Is Astoria, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Astoria, Oregon, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Astoria Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental permits and has specific zoning restrictions limiting STRs to certain residential areas with a maximum of 30% of units per block being rentals. Obtain necessary permits including a Transient Lodging Tax license from Clatsop County (charging 9% tax), a City of Astoria business license, and a short-term rental permit which costs approximately $200-300 annually and requires neighbor notification and safety inspections. Find a suitable property in approved zones (typically R-1, R-2, or R-3 residential areas), ensuring it meets the city's requirement of being owner-occupied or having an on-site manager within 150 feet. Furnish the property with quality amenities focusing on coastal themes given Astoria's location, including essentials like WiFi, kitchen supplies, linens, and local guidebooks highlighting attractions like the Astoria Column and Columbia River Maritime Museum. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms with professional photos showcasing ocean or river views if available, competitive pricing around $80-150 per night depending on size and location, and emphasize proximity to downtown historic district and outdoor activities. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining 24/7 communication availability as required by city ordinance, collecting and remitting the 9% transient lodging tax quarterly to Clatsop County, and ensuring compliance with the city's noise ordinances and parking requirements while building relationships with neighbors to maintain community support for your short-term rental operation.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Astoria, Oregon, focus on locations within walking distance of the historic downtown waterfront district, near the Columbia River Maritime Museum, or close to popular filming locations from "The Goonies" movie, as these areas command premium nightly rates of $150-300. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, waterfront or river views, historic charm, full kitchens, and parking, as these features attract both tourists and business travelers visiting the busy Port of Astoria. Analyze comparable STR pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor, comparing seasonal rates during peak summer months (June-September) when occupancy reaches 70-85% versus winter months at 40-55%, with average daily rates ranging $120-250 depending on property size and amenities. Research competition by monitoring existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 2-mile radius of downtown, noting that approximately 150-200 active STRs operate in the market as of 2024, with highest-performing properties featuring maritime themes and proximity to Fort Stevens State Park. Utilize tools like Rabbu, AirDNA, and local MLS data through Zillow or Redfin, while consulting Clatsop County's STR regulations and connecting with local property management companies like Astoria Property Management or Pacific Coast Property Management to understand operational requirements and potential gross yields of 8-15% annually for well-positioned properties.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Astoria, Oregon, you must first contact the City of Astoria Planning Department at City Hall located at 1095 Duane Street to apply for a Conditional Use Permit for short-term rentals, as STRs are regulated under the city's zoning ordinance. Required documents typically include a completed application form, site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or authorization from owner, floor plans indicating maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, and a management plan detailing how the property will be operated and maintained. The application fee is approximately $500-800 for the conditional use permit process, with additional fees possible for public hearings if required. The timeline generally takes 60-90 days from submission to approval, as applications must go through staff review, potential neighborhood notification, and possible Planning Commission review depending on the property location and zoning. Specific Astoria requirements include maintaining the residential character of neighborhoods, providing adequate parking (typically one space per bedroom), ensuring compliance with building and fire codes, having a local contact person available 24/7 for issues, limiting occupancy based on bedroom count and square footage, and potentially requiring a business license from the city in addition to the conditional use permit.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Astoria, Oregon, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. As of recent years, Astoria requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily allow STRs in commercial and mixed-use zones, while residential zones have more limited permissions. The city has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances to address neighborhood concerns. STRs are generally prohibited in certain residential areas to preserve housing stock for long-term residents, and operators must collect transient lodging taxes. Recent legal changes around 2020-2022 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and clearer definitions of permissible locations, with the city balancing tourism revenue against housing availability concerns. Property owners must also comply with safety requirements including smoke detectors and emergency egress standards, and there are limits on the number of guests and vehicles allowed per property.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Astoria, Oregon include the Historic Downtown District along Commercial Street, which attracts tourists visiting the Columbia River Maritime Museum, Flavel House, and numerous Victorian-era attractions, plus business travelers attending conferences at the Red Lion Hotel. The Uppertown Firefighters Museum area offers proximity to the Astoria Column and panoramic river views that draw sightseers and photographers year-round. The Uniontown/Alameda neighborhoods provide waterfront access and are popular with fishing enthusiasts, crabbers, and maritime tourists visiting during summer months and the annual Astoria Regatta. The areas near Fort Stevens State Park and the Peter Iredale shipwreck attract history buffs and beachgoers, especially during peak summer season from June through September. Properties near the Astoria-Megler Bridge offer stunning Columbia River views and appeal to road trippers and tourists exploring the Lewis and Clark Trail, while the Shively-McClure area provides affordable investment opportunities with growing appeal to visitors seeking authentic Pacific Northwest experiences away from Portland's higher prices.

