Is Myrtle Creek, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Douglas County planning department, as Myrtle Creek typically follows county guidelines for short-term rentals which may require conditional use permits in residential zones. Contact the City of Myrtle Creek directly at their city hall to confirm specific business license requirements and any occupancy taxes, as Oregon cities often impose transient lodging taxes ranging from 1-15%. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from the city, register with Oregon Department of Revenue for transient lodging tax collection, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes through the local fire marshal. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing a home in areas zoned for short-term rentals, focusing on properties near Myrtle Creek's outdoor attractions like the South Umpqua River or within walking distance of downtown. Furnish the property with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks highlighting nearby attractions like Crater Lake National Park access routes. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing based on comparable properties in the Roseburg-Myrtle Creek area (typically $75-150/night), and highlight proximity to outdoor recreation and I-5 access. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols, installing keyless entry systems, maintaining responsive communication with guests, and potentially partnering with local cleaning services in the Myrtle Creek area for turnover efficiency.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of the Umpqua River for fishing and recreation access, proximity to Interstate 5 for traveler convenience, and areas near Crater Lake National Park (about 90 minutes away) to capture tourist overflow. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, river or mountain views, hot tubs, and rustic cabin or farmhouse aesthetics that appeal to nature-seeking guests. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in Douglas County, with average nightly rates typically ranging $80-150 depending on size and amenities, and calculate potential ROI against property purchase prices averaging $250,000-400,000 in the area. Research competition using AirDNA, STR Helper, and Mashvisor to identify occupancy rates (typically 40-60% in rural Oregon markets) and revenue potential, while monitoring listings in nearby Roseburg and Sutherlin for market saturation. Utilize tools like Rabbu, AllTheRooms, and local MLS data through Zillow or Realtor.com, consult with Douglas County planning department regarding STR regulations, and connect with local property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning who operate in Southern Oregon to understand operational requirements and market dynamics specific to this rural recreational market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, you must first contact the Myrtle Creek City Hall at 326 NE 3rd Avenue or call (541) 863-3106 to obtain the short-term rental application form, as the city requires all STR operators to register with the municipal government. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, emergency contact information, parking plan, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. You'll need to pay an estimated application fee of $150-250 plus an annual renewal fee of approximately $100-150, though exact amounts should be confirmed with city staff. The application process generally takes 30-45 days for review and approval, during which time city staff will conduct a property inspection to ensure compliance with fire safety, building codes, and occupancy limits. Specific Myrtle Creek requirements include maintaining a local contact person available 24/7, providing adequate off-street parking for guests, ensuring the property meets all building and fire codes, limiting occupancy to posted maximums, and maintaining a guest registry. Additionally, you must display your permit number in all advertising, collect and remit transient lodging taxes to Douglas County, and comply with noise ordinances and neighborhood compatibility standards established by the city.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Myrtle Creek, Oregon are generally legal but subject to local regulations and state oversight. As of 2023, Oregon state law requires STR operators to obtain permits and comply with safety standards, while Douglas County and Myrtle Creek have implemented their own zoning restrictions and operational requirements. STRs are typically permitted in residential zones but may face limitations on the number of guests, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. The city has not implemented a complete ban but requires operators to register with local authorities and maintain compliance with building codes and tax obligations. Recent changes include stricter enforcement of existing regulations and potential caps on the total number of STR permits issued in certain residential neighborhoods to address community concerns about housing availability and neighborhood character. Property owners must also comply with Oregon's statewide STR registration system and collect transient lodging taxes, with violations potentially resulting in fines or permit revocation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Myrtle Creek, Oregon include the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the town's timber heritage and proximity to the South Umpqua River for fishing and recreation. The residential neighborhoods along Riverside Drive offer scenic river access and appeal to outdoor enthusiasts visiting for steelhead and salmon fishing, particularly during peak seasons from October through March. Properties near the Myrtle Creek Golf Course on Golf Course Road attract golfers and families seeking recreational activities, while areas close to Interstate 5 corridors provide convenient access for travelers passing through between Portland and California, making them ideal for overnight stays. The neighborhoods near Millsite Park and the South Umpqua River are particularly attractive due to their proximity to swimming, kayaking, and camping activities, drawing summer tourists and outdoor recreation groups. Additionally, properties within walking distance of local events like the annual Daze Festival and near antique shops along the main commercial strip benefit from cultural tourism and weekend visitors exploring Southern Oregon's rural attractions.

