Is Woodbury, Minnesota Good for Airbnb Investment?

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Woodbury, Minnesota market research

Woodbury, Minnesota Airbnb Investment Overview

$1,200–$2,800Typical monthly host earnings
8–12%Typical annual ROI
65–70%Average annual occupancy
VariesCombined taxes and local fees
Investment

Is Airbnb a Good Investment in Woodbury, Minnesota?

Potentially—Woodbury, Minnesota combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

  • Presents a unique opportunity, influenced by its suburban appeal, proximity to major attractions, and local market conditions.
  • Current market conditions in Woodbury show a stable real estate market with consistent property values, making it a relatively secure investment.
  • While Woodbury itself isn't a primary tourist destination, its close proximity to the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St.
  • Paul) and attractions like the Mall of America drives a steady stream of visitors seeking quieter accommodations outside the bustling urban core.
  • Tourism trends indicate demand from families, business travelers, and visitors attending events in the wider metropolitan area.
  • The investment potential lies in catering to this specific demographic, offering a comfortable and convenient alternative to city hotels.
Earnings

How Much Does an Average Airbnb Earn in Woodbury?

$1,200–$2,800 per month based on location, season, and property quality.

  • Based on available market data and rental analytics, Airbnb hosts in Woodbury, Minnesota typically earn between $1,200 to $2,800 per month.
  • Seasonal variations show peak earnings during summer months (June through August) when revenues can increase by 25-40% due to higher tourism and business travel.
  • Spring and fall months generally maintain steady occupancy rates around 65-75% with average daily rates ranging from $85 to $140 depending on property size and amenities.
  • Key factors affecting earnings include proximity to major attractions like the Twin Cities metro area (approximately 10 miles away), property condition and amenities, professional photography quality.
  • Properties with unique features such as hot tubs, game rooms, or pet-friendly policies tend to command premium rates 10-20% above market average.
  • Market saturation in the area remains moderate, allowing well-managed properties to maintain occupancy rates above the regional average of 68%.
ROI Analysis

Airbnb Return on Investment in Woodbury

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

  • Typically generate ROI between 8-12% annually, with higher-end properties near Tamarack Hills and newer developments achieving returns closer to 12-15% due to strong demand from business travelers visiting 3M headquarters and families attending youth sports tournaments at the Sports Centre.
  • The average payback period ranges from 7-10 years, depending on initial investment and property management efficiency.
  • Compared to traditional long-term rentals in Woodbury, which typically yield 6-8% ROI, short-term rentals command premium rates of $120-180 per night for 2-3 bedroom properties.
Occupancy Rate

Average Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Woodbury

Woodbury, Minnesota averages 65–70% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

  • Airbnb occupancy rates in Woodbury, Minnesota typically average around 65-70% annually, with significant seasonal variation that peaks during summer months (June-August) at approximately 75-80% occupancy due to favorable weather and increased tourism activity, while winter months (December-February) see lower rates around 50-55% occupancy.
  • Spring and fall maintain moderate occupancy levels of 60-65%, with slight upticks during local events and business travel periods.
  • Woodbury's occupancy rates generally align closely with Minnesota's statewide average of 68%, performing slightly better than rural areas but trailing Minneapolis-St.
  • Paul urban markets by 5-10 percentage points.
  • Compared to national Airbnb averages of approximately 48-52%, Woodbury significantly outperforms due to its proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area, strong local economy.
Best Neighborhoods

Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Woodbury

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

  • The best Airbnb investment neighborhoods in Woodbury include Woodbury Village near the town center which offers proximity to shopping at Woodbury Lakes and restaurants while maintaining competitive pricing around $120-150 per night due to its central location and walkability.
  • The Wedgewood area provides excellent value with larger homes attracting families visiting nearby attractions like the Minnesota Zoo and Fort Snelling.
  • Neighborhoods near Carver Lake Park are highly desirable for their scenic waterfront access and recreational activities.
  • The Bailey's Harbor area attracts business travelers due to proximity to major corporate offices and the 3M headquarters.
  • Settlers Ridge offers newer construction homes that appeal to upscale travelers seeking modern amenities, supporting rates of $150-190 per night with excellent reviews for property quality.
  • The Tamarack Hills neighborhood provides a balance of suburban tranquility and accessibility to both Minneapolis-St.
  • Paul metro attractions and local amenities, achieving consistent $125-160 per night rates with broad appeal to various traveler demographics.
Regulations

Short-term Rental Regulations in Woodbury

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

  • Woodbury, Minnesota requires short-term rental operators to obtain a conditional use permit through the city's planning department, with applications requiring detailed property information, floor plans.
  • The city limits occupancy to two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests, with a maximum of 10 overnight guests total, and requires adequate parking for all guests on the property.
  • Owner-occupancy is not mandated for short-term rentals, allowing both hosted and non-hosted arrangements.
  • Short-term rentals are permitted in residential zoning districts but must comply with single-family residential use standards and cannot operate in areas with homeowner association restrictions that prohibit such activities.
  • The registration process involves submitting a conditional use permit application with a fee of approximately $500-800, providing proof of insurance, emergency contact information.
  • Recent regulatory changes implemented in 2022-2023 include stricter noise ordinance enforcement, mandatory 24-hour local contact requirements.
Fees and Taxes

