately 150 residents and limited tourist attractions, resulting in extremely low occupancy rates of 10-15% annually and average nightly rates of $45-65. A typical 2-bedroom property generates roughly $2,400-3,600 in annual revenue while incurring expenses of $8,000-12,000 including mortgage payments ($600-800/month), property taxes ($1,200-1,800/year), insurance ($800-1,200/year), utilities ($150-200/month), and maintenance costs ($100-150/month), resulting in negative profit margins of -60% to -80%. Success factors are virtually non-existent in this rural market, with properties primarily serving occasional hunters during pheasant season or travelers passing through on Highway 40, making short-term rental investments financially unviable compared to traditional long-term rentals which could generate $400-600 monthly with 90%+ occupancy rates. The few existing Airbnb properties in nearby larger Kansas towns like Colby or Goodland perform marginally better with 25-35% occupancy rates, but Winona's remote location 30 miles from any significant amenities makes it one of the least profitable Airbnb markets in Kansas.

Based on Winona, Kansas market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and occupancy rates. Properties in this rural Kansas market generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with average nightly rates of $75-$110 and occupancy rates of 45-60% annually. The lower property acquisition costs in Winona (average $80,000-$150,000) help offset the moderate demand from travelers visiting nearby attractions and business travelers, though seasonal fluctuations impact performance with stronger bookings during spring and summer months. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 8-10 years, with gross rental yields averaging 10-14% before expenses, making it a moderate-return market compared to larger Kansas cities or tourist destinations.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research services. In Winona, Kansas, local real estate agents like those at Century 21 and Coldwell Banker have experience with investment properties, while RE/MAX agents often work with out-of-state investors seeking vacation rental opportunities. National services include Mashvisor (founded 2014), which provides Airbnb profitability analysis, and AirDNA (established 2015), offering short-term rental market data and investment insights. Roofstock (2015) specializes in turnkey rental properties including STR-ready homes, while BiggerPockets connects investors with local Kansas real estate professionals experienced in vacation rental investments. Local property management companies like Kansas Property Solutions and Midwest Rental Management can assist with Airbnb operations, and national firms such as RedAwning and Vacasa provide full-service short-term rental management. Real estate investment companies like HomeVestors and local Kansas investment groups often have properties suitable for Airbnb conversion, while platforms like Roofstock and Fundrise offer additional investment opportunities in the Kansas market.