Is Charleston, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Charleston, Oregon, begin by researching Coos County's short-term rental regulations and the City of Coos Bay's ordinances (Charleston is unincorporated within Coos Bay's urban growth boundary), which typically require business licenses and may have zoning restrictions for vacation rentals. Obtain necessary permits including a Coos County business license, Oregon state tax registration, and potentially a land use permit if required by local zoning. Find a suitable property by searching coastal real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX, focusing on properties zoned for commercial or mixed-use, or residential areas that allow short-term rentals, with prices ranging from $300,000-$800,000 for coastal properties as of 2023. Furnish the property with coastal-themed, durable furniture and amenities like Wi-Fi, full kitchen, linens, and outdoor furniture to capitalize on Charleston's fishing and crabbing attractions, budgeting approximately $15,000-$30,000 for complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting ocean views, proximity to the Charleston Marina, and nearby attractions like Shore Acres State Park and Oregon Dunes. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, setting competitive rates ($100-$250 per night depending on size and season), responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, and maintaining the property while complying with Oregon's 17% combined lodging tax rate and any local transient occupancy taxes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Charleston, Oregon, focus on oceanfront or ocean-view locations within walking distance of the beach, harbor, and downtown core, as these command premium rates year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or condos built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as families and groups visiting the Oregon Coast prefer these features. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in Charleston and nearby Coos Bay, with peak summer rates typically ranging $150-300+ per night and off-season rates $80-150, while calculating potential annual revenue against purchase price and operating costs including the transient lodging tax. Research competition using AirDNA, Mashvisor, and direct searches on booking platforms to identify supply gaps and optimal property types, noting that Charleston has limited inventory compared to larger coastal towns. Utilize resources like the Coos County Assessor's office for property values, Oregon Coast Visitors Association for tourism data, local property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning for market insights, and connect with Charleston-area real estate agents familiar with STR regulations and the commercial fishing tourism that drives much of the area's visitor economy.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Charleston, Oregon, you must apply through Coos County's Planning Department since Charleston is an unincorporated community within Coos County jurisdiction. Contact the Coos County Planning Department at 250 N Baxter Street, Coquille, OR 97423, or call (541) 396-7510 to begin the application process. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking areas and property boundaries, septic system approval if applicable, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. You'll need to pay application fees ranging from $200-400 plus annual renewal fees of approximately $150-250. The approval timeline is generally 4-6 weeks for complete applications, though complex cases may take 8-10 weeks. Charleston-specific requirements include compliance with coastal zone management regulations, adequate off-street parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), proper waste management arrangements, and adherence to occupancy limits based on septic capacity and square footage. Properties in flood zones may require additional documentation, and all STRs must meet current building and fire safety codes with working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each sleeping area.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Charleston, Oregon, but operate under Coos County's regulations since Charleston is an unincorporated community. Coos County allows STRs with proper licensing and registration, requiring operators to obtain a business license, pay transient lodging taxes, and comply with health and safety standards including septic system inspections for properties not connected to municipal sewer systems. The county implemented stricter regulations around 2019-2020 following community concerns about housing availability and neighborhood impacts, establishing limits on the number of guests, parking requirements, and noise restrictions. Properties must meet building codes and fire safety standards, and operators are required to have local contact persons available 24/7 for issues. While not prohibited in specific areas, STRs in Charleston must comply with any applicable homeowners association rules and cannot operate in areas zoned exclusively for long-term residential use, though most of Charleston's residential areas allow properly licensed short-term rentals as accessory uses.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Charleston, Oregon include the Historic Bayfront District, which attracts tourists year-round due to its proximity to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Hatfield Marine Science Center, and scenic bay views, generating strong rental demand from families and marine enthusiasts. The Nye Beach area offers excellent potential with its artistic community, galleries, restaurants, and direct beach access, appealing to couples and groups seeking a cultural coastal experience. South Beach near the lighthouse and state parks provides consistent bookings from outdoor enthusiasts visiting Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Cape Perpetua, while properties near the Newport Municipal Airport and Oregon State University's marine facilities capture business travelers and researchers. The downtown core around Bay Boulevard benefits from proximity to restaurants, shops, and the historic district, attracting visitors attending events like the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival and Loyalty Days, with properties typically achieving 60-75% occupancy rates and $150-250 nightly rates depending on size and amenities.

