Is Clackamas, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Clackamas, Oregon, begin by researching local regulations as Clackamas County requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning laws, particularly in residential areas where STRs may be restricted or require conditional use permits. Contact Clackamas County's Code Enforcement Division to understand specific requirements for your property's zone, as some areas prohibit rentals under 30 days. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Oregon Secretary of State, register for Oregon tax accounts with the Department of Revenue for transient lodging taxes (typically 1.8% county tax plus local municipality taxes), and secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes short-term rental liability. Find a suitable property by researching high-demand areas near Clackamas Town Center, Happy Valley, or properties with easy Portland access, ensuring the property meets county safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency egress windows. Furnish the space with quality, durable furniture focusing on comfort and functionality, including fast WiFi, smart TV, full kitchen amenities, quality linens, and local guidebooks featuring Oregon attractions. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photography highlighting unique features, competitive pricing based on comparable Clackamas properties ($80-150/night average), and detailed descriptions emphasizing proximity to Portland, Mount Hood, and local attractions. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, maintaining the property regularly, and staying compliant with ongoing tax obligations and permit renewals, while monitoring Clackamas County's evolving short-term rental regulations that have become more restrictive since 2020.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Clackamas, Oregon, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Portland's downtown core, near major attractions like Mount Hood recreation areas, Clackamas Town Center, and transit-friendly neighborhoods with easy MAX Light Rail access. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities, dedicated parking, outdoor spaces, and strong WiFi infrastructure, as these appeal to both business travelers and families visiting the region. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark average daily rates ($80-150 for the area as of 2023-2024), occupancy rates (typically 60-75%), and seasonal demand patterns, particularly during summer months when Mount Hood activities peak. Research competition by analyzing existing STR listings within a 2-mile radius using tools like AllTheRooms and directly monitoring Airbnb/VRBO for pricing gaps and underserved niches. Utilize Clackamas County's permitting requirements and zoning regulations through their official website, leverage local real estate platforms like RMLS, and consider partnering with Portland-area property management companies familiar with Oregon's STR regulations to ensure compliance while maximizing profitability in this suburban market that benefits from Portland's tourism overflow.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Clackamas, Oregon, you must first contact Clackamas County's Code Enforcement Division at 503-742-4400 or visit their offices at 150 Beavercreek Road, Oregon City, as the county regulates short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. Required documents typically include a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, septic system inspection (if applicable), and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is approximately $350-500 with an annual renewal fee of $200-300. You must also obtain a Transient Lodging Tax license from Clackamas County Finance Department and register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for state lodging taxes. Specific Clackamas requirements include maximum occupancy of 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, 24/7 local contact person within 30 minutes of property, posted emergency contact information, and compliance with all fire safety codes including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The approval timeline is typically 4-8 weeks after submitting a complete application, and properties are subject to initial inspection and periodic compliance checks.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Clackamas, Oregon, but are subject to specific regulations under Clackamas County's zoning ordinances. The county allows STRs in residential zones with proper permits and requires hosts to obtain a Transient Lodging Tax license and comply with safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. STRs are prohibited in certain residential areas where homeowner associations have specific restrictions, and the county limits the number of guests and requires adequate parking. Recent changes around 2019-2020 strengthened enforcement mechanisms and clarified permit requirements, while maintaining a complaint-driven enforcement system. Property owners must also register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for transient lodging tax collection and ensure compliance with building codes, with violations potentially resulting in fines or permit revocation.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Clackamas, Oregon include the Clackamas Town Center district, which attracts business travelers and shoppers visiting the major retail hub and nearby corporate offices like Nike headquarters in Beaverton; the Sunnyside area near Clackamas Community College, which draws visiting families, prospective students, and academic conference attendees; the Happy Valley border region, which appeals to tourists seeking upscale accommodations near outdoor recreation areas and Mount Scott Park; the McLoughlin Boulevard corridor, which benefits from proximity to Portland International Airport and serves as a more affordable alternative to downtown Portland hotels for visitors attending events at Moda Center or Providence Park; and the Milwaukie border area near the Orange MAX line terminus, which attracts visitors wanting easy public transit access to downtown Portland while staying in a quieter suburban setting with lower nightly rates than urban properties.

In Clackamas, Oregon, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Oregon state transient lodging tax of 1.8%, Clackamas County's transient lodging tax of 5%, and potentially the Metro regional excise tax of 1% depending on the specific location within the county. 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 jurisdictions through their automated tax collection service, which began around 2016-2017 for Oregon markets. Hosts who collect taxes manually must register with the Oregon Department of Revenue and Clackamas County, file monthly or quarterly returns depending on volume, and remit taxes by the 15th of the following month. Exemptions generally include stays of 30 days or longer, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organization bookings, though documentation may be required. Some municipalities within Clackamas County may impose additional local lodging taxes ranging from 1-3%, and hosts should verify specific requirements with local tax authorities as collection and remittance procedures can vary by jurisdiction.

To start an Airbnb in Clackamas, Oregon, the total costs 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 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 generally include business license ($100-$200), short-term rental permit ($200-$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 requiring upfront payment. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable typically cost $500-$1,000 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($200-$300/month), cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), supplies and maintenance ($150-$250/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management software ($50-$100/month) total approximately $4,000-$7,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Clackamas, Oregon typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for entire homes and $15,000-$28,000 for private rooms, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$140 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-$2,400 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in the area reporting annual profits of $8,000-$18,000 per property. Key success factors include proximity to Portland International Airport (15 minutes away), competitive pricing during peak seasons like summer festivals and business travel periods, professional photography, and maintaining super-host status through consistent 4.8+ ratings. Properties near Clackamas Town Center and with easy MAX light rail access to downtown Portland command premium rates, while those offering unique amenities like hot tubs or mountain views can achieve occupancy rates of 70-85% compared to the area average of 60-75%. The market benefits from Oregon's tourism industry and Portland's overflow demand, though hosts must navigate local regulations and potential HOA restrictions that can impact profitability.

Based on Clackamas, Oregon market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the area. Properties near Clackamas Town Center and with easy Portland access tend to perform at the higher end, achieving 10-12% annual returns, while residential areas may see 8-10% returns. Initial profitability usually occurs within 12-18 months for well-positioned properties, with full investment recovery typically taking 8-10 years. The market benefits from proximity to Portland International Airport, Mount Hood recreation areas, and business travelers visiting the Clackamas/Milwaukie corridor, supporting average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Properties requiring significant renovation may see extended profitability timelines of 18-24 months, while turnkey properties in prime locations can achieve positive cash flow within 6-12 months.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research services. In Clackamas, Oregon, local real estate agents specializing in short-term rental investments include Windermere Real Estate agents who focus on investment properties, Keller Williams Realty professionals with STR expertise, and RE/MAX agents experienced in vacation rental markets. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis and market data, AirDNA for short-term rental analytics, Rabbu for Airbnb investment consulting, and RedAwning for vacation rental property management and acquisition services. Local property management companies that assist investors include Vacasa, which operates throughout Oregon and helps identify profitable properties, and regional firms like Portland-area STR management companies that extend services to Clackamas County. Additional resources include BiggerPockets for investor networking and education, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, and local investment groups through the Oregon Real Estate Investors Association that focus on short-term rental opportunities in the Portland metropolitan area including Clackamas.