Is Rockaway Beach, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

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Rockaway Beach, Oregon market research

Rockaway Beach, Oregon Airbnb Investment Overview

$1,200–$3,500Typical monthly host earnings
8–14%Typical annual ROI
65–70%Average annual occupancy
VariesCombined taxes and local fees
Investment

Is Airbnb a Good Investment in Rockaway Beach, Oregon?

Potentially—Rockaway Beach, Oregon combines visitor demand with long-term real estate upside.

  • Presents a compelling opportunity, primarily driven by its appeal as a popular coastal tourist destination.
  • Current market conditions indicate a consistent demand for short-term rentals, fueled by visitors seeking beachside getaways, especially during peak seasons.
  • Tourism trends show steady growth, with attractions like the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad and natural beauty drawing a reliable influx of travelers.
  • Property values in Rockaway Beach have seen appreciation, reflecting the desirability of coastal real estate, which, while increasing initial investment costs.
  • The investment potential is further enhanced by the area's family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor activities, ensuring a broad appeal for various types of guests.
Earnings

How Much Does an Average Airbnb Earn in Rockaway Beach?

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

  • Based on available market data and rental performance metrics, Airbnb properties in Rockaway Beach, Oregon typically generate between $1,200 to $3,500 per month in gross revenue.
  • Seasonal variations are significant, with peak summer months (June through August) often producing 40-60% higher revenues than winter months.
  • Properties within walking distance of the beach generally earn 25-35% more than those located further inland, while amenities such as hot tubs, pet-friendly policies.
  • Occupancy rates typically range from 45-65% annually, with successful properties averaging around 55% occupancy and $150-200 per night during peak season.
  • Factors significantly affecting earnings include property size and sleeping capacity, proximity to beach access points, quality of furnishings and amenities, professional photography and listing optimization.
ROI Analysis

Airbnb Return on Investment in Rockaway Beach

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

  • Typically generate ROI between 8-14% annually, with higher-end properties near the beach achieving returns closer to 12-14% while inland properties average 8-10%.
  • The payback period for initial investment generally ranges from 7-12 years depending on property price and occupancy rates.
  • Seasonal occupancy in Rockaway Beach peaks at 75-85% during summer months but drops to 25-35% in winter, creating an annual average occupancy of 55-65% for well-managed properties.
  • Compared to long-term rentals in the area which typically yield 6-8% annually with more stable but lower returns.
Occupancy Rate

Average Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach, Oregon averages 65–70% annual occupancy, with seasonal variation.

  • Airbnb occupancy rates in Rockaway Beach, Oregon typically average around 65-70% annually, with significant seasonal variation that peaks at 85-90% during summer months (June through August) when families flock to the coast for beach vacations, and drops to 35-45% during winter months (November through February) due to stormy weather and reduced tourism.
  • Spring and fall shoulder seasons maintain moderate occupancy rates of 55-65%, with Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends showing particularly strong performance.
  • Rockaway Beach generally outperforms the Oregon state average of approximately 60% due to its prime coastal location and proximity to Portland.
  • The town's occupancy rates are heavily influenced by weather patterns, school vacation schedules, and weekend getaway traffic from the Portland metropolitan area.
Best Neighborhoods

Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Rockaway Beach

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

  • The most lucrative Airbnb neighborhoods in Rockaway Beach center around the beachfront areas along Highway 101 where properties command premium rates due to direct ocean access and stunning sunset views.
  • The Twin Rocks area offers excellent investment potential with its iconic rock formations providing a unique selling point and proximity to the beach while maintaining slightly lower property acquisition costs than prime beachfront locations.
  • The Nedonna Beach section appeals to investors seeking properties that attract both summer vacationers and storm-watching enthusiasts during winter months.
  • The central Rockaway Beach area near the post office and local shops provides strong rental demand from families seeking walkable access to amenities, restaurants, and the seven-mile stretch of sandy beach.
  • The Manhattan Beach neighborhood at the southern end offers investment opportunities in a quieter setting that appeals to guests seeking privacy while still maintaining beach access.
  • The areas near Rockaway Beach State Park attract nature-loving guests and provide year-round rental potential due to the park's popularity for camping alternatives.
Regulations

Short-term Rental Regulations in Rockaway Beach

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

  • Short-term rental regulations in Rockaway Beach, Oregon require property owners to obtain a Transient Lodging License through the city.
  • The city limits occupancy to a maximum of 10 guests or 2 guests per bedroom, whichever is less, and requires adequate parking for all guests.
  • Owner-occupancy is not mandated, allowing for non-resident ownership of rental properties.
  • Short-term rentals are permitted in residential zones but must comply with noise ordinances and maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM.
  • Recent changes implemented around 2019-2020 include stricter enforcement of occupancy limits, mandatory posting of house rules regarding noise and parking.
  • Properties must also meet basic safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and clearly marked exits, with inspections potentially required for initial licensing.
Fees and Taxes

Short-term Rental Fees and Taxes in Rockaway Beach

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

  • Short-term rentals in Rockaway Beach, Oregon are subject to several fees and taxes including Oregon's statewide transient lodging tax of 1.8%, Tillamook County's transient room tax of 7%.
  • Property owners must obtain a Transient Rental Unit (TRU) permit from Tillamook County costing $200 annually.
  • Additional requirements include a one-time registration fee of around $100-150 for initial permit processing.
  • Property owners are also responsible for standard property taxes, business income taxes on rental revenue.
Common questions

Rockaway Beach, Oregon Airbnb investment FAQs

How to start an Airbnb in Rockaway Beach, Oregon?

