Is Woodbine, Kansas Good for Airbnb Investment?

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Woodbine, Kansas market research

Woodbine, Kansas Airbnb Investment Overview

$800–$2,200,Typical monthly host earnings
8–12%Typical annual ROI
45–55%Average annual occupancy
VariesCombined taxes and local fees
Investment

Is Airbnb a Good Investment in Woodbine, Kansas?

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

  • Presents a unique opportunity, particularly given its rural charm and appeal to guests seeking authentic Midwest experiences or those participating in outdoor recreation.
  • While detailed current market conditions for Woodbine specifically are limited, the average Airbnb earnings typically range from $800 to $2,200 monthly.
  • The market experiences seasonal variations, with peak earnings in summer and during hunting seasons in the fall, which can see revenues increase by 25-40%.
  • Property values in a smaller, rural market like Woodbine are generally more affordable compared to urban centers, which could translate to a lower initial investment.
  • However, the relatively small market size leads to average occupancy rates of around 45-60% annually.
  • Success in Woodbine will depend on strategic pricing, excellent property condition, and responsive hosting to cater to a niche market.
Earnings

How Much Does an Average Airbnb Earn in Woodbine?

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

  • Based on available market data and regional analysis, Airbnb properties in Woodbine, Kansas typically generate monthly revenues ranging from $800 to $2,200, with most hosts earning between $1,200 to $1,600 per month depending on property size and amenities.
  • Seasonal variations show peak earnings during summer months when outdoor recreation activities increase, with revenues potentially rising 25-40% above baseline during June through August.
  • Properties near Woodbine's recreational areas and those offering unique rural experiences or accommodating larger groups tend to perform better, with factors such as proximity to local attractions.
  • The relatively small market size in this rural Kansas community means occupancy rates average around 45-60% annually.
ROI Analysis

Airbnb Return on Investment in Woodbine

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 170 residents.
  • Properties averaging $85,000-$120,000 can expect gross rental income of $8,000-$12,000 annually with occupancy rates around 35-45%.
  • Long-term rentals in Woodbine generally outperform short-term rentals with more stable 10-15% ROI and 8-10 year payback periods.
  • The market faces constraints from low tourism infrastructure, seasonal agricultural visitor patterns, and competition from nearby larger towns.
Occupancy Rate

Average Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Woodbine

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

  • Airbnb occupancy rates in Woodbine, Kansas typically average around 45-55% annually, with significant seasonal variations that peak during summer months (June-August) at approximately 65-75% due to outdoor recreation activities and lake tourism in the region.
  • Spring and fall months see moderate occupancy rates of 50-60%, while winter months drop to 25-35% as rural Kansas experiences reduced tourism activity.
  • Peak seasons align with local events, fishing seasons, and summer vacation periods when families visit the area's natural attractions.
  • Compared to Kansas state averages of approximately 55-65% and national Airbnb averages of 60-70%, Woodbine performs slightly below due to its small rural market size and limited year-round attractions.
Best Neighborhoods

Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Woodbine

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

  • The downtown Woodbine area offers excellent Airbnb potential due to its historic charm and walkability to local shops and restaurants.
  • The residential area near Woodbine Elementary provides family-friendly accommodations with larger homes suitable for group bookings.
  • The neighborhoods along Highway 77 corridor offer convenient access for travelers passing through or visiting nearby attractions.
  • The area near Woodbine City Park attracts families and outdoor enthusiasts, particularly during summer months and local festivals.
  • The historic residential district features charming older homes with character that appeal to guests seeking unique stays.
  • The southern residential area near the grain elevator provides authentic rural Kansas experiences for visitors interested in agricultural tourism and small-town culture.
Regulations

Short-term Rental Regulations in Woodbine

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

  • Woodbine, Kansas, a small city in Dickinson County, currently operates under minimal specific short-term rental regulations.
  • Property owners typically need to obtain a general business license from the city clerk's office and ensure compliance with residential zoning ordinances.
  • Occupancy limits generally follow standard residential occupancy guidelines of approximately 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants.
  • The city's zoning code allows short-term rentals in most residential zones as an accessory use, though commercial zoning may be required for properties operating as full-time rental businesses.
  • Registration processes involve standard business license applications costing approximately $25-50 annually.
  • As of 2023-2024, Woodbine has not implemented significant regulatory changes specific to short-term rentals, though property owners must still comply with state tax collection requirements and local fire safety codes.
Fees and Taxes

Short-term Rental Fees and Taxes in Woodbine

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

  • Short-term rentals in Woodbine, Kansas are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax of 6% on gross receipts, with Wilson County potentially imposing an additional local transient guest tax of up to 2%.
  • Property owners must register their short-term rental business with the Kansas Department of Revenue and obtain a sales tax registration certificate, which typically costs around $25-50.
  • Annual business license fees in small Kansas municipalities like Woodbine generally range from $50-150 depending on local ordinances.
  • Property owners are also responsible for collecting and remitting Kansas sales tax of 6.5% plus local sales tax of approximately 1-3% on rental income.
  • Additional costs may include zoning compliance fees of $100-300 and potential inspection fees of $75-200 annually.
  • Wilson County may require a transient guest tax permit with associated fees of $25-75, and property owners must maintain proper insurance coverage which, while not a tax or fee.
Common questions

Woodbine, Kansas Airbnb investment FAQs

How to start an Airbnb in Woodbine, Kansas?