Charleston, Oregon imposes a transient lodging tax of approximately 9-12% on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnbs, which consists of the state transient lodging tax of 1.8% plus local Coos County transient room tax of around 7-10%. The Oregon Department of Revenue collects the state portion while Coos County administers the local tax, with hosts typically required to register for tax permits and file monthly or quarterly returns depending on rental volume. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for some properties through their platform since around 2018-2019, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify collection with local authorities. Tax applies to rentals of less than 30 consecutive days with few exemptions, though some jurisdictions may exempt stays over certain durations or for specific purposes like medical treatment, and hosts must remit collected taxes by the 15th of the month following collection along with required reporting forms to both state and county tax offices.

To start an Airbnb in Charleston, Oregon, expect total costs around $485,000-$520,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $400,000-$450,000 based on median home prices in the coastal Oregon market as of 2023. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor 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 vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and any required inspections from Coos County and local Charleston authorities. Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,500 annually for short-term rental coverage beyond standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, sewer, garbage, internet, and cable total around $1,000-$2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($300-500/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($200-400/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management if outsourced (20-30% of revenue) can range $8,000-$15,000 depending on occupancy rates and seasonal demand in this coastal Oregon market.

Airbnb properties in Charleston, Oregon typically generate annual revenues of $15,000-$35,000 for oceanfront properties and $8,000-$18,000 for inland properties, with peak summer months (June-September) accounting for 60-70% of annual bookings at average daily rates of $120-$200 for beachfront units and $80-$130 for standard properties. Operating expenses generally consume 40-55% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-$60 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 25-40% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts like those operating renovated beach cottages near Sunset Bay State Park reporting annual profits of $12,000-$18,000 on properties generating $30,000-$45,000 in gross revenue. Success factors include proximity to Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, professional photography showcasing ocean views, responsive guest communication, and strategic pricing during crab season (December-February) and summer festivals, though seasonality remains the primary challenge with 70% of bookings concentrated in five months, requiring hosts to optimize off-season rates and target storm-watching enthusiasts during winter months.

Airbnb investments in Charleston, Oregon typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, depending on property type and location proximity to the coast. Properties within walking distance of the beach or Coos Bay can achieve higher returns of 10-15% annually, while inland properties generally see 6-9% returns. The vacation rental market benefits from Oregon's coastal tourism, with peak seasons during summer months (June-September) generating 60-70% of annual revenue. Initial profitability typically occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, factoring in startup costs of $15,000-25,000 for furnishing and marketing. Average daily rates range from $120-180 for oceanfront properties and $80-120 for inland locations, with occupancy rates averaging 55-65% annually. Properties purchased under $400,000 tend to show stronger cash-on-cash returns, while higher-end coastal properties above $600,000 may show lower initial returns but stronger long-term appreciation potential of 4-6% annually.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Charleston, Oregon, providing market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Windermere Real Estate and Century 21 Agate Realty, both with agents experienced in vacation rental markets along the Oregon coast. Pacific Properties and Oregon Coast Real Estate also serve the Charleston area with investment-focused services. National companies like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market data and property analysis for Airbnb investments in the region. Vacasa, founded in 2009, offers property management services and can help identify investment opportunities in Charleston. Local property management companies such as Oregon Coast Vacations and Sunset Vacation Rentals not only manage properties but often have insights into available investment properties. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Oregon coastal properties, though availability in Charleston specifically may be limited. Local mortgage brokers familiar with investment properties include Pacific Residential Mortgage and OnPoint Community Credit Union, which can facilitate financing for vacation rental purchases in the Charleston market.