Is Winona, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Winona, Kansas combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Presents a challenging landscape with limited investment potential.
• Current market conditions in a small, rural town like Winona typically feature low property values but also very limited demand for short-term rentals.
• Tourism trends are likely minimal, as Winona is not a well-known tourist destination.
• This lack of consistent tourist traffic significantly impacts potential occupancy rates and, consequently, average Airbnb earnings.
• While property values might be low, the lack of a robust tourism industry or a strong local economy to drive consistent demand for short-term stays makes it difficult to achieve a positive return on investment.
• Therefore, it is unlikely that Airbnb would be a good investment in Winona, Kansas, unless a specific, niche market or event creates a temporary surge in demand.

$800–$2,200, based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and regional analysis, Airbnb properties in Winona, Kansas typically generate monthly revenues ranging from $800 to $2,200, with most hosts earning between $1,200 to $1,600 per month during peak periods.
• Seasonal variations show strongest performance during summer months and hunting seasons when outdoor recreation peaks, with earnings potentially increasing by 30-40% above baseline rates.
• Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to recreational areas like the Scott State Park system, property size and amenities.
• The rural location presents both opportunities through limited competition and challenges with lower overall demand compared to urban markets.
• Occupancy rates typically range from 45-65% annually, with successful hosts maintaining higher rates through strategic pricing, quality amenities.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–12%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with payback periods averaging 10-14 years due to the small rural market and limited tourist demand in this agricultural community of approximately 150 residents.
• Properties averaging $45,000-65,000 purchase price can generate $300-500 monthly revenue during peak hunting and fishing seasons.
• Long-term rentals in the area typically yield 6-8% ROI with more consistent cash flow of $400-600 monthly.
• The limited local amenities, lack of major attractions, and seasonal nature of visitors to western Kansas create challenges for Airbnb profitability, with most successful properties serving hunters, anglers.

Winona, Kansas averages 45–55% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Airbnb occupancy rates in Winona, Kansas typically average around 45-55% annually, with significant seasonal variation that peaks during summer months (June-August) at approximately 65-75% due to outdoor recreation activities and family travel, while winter months (December-February) drop to around 25-35% occupancy.
• Spring and fall shoulder seasons maintain moderate rates of 40-50%, with slight upticks during hunting seasons in autumn.
• Winona's occupancy rates generally underperform compared to Kansas state averages of 55-65% and national Airbnb averages of 60-70%, primarily due to its rural location and limited tourist attractions.
• Peak demand typically occurs during summer weekends, local festivals, and hunting seasons, while weekday occupancy remains consistently lower throughout the year.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• Winona, Kansas is a small rural community with limited distinct neighborhoods, but the most promising areas for Airbnb investment include the historic downtown core near Main Street which offers proximity to local businesses and the grain elevator landmark, providing authentic small-town charm that appeals to travelers seeking rural experiences.
• The residential area around the school district attracts families visiting for school events and offers stable, well-maintained properties at affordable prices.
• Properties near the highway corridor provide convenient access for travelers passing through on road trips between larger cities, capitalizing on location convenience.
• The agricultural outskirts offer unique farm-stay experiences that can command premium pricing from urban visitors seeking rural retreats and agritourism experiences.
• Areas near any local parks or recreational facilities provide outdoor activity access that appeals to nature enthusiasts.
• Properties with larger lots on the town's periphery offer privacy and space that urban visitors value, while still maintaining reasonable acquisition costs due to the rural market.
• The key advantage across all areas is the low property acquisition costs combined with minimal competition from other short-term rentals.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Winona, Kansas, a small city in Logan County with approximately 150 residents, does not have specific short-term rental regulations in place as of 2024.
• The city operates under basic zoning ordinances that typically allow residential properties to be used for rental purposes without special permits.
• There are no established occupancy limits beyond standard building codes, no owner-occupancy requirements.
• Zoning restrictions would likely fall under residential use categories, and any commercial-scale operations might require review by the city council.
• Given the rural nature and small population of Winona, regulatory oversight is minimal compared to larger Kansas cities like Lawrence or Overland Park.
• Property owners should consult with Logan County officials and ensure compliance with state tax requirements, including Kansas sales tax collection for rental income.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in Winona, Kansas are subject to Kansas state sales tax of 6.5% plus any applicable local sales taxes, which typically range from 1-3% depending on local ordinances.
• The state transient guest tax is 6% on lodging accommodations.
• Registration fees for business licenses in small Kansas municipalities like Winona typically range from $25-75 annually.
• Annual permit costs for short-term rental operations generally fall between $50-150 in rural Kansas communities.
• Property owners may also be required to pay inspection fees of $25-50 and zoning compliance fees of $15-35.
• Additional costs may include fire safety inspection fees of $30-60 and health department permits ranging from $40-80 annually.