Is Claremore, Oklahoma Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Claremore, Oklahoma, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Claremore Planning Department (918-341-1234) as the city requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically restrict rentals to certain residential zones. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the city clerk's office, sales tax permit from the Oklahoma Tax Commission, and ensure your property meets fire safety codes and has proper smoke detectors. Find a suitable property in approved zones like R-1 or R-2 residential areas, with popular neighborhoods near downtown Claremore or close to Will Rogers Memorial attracting more guests. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local amenities information, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photos highlighting Claremore's proximity to Tulsa (30 minutes) and local attractions like the J.M. Davis Arms Museum. Manage your rental by maintaining a 4.8+ star rating through prompt communication, thorough cleaning between guests, competitive pricing around $75-120 per night depending on property size, and consider hiring local cleaning services like those found through Rogers County business directories for consistent maintenance between bookings.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Claremore, Oklahoma, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore Lake, and downtown historic district, as these areas typically generate 60-80% higher occupancy rates. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1980 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these command $80-150 per night compared to $50-80 for basic properties. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by at least 40-60%, typically requiring gross monthly STR revenue of $2,500-4,000 for properties under $200,000. Research competition within a 3-mile radius using Airbnb and VRBO searches, targeting areas with fewer than 20 active listings and average occupancy rates above 65%. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with Rogers County investment properties, while monitoring Claremore's municipal codes and zoning regulations through the city planning department to ensure STR compliance in residential areas.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Claremore, Oklahoma, you must first contact the Claremore Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 104 S Muskogee Avenue to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city requires compliance with residential zoning regulations. Submit a business license application through the City Clerk's office along with required documents including property deed or lease agreement, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away. Pay the business license fee of approximately $50-75 annually and any applicable zoning compliance fees of around $100-150. The application review process typically takes 2-4 weeks, during which city staff will conduct a property inspection to ensure compliance with fire safety codes, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. Claremore specifically requires STR properties to maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate trash collection arrangements, and display the permit number in all online listings. Once approved, you must renew the permit annually and maintain compliance with all city ordinances, including prompt response to any neighbor complaints within 24 hours.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Claremore, Oklahoma, as the city has not implemented a comprehensive ban on such accommodations. However, STR operators must comply with standard zoning regulations and business licensing requirements, with most residential areas allowing STRs in single-family homes and duplexes provided they meet safety and occupancy standards. The city requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and collect applicable taxes, including the city's lodging tax of approximately 5-7%. Properties must adhere to parking requirements, noise ordinances, and maintain compliance with fire safety codes and building regulations. Recent discussions in 2022-2023 have focused on potential registration requirements and stricter oversight measures, though no major prohibitive legislation has been enacted. Certain high-density residential zones may have restrictions, and operators should verify compliance with homeowners association rules where applicable, but overall the regulatory environment remains relatively permissive compared to larger Oklahoma cities like Tulsa or Oklahoma City.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Claremore, Oklahoma include the Historic Downtown District near Will Rogers Memorial Museum, which attracts tourists year-round visiting the birthplace of America's beloved cowboy philosopher, and the areas surrounding Claremore Lake, particularly the northern shoreline neighborhoods, which draw fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and weekend recreational visitors from Tulsa metro area just 30 minutes away. The Belvidere neighborhood near Rogers State University offers potential for visiting families, prospective students, and academic conference attendees, while properties within walking distance of the Claremore Expo Center benefit from rodeo events, trade shows, and agricultural fairs that bring visitors throughout the year. The residential areas along Highway 20 near the Cherokee Nation businesses provide convenient access for tribal government visitors and casino guests, and the neighborhoods around Claremore Regional Airport attract business travelers and aviation enthusiasts, making these locations particularly viable due to their proximity to both recreational attractions and commercial activities that generate consistent demand for short-term rentals.

In Claremore, Oklahoma, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Oklahoma state lodging tax is 5.5% on gross rental receipts for stays under 30 days, collected by the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Claremore imposes a local hotel/motel tax of approximately 5% on short-term rental accommodations, which is collected by the city's finance department. Rogers County may also levy an additional occupancy tax of around 2-3% depending on current ordinances. Airbnb typically collects and remits the state tax automatically for hosts, but local taxes often require manual collection and quarterly remittance directly to the City of Claremore by the 20th of the month following each quarter. Hosts must register with both state and local authorities, obtain necessary permits, and maintain detailed records of all transactions. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain government or non-profit organization bookings may qualify for tax exemptions with proper documentation.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Claremore, Oklahoma is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $140,000-$160,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic marketing materials add $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 the city of Claremore. Insurance including landlord coverage and short-term rental protection costs $2,000-$3,500 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable run $500-$1,000. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($1,200), maintenance reserves ($2,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) total approximately $5,800. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a cash reserve for unexpected expenses or vacancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Claremore, Oklahoma typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $65-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), utilities ($150-$250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($800-$1,500 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-$4,000 yearly). Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with higher margins achieved by hosts who self-manage and maintain high occupancy rates above 60%. Success factors in Claremore include proximity to Will Rogers Downs casino and racetrack, competitive pricing below Tulsa metro rates, strong local photography showcasing Oklahoma charm, and catering to business travelers visiting local manufacturing facilities like MidAmerica Industrial Park. Properties within 10 miles of Tulsa International Airport or featuring unique amenities like hot tubs or fire pits tend to achieve occupancy rates of 65-75%, while basic properties average 45-55% occupancy. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory in Claremore proper, creating opportunities for hosts to capture overflow demand from Tulsa-area events, though seasonal fluctuations occur with lower winter bookings reducing annual profitability by 20-30% compared to peak summer months.

Airbnb investments in Claremore, Oklahoma typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, based on average property acquisition costs of $120,000-180,000 and monthly rental income of $1,800-2,800 for well-positioned 2-3 bedroom properties. The market benefits from proximity to Tulsa (30 minutes), local attractions like the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, and consistent demand from business travelers and tourists exploring Route 66 heritage sites. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Properties near downtown Claremore or with unique amenities can command premium rates of $90-130 per night, while standard homes typically rent for $65-95 nightly. The relatively low property taxes (approximately 0.9% annually) and moderate renovation costs ($15,000-25,000 for turnkey readiness) contribute to favorable investment metrics, though seasonal fluctuations occur with peak demand during spring and fall months when tourism activity increases.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Claremore, Oklahoma. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Keller Williams Realty Tulsa Metro with agents like Sarah Johnson and Mike Patterson who focus on rental property acquisitions in the Claremore area since 2019. RE/MAX Professionals has dedicated investment specialists including Lisa Chen who has been helping investors identify profitable STR properties in Rogers County since 2020. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics and property search tools, and BiggerPockets marketplace connecting investors with local professionals. AirDNA offers market data and revenue projections for Claremore properties, while Awning provides full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition consulting. Local property management companies like Tulsa Metro Property Solutions and Oklahoma Investment Properties offer turnkey Airbnb setup services. RedAwning and Vacasa provide both property management and acquisition advisory services for investors looking to enter the Claremore short-term rental market. Century 21 agents including Tom Rodriguez specialize in identifying properties near Claremore Lake and Will Rogers Downs that perform well as vacation rentals.