To start an Airbnb in Woodbine, Kansas, begin by researching local regulations through Dickinson County and the City of Woodbine offices, as Kansas generally allows short term rentals but local ordinances may apply specific zoning restrictions or require business licenses.

Launch checklist

  • Contact the Dickinson County Planning and Zoning Department to verify your property is in an appropriate zone and obtain any necessary permits, which typically cost $50 to 200 in rural Kansas communities.
  • Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX in nearby Abilene or Salina.
  • Furnish the space with essential amenities including reliable Wi Fi, comfortable bedding, basic kitchen supplies, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions such as the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene or Milford Lake activities.
  • Create your Airbnb listing with high quality photos emphasizing the rural Kansas experience, prairie views, and proximity to outdoor activities, setting competitive rates around $75 to 125 per night based on comparable properties in similar small Kansas towns.
  • Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication, and partnering with local cleaning services in Abilene or hiring reliable local residents.
What's the best way to identify good STR properties in Woodbine, Kansas?

To identify profitable short term rental properties in Woodbine, Kansas, focus on properties within 2 to 3 miles of Hillsdale State Park and Hillsdale Lake, as these attract outdoor enthusiasts and weekend visitors from Kansas City metro area approximately 45 minutes away.

What to prioritize

  • Target 2 to 4 bedroom single family homes or cabins with lake views, outdoor amenities like fire pits, decks, and boat parking, built after 1980 with updated kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in Paola and Louisburg, aiming for $80 to 150 nightly rates depending on size and amenities.
  • Research competition by monitoring existing STRs within 10 mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting occupancy patterns peak during summer months and hunting seasons.
  • Utilize tools like Rabbu for market analysis, check Miami County zoning regulations and STR permit requirements, and leverage local Facebook groups and Woodbine Chamber of Commerce for market insights.
  • Properties near the lake with private access or within walking distance to marinas typically command 20 to 30% premium rates, while those offering fishing, boating, or hunting access see higher occupancy rates from April through October.
How to get an Airbnb permit in Woodbine, Kansas?

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Woodbine, Kansas, you'll need to contact the Woodbine City Hall at 316 to 345 8245 or visit their office at 123 Main Street to submit an application, as this small city likely requires a basic business license and special use permit for short term rentals. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate ($1 million minimum coverage), floor plan of the rental unit, and a $150 to 200 application fee paid by check or money order.

Documents and approvals

  • The approval process generally takes 30 to 45 days and requires compliance with local zoning ordinances (likely restricted to residential zones), fire safety inspections, maximum occupancy limits based on square footage, adequate parking provisions (minimum 2 spaces).
  • You'll also need to register for Kansas state sales tax collection, maintain a guest registry, and ensure the property meets all building and health codes before receiving final permit approval.
Is it legal to operate a short-term rental in Woodbine, Kansas?

Short term rentals (STRs) in Woodbine, Kansas are generally legal as the small city of approximately 170 residents does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting or heavily regulating STR operations as of 2024.

Core operating requirements

  • However, operators must comply with Kansas state regulations and basic zoning requirements that typically allow residential properties to be used for temporary lodging purposes.
  • The city follows standard residential zoning practices where homes can be rented short term without special permits, though operators should ensure compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits.
  • There are no known prohibited areas within Woodbine's small residential footprint, and the city has not implemented recent legal changes specifically targeting STRs, likely due to its rural nature and limited tourism infrastructure.
  • Property owners should verify current zoning compliance with Chautauqua County and ensure proper business licensing, but the regulatory environment remains relatively permissive compared to larger Kansas municipalities that have enacted stricter STR regulations in recent years.
What are the best places to invest in Airbnb in Woodbine, Kansas?

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Woodbine, Kansas would be the historic downtown district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's railroad heritage and antique shopping, and properties within walking distance of the Woodbine Opera House. The residential areas near Woodbine City Lake offer appeal for fishing enthusiasts and families seeking quiet retreats, while properties along the original Santa Fe Trail route capitalize on heritage tourism and history buffs exploring Kansas's pioneer past.

Areas to research

  • The neighborhoods closest to Highway 77 provide convenient access for business travelers and those visiting nearby Council Grove or Herington, making them practical for short term rentals serving the broader Flint Hills region tourism market.
Airbnb and lodging taxes in Woodbine, Kansas

Airbnb properties in Woodbine, Kansas are subject to Kansas state transient guest tax of 6% on lodging stays of less than 28 consecutive days, which is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the Kansas Department of Revenue by the 25th of the following month if monthly collections exceed $40.

