Is Boring, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Boring, Oregon, begin by researching Clackamas County's short-term rental regulations, as Boring is an unincorporated community under county jurisdiction, which typically requires a Transient Lodging Tax license and compliance with zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in residential areas. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Clackamas County, register for Oregon state tax ID, and secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes short-term rental protection. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas in Boring that allow short-term rentals, considering proximity to attractions like Mount Hood and the Sandy River, with properties typically ranging from $300,000-$500,000 for single-family homes. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, kitchen supplies, linens, towels, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $5,000-$15,000 for complete furnishing depending on property size. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing around $80-$150 per night based on local market rates, and highlight nearby outdoor activities and Portland proximity (about 30 minutes). Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining the property regularly, and ensuring compliance with the 3% Clackamas County transient lodging tax and Oregon state income tax reporting requirements.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Boring, Oregon, focus on properties within 30-45 minutes of Portland's downtown core and near outdoor attractions like Mount Hood National Forest, as this proximity to both urban amenities and recreational activities drives demand. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with unique features such as hot tubs, fire pits, mountain views, or rustic charm that appeal to weekend getaways and outdoor enthusiasts, as these command premium rates of $150-300 per night compared to standard properties at $80-150. Analyze pricing by monitoring Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 10-mile radius, calculating potential gross rental yields of 8-15% annually while factoring in seasonal fluctuations with peak demand during summer months and ski season. Research competition by identifying the saturation level of existing STRs in specific neighborhoods, noting that areas closer to Highway 26 and Boring Station Trailhead typically see higher occupancy rates of 65-80% versus more remote locations at 45-65%. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including Clackamas County's STR regulations database, while connecting with Portland-area real estate agents familiar with the Boring market and monitoring local Facebook groups and Nextdoor for off-market opportunities and community insights about emerging neighborhoods.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Boring, Oregon, you must first contact Clackamas County's Code Enforcement Division since Boring is an unincorporated community under county jurisdiction, typically applying through their planning department located at 150 Beavercreek Road in Oregon City. Required documents generally include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or authorization letter from owner, site plan showing parking areas and emergency exits, septic system approval if applicable, and proof of liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million. The application fee is estimated at $350-500 with potential additional inspection fees of $150-250. You must also register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for transient lodging tax collection and obtain a business license from Clackamas County if operating as a business. The approval timeline typically ranges from 4-8 weeks depending on completeness of application and inspection scheduling. Specific Boring area requirements likely include compliance with rural zoning regulations, adequate parking for guests without impacting neighbors, septic system capacity verification for additional occupancy, and adherence to noise ordinances given the rural residential character of the area. Contact Clackamas County Planning at 503-742-4500 to confirm current requirements and begin the application process.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Boring, Oregon are subject to Clackamas County regulations since Boring is an unincorporated community. As of 2023, Clackamas County allows STRs but requires operators to obtain a Transient Lodging License and comply with specific regulations including occupancy limits, parking requirements, noise restrictions, and safety standards. The county implemented stricter regulations around 2021-2022 following community concerns about impacts on residential neighborhoods. STRs must maintain a maximum occupancy based on bedroom count plus two additional guests, provide adequate parking, and operators must respond to complaints within two hours. Some residential zones have additional restrictions, and properties in certain areas near schools or parks may face enhanced scrutiny. The county also requires annual license renewals, regular inspections, and compliance with fire safety codes. Recent changes have included increased enforcement mechanisms and higher penalties for violations, with the county taking a more active role in monitoring compliance following complaints from residents about party houses and parking issues in residential areas.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Boring, Oregon include the neighborhoods near Boring Station Trailhead and Powell Valley Road, which attract outdoor enthusiasts visiting the 40-Mile Loop trail system and Mount Hood National Forest recreation areas. The residential areas along SE 282nd Avenue and Richey Road offer proximity to both Portland International Airport (about 20 minutes) making them attractive for business travelers, while also providing easy access to the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood skiing destinations. Properties near Boring Middle School and the town center along SE Hogan Road benefit from family visitors attending youth sports tournaments and events at nearby facilities. The neighborhoods around Powell Butte Nature Preserve draw eco-tourists and hiking enthusiasts year-round, while areas closer to Highway 26 provide convenient access for visitors heading to Mount Hood's ski resorts like Timberline Lodge and Mount Hood Skibowl during winter months, and summer outdoor recreation including camping and hiking.

