Is Garibaldi, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Garibaldi, Oregon, begin by researching local regulations through Tillamook County and the City of Garibaldi, as coastal Oregon communities typically require short-term rental permits and business licenses, with many implementing caps on STR numbers since 2019-2021. Contact Garibaldi City Hall to obtain the necessary short-term rental permit (estimated $200-500 annually), business license ($50-150), and ensure compliance with fire safety inspections and occupancy limits. Find a suitable property within city limits, preferably near the bay or downtown area where tourism is concentrated, with purchase prices ranging $300,000-600,000 for typical vacation rental properties as of 2023. Furnish the space with coastal-themed, durable furniture focusing on comfort for families and fishing enthusiasts, including full kitchen amenities, outdoor seating, and crab cooking equipment since Garibaldi is known for crabbing. Create listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and local platforms like Oregon Coast Vacations, highlighting proximity to Garibaldi Marina, crabbing opportunities, and Tillamook Bay access with competitive pricing around $150-300 per night depending on size and season. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with coastal property challenges like salt air corrosion, and consider hiring a local property management company such as Vacasa or smaller Oregon Coast specialists who understand the seasonal tourism patterns and can handle the high summer demand and quieter winter months typical of this fishing village.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Garibaldi, Oregon, focus on properties within walking distance of Garibaldi Bay, the marina, and beach access points, as proximity to water activities and crab fishing drives high demand from tourists visiting this coastal town of approximately 800 residents. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or condos built after 1980 with ocean or bay views, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these features command premium rates of $150-300 per night during peak summer and crab season months. Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within a 5-mile radius including nearby Rockaway Beach and Bay City, noting that Garibaldi's limited inventory of 15-25 active STRs creates less competition but requires pricing 10-15% below larger coastal markets like Cannon Beach. Research seasonal demand patterns showing peak occupancy from May through September and during Dungeness crab season (December-August), with average occupancy rates of 60-75% for well-positioned properties. Utilize AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for revenue projections, and monitor Tillamook County's STR regulations which require business licenses and occupancy limits, while leveraging local resources like the Garibaldi Chamber of Commerce and connecting with property management companies familiar with the unique challenges of this small fishing village market where successful properties often generate $40,000-80,000 annually depending on size and location.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Garibaldi, Oregon, you must first contact the Garibaldi City Hall at 107 6th Street or call (503) 322-3327 to obtain a short-term rental application form, as the city requires all STR properties to be licensed and registered. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, parking plan showing adequate off-street parking, septic system inspection (if applicable), fire safety plan, and contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 60 miles away. The application fee is approximately $200-300 annually, with additional fees for inspections ranging from $75-150. You must also provide proof of liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 and register for transient lodging tax collection with Tillamook County. The timeline for approval is typically 30-60 days after submitting a complete application, depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Garibaldi-specific requirements include maintaining a guest registry, posting the permit number in all advertising, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), ensuring 24/7 local contact availability, and complying with noise ordinances and waste management protocols. Properties must also meet all building and fire codes, and the city may conduct periodic inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Garibaldi, Oregon, but operate under Tillamook County's regulations since the city does not have its own specific STR ordinance. The county requires STR operators to obtain a Transient Lodging Tax license and pay the required lodging taxes, with properties needing to comply with basic safety and zoning requirements. STRs are generally permitted in residential zones but must adhere to occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. The county has implemented registration requirements and complaint procedures, with violations potentially resulting in fines or permit revocation. Recent changes around 2021-2022 included enhanced enforcement mechanisms and clearer application processes, though Garibaldi has not implemented the more restrictive measures seen in some other Oregon coastal communities. Property owners must also comply with state fire safety codes and may need additional permits depending on the property size and type, with the city maintaining the right to address nuisance issues through existing municipal codes.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Garibaldi, Oregon are the Garibaldi Bay waterfront district, particularly properties within 2-3 blocks of the marina and commercial fishing docks, which attract tourists year-round for crabbing, salmon fishing, and bay activities. The residential neighborhoods along 7th Street and Highway 101 corridor offer excellent potential due to proximity to Tillamook Bay and easy access for visitors traveling to nearby attractions like the Tillamook Cheese Factory (15 minutes away) and Oregon Coast beaches. Properties near Lumbermen's Park and the Garibaldi Museum area are highly desirable for families and history enthusiasts visiting the logging heritage sites. The Miami Foley Beach Road area, though slightly outside town center, provides premium rental opportunities for guests seeking secluded beach access and crabbing experiences. These locations benefit from Garibaldi's position as a gateway to Tillamook County attractions, consistent fishing tourism from April through October, and growing popularity among Portland-area residents (90 minutes away) seeking weekend coastal retreats, with peak demand during Dungeness crab season (December-August) and summer beach months.