Airbnb properties in Myrtle Creek, Oregon are subject to Oregon's statewide transient lodging tax of 1.8% on gross rental receipts, which applies to all short-term rentals under 30 days and is collected by the Oregon Department of Revenue through quarterly returns due by the last day of the month following each quarter. Douglas County, where Myrtle Creek is located, imposes an additional transient room tax of approximately 6% on lodging accommodations, bringing the total occupancy tax burden to roughly 7.8% for Airbnb hosts. The city of Myrtle Creek itself does not currently impose a separate municipal lodging tax as of 2023. Hosts are required to register with both the state and county tax authorities, collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, and remit payments along with detailed occupancy reports showing gross receipts, number of room nights, and tax calculations. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain government or charitable organization bookings may qualify for reduced rates. Airbnb's automated tax collection service handles Oregon state taxes in many cases, but hosts remain responsible for ensuring compliance with all local Douglas County requirements and maintaining proper documentation for auditing purposes.

Starting an Airbnb in Myrtle Creek, Oregon requires approximately $285,000-$320,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in Douglas County rural areas as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and appliances. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities total $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees in Douglas County include business license ($100-$200), transient lodging tax registration ($50-$100), and potential zoning permits ($200-$500). Insurance including short-term rental coverage and liability protection costs $1,800-$2,400 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, sewer, garbage, internet, and cable run $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies and services ($300/month), maintenance reserves ($200/month), marketing ($150/month), and property management software ($50/month) total approximately $7,800. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds.

Airbnb properties in Myrtle Creek, Oregon typically generate modest returns due to the area's rural location and limited tourist infrastructure, with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for standard properties and occupancy rates around 35-45% annually. Revenue for a typical 2-3 bedroom property averages $18,000-28,000 per year, while expenses including mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning fees, maintenance, and Airbnb's 3% host fee typically consume 65-75% of gross revenue, leaving profit margins of 25-35% or roughly $4,500-9,800 annually. Success factors in this market include proximity to outdoor recreation areas like the Umpqua National Forest, competitive pricing below coastal Oregon markets, and targeting guests seeking rural retreats or visiting nearby Roseburg for medical services at Mercy Medical Center. Properties that perform best offer unique amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or pet-friendly accommodations, with some hosts reporting 15-20% higher occupancy rates when marketing to hunters and fishermen during peak seasons from May through October, though the limited population base of approximately 1,200 residents means most revenue depends on attracting visitors from larger cities like Eugene or Medford rather than local demand.

Airbnb investments in Myrtle Creek, Oregon typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on average property acquisition costs of $250,000-$400,000 and nightly rates of $85-$140 during peak seasons. Properties in this Douglas County market generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with occupancy rates averaging 55-65% annually due to proximity to outdoor recreation areas like the Umpqua National Forest and Crater Lake National Park. The market benefits from consistent demand from tourists visiting Oregon's scenic attractions, with properties typically generating $18,000-$32,000 in annual gross rental income, though investors should account for seasonal fluctuations with stronger performance during summer months (June-September) and lower occupancy in winter periods.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Myrtle Creek, Oregon. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Bain in nearby Roseburg (2019-present), RE/MAX Integrity serving Douglas County, and Century 21 Agate Realty which has operated in the region since 2005. National services like Mashvisor (founded 2014) and AirDNA (established 2015) offer market analytics and property identification tools for the Myrtle Creek area. BiggerPockets, launched in 2004, provides investor networking and educational resources with local Oregon investor groups. Vacasa, operating since 2009, offers property management services for short-term rentals throughout Oregon including rural markets like Myrtle Creek. Local property management companies such as Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals and Sunset Vacation Rental Management extend their services to inland Oregon markets. Real estate investment firms like HomeVestors (operating since 1996) and national platforms such as Roofstock (founded 2015) occasionally feature properties in smaller Oregon markets, while local investors often work with Douglas County-based agents who understand the unique vacation rental potential near the Umpqua River recreation areas.