Short-term Rental Fees and Taxes in Woodbury

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

  • Short-term rentals in Woodbury, Minnesota are subject to several fees and taxes including Minnesota state sales tax of 6.875%, Washington County lodging tax of 3%.
  • Property owners must obtain a rental license from the city costing approximately $100-200 annually, plus a one-time registration fee of around $50-100.
  • Additional costs include business license fees of roughly $75-150 per year, potential homeowner association fees if applicable.
  • Tourism promotion taxes may apply at 1-2% depending on the specific location within Woodbury, and operators must also account for standard property taxes which average 1.1-1.3% of assessed value in Washington County.
  • Some properties may require additional permits for parking or signage costing $25-75 each, and there may be administrative processing fees of $25-50 for various applications and renewals.
Common questions

Woodbury, Minnesota Airbnb investment FAQs

How to start an Airbnb in Woodbury, Minnesota?

To start an Airbnb in Woodbury, Minnesota, begin by researching local regulations as Woodbury requires short term rental operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning ordinances that typically allow rentals in residential areas with restrictions on occupancy and parking.

Launch checklist

  • Contact Woodbury City Hall at 651 to 714 3500 to obtain the necessary permits including a business license ($50 to 100 annually) and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and health department requirements.
  • Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing a home in residential zones, ensuring it meets minimum square footage requirements and has adequate parking spaces as mandated by city code.
  • Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and safety equipment including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers as required by Minnesota state law.
  • Create your listing on Airbnb with professional photos, competitive pricing (average $80 to 150/night in Woodbury as of 2023), and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to 3M headquarters, Tamarack Nature Center, and Twin Cities attractions.
  • Manage your property by establishing check in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, collecting and remitting Minnesota sales tax (6.875%) and Woodbury lodging tax if applicable.
What's the best way to identify good STR properties in Woodbury, Minnesota?

To identify profitable short term rental properties in Woodbury, Minnesota, focus on locations within 15 to 20 minutes of downtown St.

What to prioritize

  • Paul and Minneapolis, particularly near major employers like 3M headquarters, HealthEast facilities, and the Woodbury Lakes shopping district.
  • Target 3 to 4 bedroom single family homes or townhomes built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, multiple bathrooms, parking, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to business travelers and families visiting the Twin Cities metro area.
  • Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue of $150 to 250 per night can generate 15 to 25% higher returns than traditional long term rentals.
  • Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within 3 mile radius, noting occupancy rates average 65 to 75% annually with peak demand during summer months and corporate travel periods.
  • Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Edina Realty or RE/MAX Results, while consulting Washington County zoning regulations and Woodbury city ordinances regarding short term rental permits.
How to get an Airbnb permit in Woodbury, Minnesota?

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Woodbury, Minnesota, you must first contact the City of Woodbury Planning Department at City Hall located at 8301 Valley Creek Road to determine current short term rental regulations, as the city has specific zoning requirements that may restrict STRs to certain residential districts.

Documents and approvals

  • Submit an application through the city's permitting system which typically requires a completed short term rental license application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a site plan showing parking arrangements, floor plan of the rental unit.
  • Required documents also include a business license from the state of Minnesota, sales tax permit, and acknowledgment of city noise ordinances and occupancy limits.
  • Application fees generally range from $200 to 500 annually with additional inspection fees of approximately $100 to 200.
  • The approval timeline typically takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on completeness of application and any required inspections.
  • Woodbury specifically requires STRs to maintain residential character, limits occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, mandates adequate off street parking (typically 2 spaces minimum).
Is it legal to operate a short-term rental in Woodbury, Minnesota?

Short term rentals (STRs) are legal in Woodbury, Minnesota, but operate under the city's zoning regulations and licensing requirements established around 2019 to 2020.

Core operating requirements

  • The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with specific operational standards including occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions.
  • STRs are generally permitted in residential zones but must maintain the residential character of neighborhoods, with the city prohibiting commercial style operations that would disrupt residential areas.
  • Woodbury requires property owners to be responsive to neighbor complaints and maintain properties according to city codes, with violations potentially resulting in license revocation.
  • The city has implemented these regulations to balance property owner rights with neighborhood preservation, following trends seen across the Twin Cities metro area where municipalities have sought to regulate the growing STR market that expanded significantly with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO in the late 2010s.
What are the best places to invest in Airbnb in Woodbury, Minnesota?

The best Airbnb investment areas in Woodbury, Minnesota include the neighborhoods near Tamarack Village and along Valley Creek Road, which offer proximity to major corporate headquarters like 3M and State Farm that drive consistent business travel demand.