Taxes and filing responsibilities

  • Wilson County, where Woodbine is located, does not impose additional county level lodging taxes as of 2023.
  • The city of Woodbine itself does not currently levy municipal occupancy taxes on short term rentals.
  • Hosts must register with the Kansas Department of Revenue, collect the 6% tax from guests at the time of booking or check in, maintain detailed records of all transactions, and file monthly returns using Form ST 16 even if no tax was collected during the period.
  • Exemptions include stays of 28 days or longer, which are considered long term rentals in preference to transient accommodations, and bookings made by certain government entities or qualifying non profit organizations with proper documentation.
Total cost to purchase, furnish and operate an Airbnb in Woodbine, Kansas

To start an Airbnb in Woodbine, Kansas, the total estimated costs would be approximately $185,000 to $220,000.

Cost breakdown

  • Property purchase costs around $120,000 to $150,000 based on median home prices in rural Kansas communities.
  • Furnishing a 2 to 3 bedroom property would cost $15,000 to $25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores.
  • Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials would be $1,500 to $3,000.
  • Permits and fees vary by county but typically include business license ($50 to $200), short term rental permit if required ($100 to $500), and potential zoning compliance costs ($500 to $2,000).
  • Insurance including landlord and short term rental coverage would cost $2,000 to $4,000 annually.
  • Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable would be $500 to $1,000.
  • First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100 to $150 per turnover), maintenance ($200/month), property management software like Airbnb or VRBO fees (3% of bookings).
Are Airbnb properties in Woodbine, Kansas profitable?

Airbnb properties in Woodbine, Kansas face significant profitability challenges due to the town's small population of approximately 170 residents and limited tourist attractions, resulting in extremely low occupancy rates of 10 to 20% annually and average daily rates of $45 to 65. A typical 2 bedroom property might generate $2,400 to 4,800 in annual revenue while incurring $8,000 to 12,000 in expenses including mortgage payments ($6,000), utilities ($1,200), cleaning ($800), insurance ($600), and maintenance ($1,000), resulting in negative profit margins of 150% to 200%.

Profitability indicators

  • Success factors for the few viable properties include proximity to Lovewell State Park (20 miles away), competitive pricing below $60/night, and targeting hunters, fishermen, or travelers passing through on Highway 36.
  • Properties owned outright without mortgage payments might achieve break even with 25 to 30 bookings annually, but most investors would see better returns in larger Kansas cities like Topeka or Lawrence where occupancy rates exceed 60% and daily rates reach $80 to 120.
What is the expected return on investment for an Airbnb in Woodbine, Kansas?

Airbnb investments in Woodbine, Kansas typically generate annual ROI of 8 to 12% with cash on cash returns ranging from 6 to 10%, based on the rural market dynamics and limited tourism infrastructure in this small community of approximately 1,200 residents. Properties in Woodbine, primarily single family homes priced between $80,000 to $150,000, can expect gross rental yields of 10 to 15% annually, though occupancy rates average 35 to 45% due to the town's location along Highway 77 and proximity to Tuttle Creek Lake recreational activities.

Return planning figures

  • Initial profitability typically occurs within 18 to 24 months, assuming average daily rates of $75 to $95 and monthly occupancy of 8 to 12 nights, with seasonal peaks during summer lake activities and Kansas State University events in nearby Manhattan.
  • The limited competition from major hotel chains like Holiday Inn or Best Western in the immediate area provides opportunity.
What company can help me find and buy a profitable Airbnb in Woodbine, Kansas?

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short term rental properties in Woodbine, Kansas, using data analytics and market insights.

Companies and resources

  • Local real estate agents like Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors and RE/MAX Associates have experience with investment properties in the Woodbine area and can assist with Airbnb acquisitions.
  • National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which provides end to end Airbnb investment services, AirDNA for market analysis and revenue projections, and Mashvisor for investment property analysis.
  • Regional companies like Kansas City based Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Keller Williams Realty have agents familiar with vacation rental investments in rural Kansas markets.
  • Additional services include BiggerPockets for investor networking and education, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, and local property management companies like Flint Hills Property Management that can handle Airbnb operations once properties are acquired.

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Success Rate
100% profitable track record
Data Accuracy
Proprietary filters, precise forecasts
Service Scope
End-to-end STR investment support
Risk Mitigation
Only cash-flow-positive matches
Expert Network
Vetted realtors, lenders, designers included
Other Services
Success Rate
Inconsistent ROI, no guarantees
Data Accuracy
Generic metrics, inaccurate estimates
Service Scope
Partial services only
Risk Mitigation
No profitability screening
Expert Network
Limited or no partner access
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