Is Long Beach, Washington Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Long Beach, Washington, begin by researching local regulations through Pacific County and the City of Long Beach, as Washington State allows short-term rentals but requires compliance with local zoning laws and business licensing requirements. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Pacific County (approximately $25-50), register for Washington State tax purposes, and ensure your property meets fire safety codes and building requirements. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing a home, condo, or apartment in areas zoned for short-term rentals, with Long Beach's beachfront and downtown areas being most desirable for tourists visiting the 28-mile peninsula. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and beach-themed decor that appeals to visitors seeking coastal experiences, budgeting $5,000-15,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO with professional photos highlighting ocean views, beach access, and proximity to attractions like the World's Longest Beach Drive and local restaurants. Manage your listing by setting competitive rates ($80-200 per night depending on season and property size), maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guests, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, and collecting Washington State sales tax (6.5%) plus local lodging taxes which typically range 2-4% in Pacific County, while building relationships with local cleaning services and maintenance providers to ensure smooth operations year-round.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Long Beach, Washington, focus on locations within walking distance of the beach, downtown area, and the Discovery Trail, as these attract the highest occupancy rates year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom properties with ocean views, outdoor spaces, pet-friendly features, and modern amenities like updated kitchens and Wi-Fi, as Long Beach draws families and groups seeking beach vacations. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties, aiming for $150-300 per night depending on size and location, with peak summer rates 40-60% higher than off-season. Research competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches, analyzing occupancy calendars, guest reviews, and pricing strategies of top-performing listings within a 2-mile radius. Utilize tools like Rabbu for market analysis, STR Helper for performance tracking, and connect with local property management companies such as Vacasa or RedAwning who operate in the area, while also consulting the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau for tourism data and seasonal trends that impact demand patterns throughout the year.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Long Beach, Washington, you must apply through the Pacific County Planning Department since Long Beach operates under county jurisdiction for short-term rental regulations. Begin by contacting Pacific County Planning at 360-875-9331 or visiting their office at 300 Memorial Avenue, South Bend, WA 98586. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, site plan showing parking and septic system details, septic system inspection certificate, fire safety plan, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is approximately $200-300 with an additional $150 annual renewal fee. You'll need to provide contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away, ensure adequate off-street parking for guests, comply with occupancy limits based on septic capacity (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2), install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and maintain a guest registry. The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks after submitting a complete application. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all advertising, collect and remit applicable lodging taxes to both Pacific County and Washington State, and renew annually by December 31st.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Long Beach, Washington, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily allow STRs in residential and commercial zones, though certain residential areas may have limitations on the number of rental days per year or require owner occupancy. Long Beach has implemented safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency contact information for guests. The city also requires STR operators to collect and remit lodging taxes, typically around 2-4% of rental revenue. Recent changes in the early 2020s have included stricter enforcement of noise ordinances and parking requirements, with some neighborhoods implementing caps on the total number of STR permits to address community concerns about housing availability and neighborhood character. Properties must maintain adequate parking for guests and comply with occupancy limits based on septic system capacity and square footage, with violations potentially resulting in permit revocation or fines ranging from $250 to $1,000.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Long Beach, Washington include the Peninsula area near the beach access points, particularly around 10th Street to 26th Street, which attracts summer tourists seeking oceanfront vacation rentals and families visiting for the annual Washington State International Kite Festival held each August. The downtown historic district near Pacific Avenue South offers year-round potential due to proximity to local restaurants, shops, and the Marsh's Free Museum, drawing both leisure tourists and business travelers visiting the area's cranberry operations and local government facilities. The Bolstad Beach area and neighborhoods near Willapa Bay provide excellent opportunities for nature-focused rentals, appealing to visitors interested in clamming, bird watching, and accessing the Discovery Trail, while also serving business travelers working with Pacific County's timber and fishing industries. Properties near the Long Beach Boardwalk and around 1st Street benefit from high foot traffic during peak summer months and events like the Rod Run to the End of the World car show, making these areas particularly attractive for short-term rental investments targeting the consistent flow of Portland and Seattle metropolitan area visitors seeking coastal getaways.