Areas to research

  • The areas around Woodbury Lakes shopping center and near Interstate 94 corridors are particularly attractive due to their accessibility for travelers visiting the Twin Cities metro area while seeking more affordable accommodations outside Minneapolis St.
  • Paul.
  • Neighborhoods close to Carver Lake Park and the Woodbury Golf Club appeal to leisure travelers and families attending youth sports tournaments at the numerous athletic complexes in the area.
  • The residential areas near HealthEast Sports Center benefit from hockey tournaments and sporting events that bring visiting teams and families year round.
  • Properties within walking distance of the downtown Village area and near major employers like Target's distribution facilities capture both corporate travelers and visitors to nearby attractions.
Airbnb and lodging taxes in Woodbury, Minnesota

In Woodbury, Minnesota, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state lodging tax of 3% on gross receipts, Washington County's lodging tax of 3%, and potentially the City of Woodbury's transient lodging tax which is typically around 3 to 4%.

Taxes and filing responsibilities

  • These taxes apply to short term rentals under 30 days and are collected from guests at the time of booking, with Airbnb automatically collecting and remitting state and county taxes on behalf of hosts through their platform since approximately 2018 to 2019.
  • Hosts must register with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and may need to register locally with Woodbury for city taxes, filing monthly or quarterly returns depending on volume.
  • The state requires remittance by the 20th of the following month, while local taxes follow similar schedules.
  • Exemptions typically include stays over 30 consecutive days, certain government and nonprofit travelers, and in some cases religious or charitable organizations.
  • Hosts should verify current local tax requirements with the City of Woodbury as municipal lodging tax rates and collection procedures can change, and some cities have implemented additional registration requirements or caps on short term rental operations.
Total cost to purchase, furnish and operate an Airbnb in Woodbury, Minnesota

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Woodbury, Minnesota is approximately $385,000 to $425,000.

Cost breakdown

  • Property purchase costs around $350,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023.
  • Furnishing a 3 bedroom property requires $15,000 to $25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor suitable for short term rentals.
  • Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, smart locks, and welcome materials total $2,000 to $3,000.
  • Permits and fees in Woodbury include business license ($100), short term rental permit ($200 to $500), and potential HOA approval fees totaling $800 to $1,200.
  • Insurance for short term rentals costs $2,000 to $3,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront.
  • Utilities including electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $300 to $400 monthly or $1,800 to $2,400 for six months.
  • First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), supplies, maintenance, platform fees (3% of bookings).
  • Paul suburban market.
Are Airbnb properties in Woodbury, Minnesota profitable?

Airbnb properties in Woodbury, Minnesota typically generate annual revenues between $15,000 to $35,000 for entire home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $85 to $140 depending on property size and amenities.

Profitability indicators

  • Operating expenses generally consume 40 to 60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30 to 50 per turnover), property management costs (15 to 25% of revenue), utilities ($150 to 300 monthly), insurance premiums ($800 to 1,500 annually).
  • Profit margins for successful Woodbury Airbnb operators typically range from 25 to 45% after all expenses, with properties near Tamarack Hills Golf Course and those featuring amenities like hot tubs or game rooms commanding premium rates.
  • Success factors include proximity to major employers like 3M headquarters in nearby Maplewood, maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, professional photography, and strategic pricing during peak seasons including summer months and major Twin Cities events.
  • Properties within 20 minutes of downtown St.
  • Paul perform particularly well, with some hosts reporting occupancy rates of 70 to 85% and net annual profits of $12,000 to $18,000 on well managed single family homes.
What is the expected return on investment for an Airbnb in Woodbury, Minnesota?

Based on Woodbury, Minnesota market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8 to 12% with cash on cash returns ranging from 6 to 10% depending on property type and location within the city.

Return planning figures

  • Properties near Woodbury Lakes shopping area and close to major employers like 3M, HealthPartners, and State Farm tend to perform better, with investors commonly seeing 9 to 14% annual returns.
  • The average timeframe to profitability is 18 to 24 months, with initial investment recovery typically occurring within 7 to 9 years.
  • Single family homes in neighborhoods like Wedgewood and Bailey's Arbor command nightly rates of $120 to 180, while townhomes average $90 to 140 per night, with occupancy rates of 65 to 75% annually.
  • Cash on cash returns are strongest in the $300,000 to 450,000 property range, where investors can expect 8 to 12% returns after accounting for mortgage payments, property management fees of 15 to 25%, and maintenance costs averaging $3,000 to 5,000 annually.
What company can help me find and buy a profitable Airbnb in Woodbury, Minnesota?

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short term rental properties for investors looking in Woodbury, Minnesota.

Companies and resources

  • Local real estate agents like those at RE/MAX Results, Coldwell Banker Realty, and Edina Realty have experience helping investors find Airbnb suitable properties in the Twin Cities metro area including Woodbury.
  • National services such as Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for short term rental investments in the Minneapolis St.
  • Paul region.
  • Local property management companies like RedAwning, AvantStay, and Twin Cities based STR management firms can assist with both property acquisition advice and ongoing management.
  • Real estate investment groups such as the Minnesota Real Estate Investors Association (MNREIA) and local meetup groups provide networking opportunities with agents and investors familiar with Airbnb regulations in Washington County where Woodbury is located.
  • Additionally, companies like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature turnkey short term rental properties in Minnesota markets.

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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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