Is Burns, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Burns, Oregon, begin by researching local regulations through Harney County and the City of Burns, as Oregon allows short-term rentals but requires compliance with local zoning laws and potential business licensing requirements. Contact Burns City Hall at 541-573-6331 to obtain necessary permits, which typically include a business license ($50-100 annually) and potentially a transient lodging tax permit, as Oregon imposes a 1.8% statewide transient lodging tax plus any local taxes. Find a suitable property in Burns' residential areas, focusing on homes near the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge or downtown historic district, with property prices ranging $80,000-200,000 for typical homes. Furnish the property with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, heating (crucial for Burns' cold winters), comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, and outdoor gear storage given the area's recreational tourism focus. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to wildlife viewing, fishing, and outdoor activities, pricing competitively at $75-150 per night based on seasonal demand from hunters, birdwatchers, and tourists visiting the refuge. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider using property management companies like Vacasa or AvantStay if you're not local, while maintaining responsive communication with guests and ensuring compliance with Oregon's landlord-tenant laws and safety requirements including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Burns, Oregon, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of downtown Burns or near Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and Steens Mountain recreation areas, as these attract nature enthusiasts and hunters year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins built after 1980 with outdoor amenities like fire pits, hot tubs, or large yards, ensuring properties have reliable internet and modern heating systems due to harsh winters. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings within 25 miles, aiming for properties under $200,000 that can command $80-150 nightly rates during peak hunting and birding seasons (April-October), with winter rates around $60-100. Competition research should focus on the limited existing STR inventory in Harney County, identifying gaps in luxury amenities or pet-friendly options that could differentiate your property. Utilize tools like AirDNA for Burns market data, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including the Harney County Chamber of Commerce, Burns real estate agents familiar with rural properties, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website to understand seasonal tourism patterns driven by hunting seasons and wildlife viewing opportunities.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Burns, Oregon, contact the Harney County Planning Department at 450 N Buena Vista Ave, Burns, OR 97720, or call (541) 573-6641, as Burns operates under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations. Submit a completed conditional use permit application along with a site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or authorization letter from owner, Oregon business registration, liability insurance certificate for minimum $1 million coverage, septic system approval if applicable, and fire safety inspection certificate. The application fee is approximately $350-500 plus a $150 public hearing fee. Required documents include a floor plan indicating maximum occupancy (typically 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional), parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, waste management plan, and neighbor notification forms for properties within 250 feet. The process typically takes 60-90 days including a mandatory public hearing before the Planning Commission. Burns-specific requirements include maintaining a local contact person available 24/7, posting maximum occupancy limits visibly, ensuring compliance with rural fire protection standards, and adhering to county noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. Annual renewal is required with a $100-150 fee, and all STRs must comply with Oregon state lodging tax requirements and register with the Oregon Department of Revenue.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Burns, Oregon, as the city does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2023. However, STR operators must comply with Oregon state regulations including business registration, transient lodging taxes, and safety requirements. Harney County, where Burns is located, does not impose additional county-level STR restrictions beyond state requirements. Properties must meet basic safety standards including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and operators are required to collect and remit state and local transient lodging taxes, which typically range from 8-12% in the region. While there are no specific zoning restrictions prohibiting STRs in residential areas within Burns city limits, operators should verify compliance with any homeowners association rules and ensure proper business licensing. The regulatory environment remains relatively permissive compared to larger Oregon cities like Portland or Bend, which have implemented more restrictive STR regulations in recent years, though Burns city council has not indicated plans for additional STR-specific legislation as of late 2023.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Burns, Oregon include the historic downtown district near the Harney County Courthouse and Main Street, which attracts visitors exploring the area's ranching heritage and serves as a convenient base for business travelers and government workers. The residential neighborhoods along Monroe Street and Washington Street offer quiet, family-friendly accommodations popular with tourists visiting nearby Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, particularly during peak birding seasons from March through May. Properties near the Harney County Fairgrounds on Fairview Avenue see increased demand during the annual fair in September and other community events throughout the year. The areas close to Highway 20 and Highway 395 intersection provide easy access for travelers passing through this remote region, while neighborhoods near Burns Municipal Airport cater to private pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Properties within walking distance of the historic Burns Opera House and local restaurants along Broadway Street appeal to cultural tourists and visitors attending community theater productions and local festivals, with demand peaking during summer months when outdoor recreation in the Steens Mountain area draws adventure travelers and hunters.

Airbnb properties in Burns, 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. Harney County, where Burns is located, imposes an additional transient room tax of 7% on lodging accommodations, bringing the total occupancy tax burden to approximately 8.8% for Airbnb guests. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts. Hosts must register with both the Oregon Department of Revenue and Harney County for tax collection purposes, and any rentals not processed through platforms with automatic collection require manual quarterly remittance by the 15th of the month following each quarter. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these transient lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may provide exemptions for rentals to government employees or during certain emergency situations, though specific local exemptions in Burns would need verification with Harney County tax authorities.

To start an Airbnb in Burns, Oregon, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Oregon markets like Harney County. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,200 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility deposits and connections total approximately $800-$1,500 for electricity, water, sewer, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($200/month), maintenance reserves ($300/month), platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total roughly $8,000-$12,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 40-60% typical for smaller Oregon markets.

Airbnb properties in Burns, Oregon show modest profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 due to the town's remote location and limited tourism infrastructure, though properties can achieve 40-60% occupancy rates during peak seasons when visitors come for outdoor activities like fishing at Malheur Lake and hunting. Revenue typically ranges from $15,000-35,000 annually for well-managed properties, while expenses including cleaning fees ($50-75 per turnover), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance average $8,000-18,000 per year, resulting in profit margins of 25-45% for successful operators. Properties within 10 miles of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge perform significantly better, with some cabin-style rentals achieving $40,000+ annual revenue by targeting birdwatchers and nature photographers during spring migration seasons, while success factors include competitive pricing below $100/night, professional photography showcasing outdoor access, partnerships with local guides, and maintaining rural charm with modern amenities like reliable WiFi and heating systems essential for the high desert climate.

Airbnb investments in Burns, Oregon typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, though these figures are modest due to Burns' small population of approximately 2,700 and limited tourist infrastructure. The high desert location attracts some outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and Steens Mountain area, supporting occupancy rates of 35-50% during peak seasons from May through September. Property acquisition costs average $150,000-$250,000 for suitable rental homes, with daily rates typically ranging from $80-$120, generating gross annual revenues of $12,000-$18,000 for well-managed properties. After accounting for cleaning fees, maintenance, utilities, insurance, and platform fees totaling approximately 40-50% of gross revenue, net annual income typically ranges from $6,000-$10,800. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, though the limited demand and seasonal nature of tourism in this remote eastern Oregon community creates higher vacancy risks compared to more established vacation rental markets, making Burns more suitable for investors seeking modest returns rather than aggressive growth strategies.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Burns, Oregon. Local real estate agents serving the Burns area include Malheur County Realty and High Desert Properties, both of which have experience with investment properties in rural Oregon markets. National services like AirDNA and Mashvisor offer market analytics and property evaluation tools for Burns and surrounding Harney County. BiggerPockets connects investors with local agents familiar with vacation rental regulations in Oregon, while companies like RedAwning and AvantStay provide property management services for short-term rentals in smaller Oregon markets. Local property management companies such as Eastern Oregon Property Management and High Desert Vacation Rentals can assist with day-to-day operations of Airbnb properties in the Burns area. Investment-focused real estate platforms like Roofstock and Fundrise occasionally feature Oregon properties, though rural markets like Burns may have limited inventory compared to urban areas like Portland or Bend.