In Long Beach, Washington, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes that must be collected from guests and remitted to tax authorities. The Washington State Lodging Tax is 0.2% of the rental amount, while Pacific County imposes a lodging tax of 2% on short-term rentals under 30 days. The City of Long Beach levies an additional 2% lodging tax, bringing the total combined rate to approximately 4.2% of the gross rental amount. Hosts must register with the Washington State Department of Revenue and obtain a business license, then collect these taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in. The state portion is remitted monthly through the Department of Revenue's online portal, while county and city portions are typically remitted quarterly to Pacific County and the City of Long Beach respectively. Rentals exceeding 30 consecutive days are generally exempt from these lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may provide exemptions for stays by government employees or certain non-profit organizations, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria as they can change periodically.

To start an Airbnb in Long Beach, Washington, the total costs would be approximately $485,000-$565,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $400,000-$450,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies total around $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees vary but generally include business license ($100-$200), short-term rental permit ($300-$500), and potential HOA approval fees totaling $500-$1,000. Insurance specifically for short-term rentals costs approximately $1,500-$2,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities including electricity, water, sewer, garbage, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs encompass cleaning services ($150-$200 per turnover), maintenance reserves, restocking supplies, platform fees to Airbnb and VRBO, marketing expenses, and potential property management totaling $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential renovations or improvements to meet rental standards, which could add $5,000-$15,000 depending on the property condition.

Airbnb properties in Long Beach, Washington typically generate annual revenues of $35,000-$55,000 for well-positioned oceanfront or beach-adjacent properties, with average daily rates ranging from $150-$280 depending on proximity to the beach and property amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($75-$100 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$350 monthly), insurance ($2,000-$3,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $3,000-$5,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 25-35% for successful properties, with the most profitable units being 2-3 bedroom beach houses or condos within walking distance of the beach that maintain 65-75% occupancy rates during peak summer months (June-September) and 35-45% during off-season. Success factors include professional photography showcasing ocean views, responsive guest communication, partnerships with local activity providers like razor clam digging guides and beach equipment rentals, and strategic pricing that captures premium rates during summer weekends ($250-$350/night) while remaining competitive during slower periods ($120-$180/night). Properties managed by companies like Vacasa or RedAwning in the area have reported 15-20% higher occupancy rates compared to owner-managed listings, though this comes at the cost of higher management fees that can reduce overall profitability by 8-12%.

Airbnb investments in Long Beach, Washington 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 beach. Properties within walking distance of the Pacific Ocean and downtown area command premium nightly rates of $150-250, while inland properties average $100-180 per night during peak summer months (June-September) when occupancy rates reach 75-85%. The timeframe to profitability is generally 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with initial investment costs averaging $350,000-500,000 for suitable vacation rental properties. Seasonal fluctuations significantly impact returns, with winter months (November-March) seeing occupancy drop to 35-45%, though storm watching season provides some offset. Properties featuring amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, and pet-friendly policies achieve the higher end of ROI ranges, while basic accommodations typically fall toward the lower estimates.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Long Beach, Washington, providing market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents specializing in vacation rental investments include Windermere Real Estate and John L. Scott Real Estate, both with agents experienced in the Long Beach Peninsula market since the early 2000s. Pacific County Realty has been serving the area since 1995 and offers expertise in beachfront investment properties. National services include AirDNA (founded 2015) for market data analysis, Mashvisor (established 2014) for property investment analytics, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and education. Vacasa, operating since 2009, provides property management services for Airbnb investments in the region. RedAwning and AvantStay also offer property management and optimization services for short-term rentals. Local property management companies like Beach Time Rentals and Pacific Coast Vacation Rentals, established in the 2000s, specialize in managing Airbnb properties along the Washington coast and can assist investors in identifying profitable opportunities while providing ongoing management services.