Airbnb properties in Garibaldi, Oregon are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Oregon's state transient lodging tax of 1.8% and Tillamook County's transient lodging tax of 7%, for a combined rate of approximately 8.8% on gross rental receipts. The City of Garibaldi may impose an additional local transient lodging tax of up to 5%, bringing the total potential tax burden to around 13.8%. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated tax collection system for state and county taxes, while local city taxes may require separate collection and remittance by hosts. Hosts must register with the Oregon Department of Revenue and file monthly returns by the 15th of the following month, remitting collected state taxes, while county taxes are remitted to Tillamook County and city taxes to Garibaldi's finance department. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organization bookings, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as they can change periodically.

Starting an Airbnb in Garibaldi, Oregon requires approximately $450,000-$550,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $380,000-$420,000 based on median home prices in the coastal Oregon market as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically costs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor gear suitable for the coastal location. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Clatsop County include business license ($100-$200), transient lodging tax registration ($50), and potential conditional use permits ($500-$1,500). Insurance costs approximately $2,000-$3,500 annually for short-term rental coverage. Monthly utilities average $200-$350 including electricity, water, sewer, garbage, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200-$2,100), cleaning supplies and services ($1,800-$3,000), maintenance reserves ($1,000-$2,000), marketing ($500-$1,000), and platform fees total approximately $8,000-$12,000, bringing the complete startup investment to roughly $450,000-$570,000.

Airbnb properties in Garibaldi, Oregon, typically generate annual revenues of $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned vacation rentals, with peak summer months (June-September) accounting for 60-70% of bookings due to proximity to Tillamook Bay and coastal attractions. Operating expenses generally range from $15,000-$25,000 annually, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($75-$125 per turnover), utilities ($200-$300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-$2,000), and maintenance, resulting in profit margins of 25-40% for successful properties. Properties within walking distance of the bay or featuring amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, and pet-friendly policies command premium rates of $150-$250 per night versus $80-$140 for standard listings. Success factors include strategic pricing during crab season (December-February), Tillamook County Fair periods, and summer fishing seasons, with top-performing properties maintaining 65-75% occupancy rates by targeting Portland-area visitors seeking coastal getaways within a 90-minute drive. Properties purchased for $300,000-$450,000 in the Garibaldi market typically achieve 8-12% annual returns when professionally managed, though seasonal fluctuations require careful cash flow management during slower winter months outside of holiday periods.

Airbnb investments in Garibaldi, Oregon typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% based on the area's proximity to Tillamook Bay and seasonal tourism patterns. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties averaging $150-250 per night during peak summer months (June-September) and $80-120 during off-season periods. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, assuming a 20-25% down payment on properties valued between $300,000-500,000. The market benefits from consistent demand from fishing enthusiasts, coastal tourists, and Portland-area visitors seeking weekend getaways, with occupancy rates typically reaching 65-75% annually. Properties within walking distance of the bay or featuring water views command premium rates and faster profitability timelines of 12-18 months, while standard residential properties may require 24-30 months to reach positive cash flow after accounting for property management, maintenance, and local lodging taxes.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Garibaldi, Oregon. Local real estate agents like those at Windermere Realty and Century 21 Sunset Realty have extensive knowledge of the Garibaldi market and can identify properties with strong Airbnb potential near the beach and recreational areas. AirDNA provides comprehensive market data and analytics for short-term rental investments in the Oregon coast region, while Mashvisor offers property analysis tools specifically for vacation rental investments. Vacasa, headquartered in Portland, offers both property management services and can help identify investment opportunities along the Oregon coast including Garibaldi. Local property management companies like Oregon Coast Vacations and Meredith Lodging have deep market knowledge and often work with investors to identify profitable properties. BiggerPockets connects investors with local experts and other investors active in the Oregon short-term rental market, while Roofstock and Awning focus on turnkey short-term rental investment properties that may include opportunities in coastal Oregon markets like Garibaldi.