Is Long Beach, Washington Good for Airbnb Investment?

Potentially—Long Beach, Washington combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

• Long Beach, Washington, presents a promising landscape for Airbnb investment due to its unique market conditions and steady tourism appeal.
• The city benefits from its coastal location, attracting tourists seeking beach getaways, clam digging experiences, and events like the annual Kite Festival.
• This consistent influx of visitors contributes to a strong demand for short-term rentals, particularly during peak seasons.
• Property values in Long Beach, while varying by specific location and property type, generally reflect a stable real estate market.
• The investment potential is further bolstered by ongoing efforts to enhance local attractions and infrastructure, suggesting continued growth in tourism.
• However, potential investors should carefully research local regulations concerning short-term rentals to ensure compliance and maximize their investment's profitability.

$1,200–$3,500 based on location, season, and property quality.

• Based on available market data and rental performance metrics, Airbnb properties in Long Beach, Washington typically generate between $1,200 to $3,500 in monthly revenue.
• Seasonal variations are significant, with peak summer months (June through August) often producing 150-200% higher revenues than winter months.
• Properties within walking distance of the beach generally earn 30-40% more than those located further inland, while amenities such as hot tubs, fire pits.
• The average daily rate ranges from $85-180 depending on property size and location, with occupancy rates averaging 45-55% annually but reaching 75-85% during summer peak season.
• Factors significantly affecting earnings include proximity to the beach, property condition and amenities, local events like the International Kite Festival.

Potentially strong—typical annual ROI is 8–14%.

• Typically generate ROI between 8-14% annually, with higher-end properties near the beach achieving up to 18% during peak summer months.
• The average payback period ranges from 7-12 years depending on initial investment and property location.
• Long Beach's seasonal tourism pattern creates strong summer revenue from June through September, but occupancy drops significantly in winter months to around 25-35%.
• Compared to traditional long-term rentals in the area that yield 6-8% annually with 85-95% occupancy, Airbnb properties can outperform by 2-6 percentage points but require significantly more active management.
• Properties within walking distance of the beach and main attractions typically achieve 65-75% occupancy rates and command premium pricing.

Long Beach, Washington averages 65–70% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

• Long Beach, Washington experiences average Airbnb occupancy rates of approximately 65-70% annually, with significant seasonal variation driven by its coastal tourism patterns.
• Peak season occurs during summer months (June through August) when occupancy rates surge to 85-95%, coinciding with beach activities, the International Kite Festival.
• Spring and fall shoulder seasons typically see occupancy rates drop to 50-60%, while winter months experience the lowest occupancy at 35-45% due to stormy weather and reduced tourist activity.
• Long Beach's occupancy rates generally outperform Washington state's average of 60-65% and align closely with national Airbnb averages of 65-70%.
• The area's proximity to Portland and Seattle metropolitan areas, combined with attractions like the World's Longest Beach claim and cranberry bog tours.

The strongest opportunities balance visitor demand, nightly rates, and acquisition cost.

• The Peninsula area near the beach access points offers the highest rental potential due to its direct proximity to the 28-mile sandy beach and popular attractions like the World's Longest Beach Drive.
• Seaview provides excellent investment opportunities with its central location near restaurants, shops, and the historic Seaview Depot.
• The Klipsan Beach neighborhood appeals to investors due to its quieter residential feel that attracts longer-stay guests and families wanting privacy while still being within walking distance of beach access.
• Ilwaco, though slightly inland, offers strong investment potential with lower property acquisition costs and proximity to Cape Disappointment State Park, the lighthouse, and fishing charters.
• Ocean Park provides solid returns due to its family-friendly atmosphere, proximity to go-kart tracks and mini golf, and central location for exploring both the northern and southern peninsula.
• Nahcotta appeals to investors seeking properties near Willapa Bay for crabbing and oyster harvesting activities.
• Long Beach city center offers the advantage of walkability to restaurants, shops, and the boardwalk, plus proximity to the annual kite festivals and summer events.

Yes, but only where zoning permits short-term rentals and every required license is current.

• Long Beach, Washington requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and conditional use permit through the city.
• The city does not mandate owner-occupancy requirements, allowing both hosted and non-hosted rentals, but properties must be located in zones that permit transient accommodations.
• Registration involves submitting applications to the planning department with site plans, parking arrangements, and neighbor notification requirements.
• Properties must maintain adequate parking (typically one space per bedroom plus one), meet fire safety standards, and comply with noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM.
• Recent changes implemented around 2020-2022 have strengthened enforcement mechanisms, increased penalties for violations.

Tax rates vary by jurisdiction; licensing, inspection, and insurance costs are additional.

• Short-term rentals in Long Beach, Washington are subject to several fees and taxes including Washington State's 6.5% sales tax, a state lodging tax of 0.2%.
• The city of Long Beach typically imposes an additional municipal lodging tax of around 2-4%, bringing the total lodging tax burden to approximately 10.7-13.7% of rental revenue.
• Property owners must obtain a business license from the city costing approximately $25-50 annually, register with the Washington State Department of Revenue at no cost.
• Additional requirements may include a Pacific County health permit for septic systems costing around $100-200, and compliance with fire safety inspections potentially costing $50-150.
• Some properties may also be subject to utility taxes of 1-3% and must collect and remit all applicable taxes monthly or quarterly to state and local authorities.