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 License and compliance with zoning laws that may restrict rentals to certain residential areas. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Clackamas County (approximately $50-100), a transient lodging tax permit, and ensure your property meets fire safety codes with proper smoke detectors and emergency exits. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing a home in residential zones that allow short-term rentals, focusing on areas near Mount Hood recreation or Portland commuter routes for better booking potential. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local amenities information, budgeting $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO with professional photos highlighting the rural Oregon setting and proximity to outdoor activities, setting competitive rates around $80-150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the rental by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, collecting and remitting the required transient lodging taxes to Clackamas County quarterly, maintaining property insurance that covers short-term rentals, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while monitoring local regulation changes that may affect operations.

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 recreation areas like Mount Hood National Forest, as this location attracts both business travelers seeking affordable alternatives to Portland hotels and outdoor enthusiasts. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins with unique features like hot tubs, fire pits, or mountain views, built after 1980 to minimize maintenance issues, with dedicated parking and outdoor spaces that capitalize on Oregon's natural appeal. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties in nearby Gresham and Sandy, aiming for properties under $400,000 that can generate $150-250 per night during peak seasons (summer and winter ski season). Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 10-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or property types, and monitor occupancy rates of similar properties using tools like AllTheRooms and Transparent. Utilize Clackamas County's STR regulations database to ensure compliance, leverage local real estate platforms like RMLS, and connect with Portland-area property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning who understand the suburban STR market dynamics, while considering properties near the Boring Lava Domes or with easy access to Highway 26 for Mount Hood access.

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 and access, septic system approval if applicable, and proof of liability insurance coverage of at least $1,000,000. The application fee is estimated at $350-500 with potential additional inspection fees of $150-250. You must also register for transient lodging tax collection with Clackamas County and obtain a business license if operating commercially. The property must meet specific requirements including adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom plus 1), compliance with septic system capacity for increased occupancy, adherence to noise ordinances, and maintaining the residential character of the neighborhood. The approval timeline typically ranges from 60-90 days depending on completeness of application and any required inspections. After approval, you must display your permit number in all advertising and maintain compliance with ongoing reporting requirements including quarterly tax filings and annual permit renewals.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Boring, Oregon are generally legal but subject to Clackamas County regulations since Boring is an unincorporated community. As of 2023, Clackamas County allows STRs in residential zones with proper permits and registration, requiring hosts to obtain a Transient Lodging Tax license and comply with safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and occupancy limits. Properties must be owner-occupied or have an on-site manager within 150 miles, and rentals are limited to no more than 14 consecutive days with the same guests. The county implemented stricter enforcement measures in 2022 following noise and parking complaints, requiring annual inspections and imposing penalties for violations. STRs are prohibited in certain residential zones near schools and parks, and hosts must maintain liability insurance and provide emergency contact information to neighbors. Recent changes include increased permit fees and mandatory good neighbor agreements, with the county conducting regular compliance checks to ensure adherence to occupancy limits and parking requirements.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Boring, Oregon include the neighborhoods near Powell Valley Road and SE 282nd Avenue, which offer easy access to Powell Butte Nature Preserve attracting outdoor enthusiasts and hikers year-round. The areas around SE Boring Road near the town center provide proximity to local businesses and restaurants while maintaining the rural charm that draws visitors seeking a quiet retreat from Portland's urban environment just 20 minutes away. Properties near the Springwater Corridor trail system are particularly attractive as they cater to cyclists, runners, and nature lovers who use this 40-mile trail network. The residential areas close to Powell Valley Shopping Center offer convenience for longer-stay guests while still providing the small-town atmosphere that makes Boring appealing to tourists looking for authentic Pacific Northwest experiences. These locations benefit from Boring's growing reputation as a quirky destination (especially after its sister city partnership with Dull, Scotland in 2012), proximity to Mount Hood recreation areas, and its position as an affordable alternative to expensive Portland accommodations for visitors exploring the greater Portland metro area.

Airbnb properties in Boring, Oregon are subject to Oregon's statewide transient lodging tax of 1.8% on gross rental receipts, which is collected by the Oregon Department of Revenue and must be remitted monthly by hosts who exceed $25,000 in annual rental income. Additionally, Clackamas County (where Boring is located) imposes a transient lodging tax of approximately 6-8% that applies to short-term rentals under 30 days, collected either directly by hosts or through Airbnb's automated collection system depending on the arrangement. The City of Boring may have its own local occupancy tax of 2-4%, though smaller municipalities sometimes rely solely on county collections. Hosts typically register with the Oregon Department of Revenue and Clackamas County tax office, file monthly returns, and remit taxes by the 25th of the following month. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from transient lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions provide exemptions for rentals under a certain dollar threshold annually, typically $1,000-$2,000 in gross receipts.

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 Portland metro area where Boring is located. Furnishing costs would range $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials would cost $1,500-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, transient lodging tax registration, and potential HOA approvals would total $500-$1,500. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental liability protection would cost $2,000-$4,000 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, sewer, garbage, internet, and cable would require $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200), maintenance reserves ($2,000), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO ($3,000 estimated), property taxes ($3,500), and marketing ($1,000) would total approximately $12,500. Additional considerations include potential property management fees if outsourced and ongoing maintenance costs that could add $5,000-$10,000 to initial startup expenses.

Airbnb properties in Boring, Oregon typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $80-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly). Profit margins for successful properties average 25-40% after expenses, with properties near Mount Hood recreational areas and those offering unique rural experiences commanding premium rates. Success factors include proximity to outdoor attractions like the Boring Lava Domes, professional photography showcasing the Pacific Northwest setting, and targeting Portland visitors seeking suburban retreats within 30 minutes of the city. Properties with hot tubs, fire pits, or mountain views typically achieve 15-25% higher occupancy rates and can charge $20-40 more per night, while those managed by companies like Vacasa or RedAwning in the Portland metro area report average annual net profits of $8,000-$18,000 for well-positioned properties, though seasonal fluctuations mean summer months (June-September) generate 60-70% of annual revenue.

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 conservative due to the area's rural location approximately 20 miles southeast of Portland. Properties in Boring generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $80-120 for entire homes and occupancy rates of 45-60% annually. The market benefits from proximity to outdoor attractions 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. Initial investment costs are lower than Portland proper, with median home prices around $450,000-550,000 as of 2023, but investors should expect longer booking gaps during winter months and may need to price competitively against Portland metro area listings to maintain consistent occupancy rates.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Boring, Oregon. Local real estate agents in the Portland metro area who specialize in investment properties include Windermere Real Estate, Keller Williams Portland Premiere, and RE/MAX Equity Group, with agents like those at Portland Investment Property Group focusing specifically on rental income properties. National services include Mashvisor (founded 2014), which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, AirDNA for market data analysis, and Awning (launched 2020) which offers end-to-end Airbnb investment services. Regional companies like Oregon Real Estate Investors Association provide networking and education, while Vacasa (founded 2009 in Portland) offers property management services for short-term rentals. Additional national platforms include Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, BiggerPockets for investor education and networking, and local Portland-based firms like Portlandia Property Management and Northwest Property Management that can assist with Airbnb operations in the Boring area.