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 permitted zones such as R-1 or R-2 residential areas, considering proximity to attractions like the Will Rogers Memorial Museum or downtown Claremore, with average property prices ranging $80,000-$150,000 for starter homes. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, cable TV, full kitchen appliances, quality bedding, and local touches like Oklahoma-themed decor, budgeting approximately $5,000-$15,000 for complete furnishing. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with professional photos, competitive pricing around $75-$125 per night based on local market rates, and highlight nearby attractions like the J.M. Davis Arms Museum and Route 66 connections. Manage your rental by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining 24/7 communication availability, coordinating with local cleaning services like Claremore Cleaning Company, and ensuring compliance with Oklahoma's 5.5% state sales tax plus Rogers County's additional taxes on short-term rentals.

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 1990 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 40-60%, typically requiring purchase prices under $150,000 in Claremore's market. Research competition within a 3-mile radius using Airbnb and VRBO searches, looking for gaps in amenities or underpriced listings, as Claremore currently has approximately 50-75 active STRs with average occupancy rates of 65-75%. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources including the Claremore Chamber of Commerce and Rogers County tourism data to understand seasonal demand patterns, with peak seasons typically being spring through fall due to lake activities and regional tourism.

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, liability insurance certificate (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. You'll need to pay a business license fee of approximately $50-75 annually and potentially a zoning compliance fee of $100-150. The property must pass a safety inspection conducted by the Claremore Fire Department, which includes verification of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exit plans, with inspection fees typically ranging $75-100. The approval timeline is generally 30-45 days from complete application submission, provided all zoning requirements are met and the property passes inspection. Claremore requires STR operators to maintain a guest registry, limit occupancy to no more than 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide 24/7 contact information to neighbors, and ensure quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, with potential additional requirements for annual permit renewal and compliance with Oklahoma state tax collection obligations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Claremore, Oklahoma, as the city has not implemented a comprehensive ban on such properties. However, STR operators must comply with standard zoning regulations and business licensing requirements, with most residential areas allowing STRs provided they meet basic safety and occupancy standards. The city requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and adhere to fire safety codes, parking requirements, and noise ordinances that limit disruptive activities, particularly in residential neighborhoods. While there are no specific prohibited zones for STRs in Claremore, operators must ensure compliance with existing residential zoning laws and homeowners association rules where applicable. Recent legal changes have been minimal, with the city primarily relying on existing ordinances rather than creating STR-specific regulations, though this approach may evolve as the short-term rental market continues to grow in the area. Property owners should verify current licensing requirements with the city clerk's office and ensure compliance with state tax obligations for rental income.

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 recreation seekers from Tulsa metro area just 30 minutes away. The Belvidere neighborhood near Rogers State University offers potential for visiting families, prospective students, and academic travelers, 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 Claremore's position as a regional hub with strong Native American heritage tourism, proximity to Tulsa's employment centers, and its role as the "Will Rogers Country" destination.

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 consecutive days, collected by the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Claremore imposes a local hotel/motel tax of approximately 5% on short-term rental accommodations, which must be remitted monthly to the City of Claremore by the 20th of the following month. Additionally, standard Oklahoma state sales tax of 4.5% plus local sales tax of around 4.25% applies to short-term rentals, bringing the total combined tax rate to approximately 19.25%. Airbnb typically collects and remits state lodging taxes automatically for hosts, but local city taxes may require separate registration and direct remittance by the host to Claremore's finance department. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from lodging taxes but may still be subject to regular sales tax. Hosts should register with both the Oklahoma Tax Commission and the City of Claremore to ensure compliance, and exemptions may apply for certain non-profit or government-related stays.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Claremore, Oklahoma is approximately $185,000-$225,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000 based on the median home price in Claremore as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor that meets guest expectations. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total $1,500-$2,500. Permits and fees vary but typically include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit if required ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees. Insurance costs $1,200-$2,000 annually for landlord insurance with short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable run $500-$800 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($200/month), cleaning services ($75 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($150/month), platform fees (3% of bookings), and marketing expenses total approximately $4,000-$6,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 50-60% during the initial period.

Based on market analysis, Airbnb properties in Claremore, Oklahoma typically generate average nightly rates between $65-$95, with occupancy rates around 45-60% annually, resulting in gross revenues of $12,000-$18,000 per year for a standard 2-3 bedroom property. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($25-35 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), property management (15-25% of revenue), insurance ($800-1,200 annually), and maintenance ($1,500-2,500 yearly) typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue. Properties near Will Rogers Downs or historic downtown Claremore command premium rates, with some hosts reporting net profit margins of 25-35% after expenses, translating to $3,000-$6,000 annual profit for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to local attractions like the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum, competitive pricing against nearby Tulsa market (30 miles away), professional photography, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings. Properties targeting business travelers and families visiting Rogers State University or attending events at the Claremore Expo Center tend to achieve higher occupancy rates, with some experienced hosts in prime locations reporting ROI of 8-12% annually on their initial investment.

Based on Claremore, Oklahoma market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near Will Rogers Memorial Museum and Claremore Lake tend to perform at the higher end of this range, while standard residential conversions average 10-12% annual returns. Initial profitability usually occurs within 8-14 months, with full investment recovery expected in 6-8 years. The market benefits from consistent demand from visitors to local attractions, business travelers to nearby Tulsa (30 minutes away), and weekend tourists, with average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Properties requiring minimal renovation typically achieve faster profitability timelines, while those needing significant updates may extend the break-even period to 18-24 months but often command premium nightly rates of $130-180.

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 Thompson who focus on Airbnb investments, RE/MAX Tulsa's investment division, and Coldwell Banker Select's commercial team. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market data, Awning for full-service Airbnb investing, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Regional companies serving the Tulsa-Claremore area include Oklahoma Investment Properties LLC, Tulsa Area Property Investors Group, and Green Country Real Estate Investments. Additional services include RedAwning for property management, HostGPO for investor resources, and local property management companies like Claremore Property Solutions and Rogers County Rental Management that can assist with Airbnb operations once properties are acquired.