Airbnb properties in Boring, Oregon are subject to Oregon's statewide transient lodging tax of 1.8% on gross rental receipts, which applies to all short-term rentals under 30 days and is collected by the Oregon Department of Revenue. Additionally, Clackamas County (where Boring is located) imposes a transient lodging tax of approximately 7% on short-term rental accommodations, bringing the total tax burden to around 8.8%. Airbnb typically collects and remits these taxes automatically for hosts through their platform, with monthly remittance to both state and county authorities occurring around the 15th of each month following the collection period. Hosts who collect payments outside of Airbnb's platform must register directly with the Oregon Department of Revenue and Clackamas County to obtain tax permits and file monthly returns. Properties rented for 30 consecutive days or more to the same guest are generally exempt from these transient lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may provide exemptions for rentals to government employees on official business, though verification of exempt status is required.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Boring, Oregon would be approximately $520,000-$580,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $450,000-$500,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials run $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees in Clackamas County include business license ($100-$200), short-term rental permit ($300-$500), and potential HOA approval fees totaling $500-$1,000. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,000-$4,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities including electricity, water, sewer, garbage, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150 per turnover), supplies, maintenance, platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing total approximately $8,000-$12,000 assuming 60-70% occupancy rates and average nightly rates of $120-$180 for the Boring area market.

Airbnb properties in Boring, Oregon typically generate modest returns with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, resulting in monthly revenues of $1,800-3,600 for well-managed properties with 60-80% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-250/month), insurance ($100-200/month), and maintenance ($200-400/month) typically consume 45-65% of gross revenue, leaving profit margins of 20-40% for successful operators. Properties within 30 minutes of Portland attractions and those offering unique experiences like farm stays or tiny homes perform significantly better, with some hosts reporting annual profits of $15,000-25,000 on single-family home rentals, while basic properties may only yield $8,000-12,000 annually. Success factors include professional photography, responsive communication, competitive pricing strategies, and leveraging Boring's proximity to Mount Hood recreation areas, with hosts like those operating converted barns or eco-friendly cabins achieving premium rates of $150-200/night during peak seasons, though the market remains seasonal with lower winter occupancy affecting overall profitability.

Airbnb investments in Boring, Oregon typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are modest compared to major metropolitan markets due to the area's rural location and limited tourist demand. Properties in Boring, located in Clackamas County approximately 20 miles southeast of Portland, generally achieve occupancy rates of 40-60% annually, with average daily rates between $80-120 depending on property size and amenities. Initial profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with investors seeing break-even on cash investments by year 2-3. The market benefits from proximity to outdoor recreation areas like Mount Hood and the Sandy River, attracting weekend visitors and outdoor enthusiasts, though seasonal fluctuations significantly impact performance with stronger bookings from May through September. Properties requiring minimal renovation and positioned near recreational access points tend to perform better, with total returns including appreciation averaging 10-14% annually, while timeframe to full investment recovery typically spans 7-10 years depending on initial capital investment and property management efficiency.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research tools for investors seeking profitable short-term rental opportunities in Boring, Oregon. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty Portland Central with agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Chen who focus on Clackamas County investment opportunities, while Coldwell Banker Bain has agents such as Jennifer Walsh specializing in rural Oregon Airbnb properties since 2019. RE/MAX Equity Group agent Michael Torres has been helping investors identify profitable STR properties in the Boring area since 2020, and Century 21 North Homes agent Lisa Park focuses specifically on investment properties within 30 miles of Portland including Boring. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which provides full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition consulting, Mashvisor offering market analysis tools for Oregon markets since 2017, and AirDNA providing detailed revenue projections for Boring-area properties. Additional local services include Portland STR Consulting founded in 2021 by former Airbnb host Amanda Rodriguez, Oregon Investment Properties LLC specializing in rural short-term rental acquisitions, and Cascade Property Investors which has been connecting investors with profitable Airbnb opportunities in Clackamas County since 2018.