In Astoria, Oregon, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Oregon state transient lodging tax of 1.8%, Clatsop County's transient lodging tax of 7%, and the City of Astoria's transient lodging tax of 9%, totaling approximately 17.8% in combined lodging taxes. These taxes apply to stays of less than 30 consecutive days and are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking for most properties, with Airbnb then remitting these taxes to the appropriate jurisdictions on behalf of hosts. However, some hosts may need to register directly with local tax authorities and remit taxes themselves, particularly for the city and county portions, depending on their specific situation and local agreements with Airbnb. The taxes are calculated on the gross rental amount excluding cleaning fees, and there are generally no exemptions for standard short-term rental properties, though stays of 30 days or longer are typically exempt from transient lodging taxes. Hosts should verify their registration requirements with the Oregon Department of Revenue, Clatsop County, and the City of Astoria, as collection and remittance procedures can vary and change over time.

Starting an Airbnb in Astoria, Oregon requires approximately $450,000-$550,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs average $380,000-$420,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing total $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees vary but typically include business license ($100-$200), short-term rental permit ($300-$500), and potential HOA approvals. Insurance specifically for short-term rentals costs $1,200-$2,400 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable run $500-$800 initially, with monthly costs of $200-$350. First six months of operating expenses including utilities ($1,200-$2,100), cleaning services ($1,800-$3,000), supplies and maintenance ($1,000-$1,500), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO ($2,000-$4,000 assuming 50% occupancy), and property management if outsourced ($3,000-$6,000) total approximately $9,000-$16,600.

Airbnb properties in Astoria, Oregon typically generate annual revenues of $15,000-$35,000 for well-positioned units, with average daily rates ranging from $80-$150 depending on proximity to the waterfront and seasonal demand driven by summer tourism and crab fishing seasons. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs that can be higher due to the coastal climate's impact on properties. Profit margins typically range from 15-35% for owner-operated properties, with the most successful units being those within walking distance of the Columbia River waterfront, historic downtown, or offering unique features like Victorian architecture or panoramic river views. Properties near the Astoria-Megler Bridge and Pier 39 command premium rates during peak summer months (June-September) when occupancy rates can reach 75-85%, while winter months see significant drops to 30-45% occupancy. Success factors include professional photography highlighting coastal views, responsive guest communication, partnerships with local tour companies like Columbia River Maritime Museum, and strategic pricing that capitalizes on events like the Astoria Regatta and salmon fishing seasons, with the most profitable properties typically being 2-3 bedroom homes or condos that can accommodate families visiting for outdoor recreation activities.

Airbnb investments in Astoria, Oregon typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on the coastal tourism market and seasonal demand patterns. Properties near the Columbia River waterfront and historic downtown area command premium nightly rates of $120-180 during peak summer months (June-September) when occupancy rates reach 70-85%, while off-season rates drop to $80-120 with 40-55% occupancy. Initial investment recovery and profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with gross rental yields averaging $35,000-55,000 annually for 2-3 bedroom homes purchased in the $300,000-450,000 range. The market benefits from Astoria's proximity to Portland (90 minutes), consistent tourist traffic to attractions like the Astoria Column and maritime museums, plus growing popularity as a filming location, though investors should factor in higher maintenance costs due to coastal weather conditions and seasonal revenue fluctuations that can impact cash flow during winter months.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Astoria, Oregon. Local real estate agents like Windermere Real Estate and Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate have agents experienced in investment properties and vacation rentals in the Astoria market. AirDNA provides market data and analytics specifically for Airbnb investments, while Mashvisor offers property analysis tools for short-term rental investments in Oregon markets. Vacasa, founded in 2009, operates in Astoria and can provide insights on profitable rental properties while also offering property management services. Local property management companies like Astoria Property Management and Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals understand the market dynamics and can guide investors toward profitable opportunities. BiggerPockets, established in 2004, connects investors with local experts and provides educational resources for Airbnb investing. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Awning focus on turnkey rental properties and may have listings in the Astoria area. Local mortgage brokers and lenders familiar with investment properties, such as Oregon Pacific Bank, can provide financing guidance specific to vacation rental investments in Clatsop County.