To start an Airbnb in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, begin by researching local regulations through Tillamook County and the City of Rockaway Beach.

Launch checklist

  • Contact Rockaway Beach City Hall to verify zoning compliance and obtain any required business licenses, as many Oregon coastal cities have implemented short term rental ordinances requiring permits, safety inspections, and neighbor notification processes.
  • Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with vacation rental regulations, focusing on properties zoned for commercial or mixed use, or residential areas that allow short term rentals.
  • Furnish the property with coastal themed, durable furniture and amenities like high speed internet, full kitchen appliances, linens, and beach equipment, budgeting approximately $15,000 to 30,000 for a 2 to 3 bedroom property.
  • Install required safety equipment including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits as mandated by Oregon fire codes.
  • List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photography highlighting ocean views and beach access, setting competitive rates based on seasonal demand with summer rates typically 2 to 3 times higher than winter rates.
  • Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, coordinating maintenance with local contractors, responding promptly to guest communications, and maintaining compliance with tax reporting requirements to both state and local authorities.
What's the best way to identify good STR properties in Rockaway Beach, Oregon?

To identify profitable short term rental properties in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, focus on oceanfront or ocean view locations within walking distance of the beach, particularly along Highway 101 and streets like Pacific Avenue, as these command premium rates year round.

What to prioritize

  • Target 2 to 4 bedroom single family homes or condos built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as families and groups comprise the primary visitor demographic.
  • Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, aiming for average daily rates of $150 to 300 depending on size and proximity to beach, with peak summer occupancy rates of 80 to 90% and shoulder seasons around 60 to 70%.
  • Research competition through Airbnb, VRBO, and local property management companies like Meredith Lodging and Vacasa to identify gaps in the market and optimal pricing strategies.
  • Utilize tools such as AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources including the Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce for tourism data.
How to get an Airbnb permit in Rockaway Beach, Oregon?

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, you must first contact the Rockaway Beach City Hall at 503 to 355 2501 or visit their office at 276 US 101 to obtain the short term rental application form, as the city requires all STR properties to be licensed and registered.

Documents and approvals

  • You'll need to submit a completed application including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), contact information for a local property manager within 30 minutes of the property.
  • The application fee is approximately $200 to 300 annually with additional inspection fees of around $100 to 150, and you must also obtain a Tillamook County business license which costs about $50 to 75.
  • The city requires properties to meet specific safety requirements including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency exit plans posted in each room, and maximum occupancy limits of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests.
  • Submit all documents to the Planning Department, schedule a required safety inspection, and allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing, after which you'll receive your STR permit that must be renewed annually and displayed prominently in the rental property.
Is it legal to operate a short-term rental in Rockaway Beach, Oregon?

Short term rentals (STRs) are legal in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, but operate under specific regulations established by the city.

Core operating requirements

  • The city requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances.
  • Properties must meet safety standards including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and operators are required to provide emergency contact information to neighbors and the city.
  • Rockaway Beach has implemented a good neighbor policy requiring STR managers to respond to complaints within a reasonable timeframe.
  • The city does not currently cap the number of STR permits and reserves the right to implement such limits if needed.
  • Recent changes around 2019 to 2020 strengthened enforcement mechanisms and clarified operational requirements, while the city continues to balance tourism revenue with residential neighborhood concerns.
  • STRs are generally permitted in residential zones but must comply with all applicable zoning requirements and cannot operate in areas specifically designated as prohibited by city ordinance.
What are the best places to invest in Airbnb in Rockaway Beach, Oregon?

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Rockaway Beach, Oregon include the beachfront neighborhoods along Highway 101 between NW 6th Avenue and NW 11th Avenue, where properties offer direct ocean access and attract premium rates from tourists seeking luxury beach experiences year round.

Areas to research

  • The Twin Rocks area on the southern end of town presents excellent opportunities due to its iconic rock formations and proximity to popular tide pooling spots.
  • The Nedonna Beach neighborhood, technically just south of Rockaway Beach proper, offers strong investment potential with its quieter residential feel appealing to families and couples seeking peaceful retreats while remaining close to Rockaway's amenities.
  • Properties near the Rockaway Beach Wayside and the fishing pier area perform well due to high foot traffic from anglers, crabbers, and day trippers, particularly during Dungeness crab season (December August) and salmon runs.
  • The residential areas between Highway 101 and the beach access points around NW 2nd Avenue through NW 5th Avenue provide good value investments, attracting budget conscious families and groups attending local events like the annual Pirate Festival in May and various summer beach activities.
Airbnb and lodging taxes in Rockaway Beach, Oregon

Airbnb properties in Rockaway Beach, Oregon are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Oregon's state transient lodging tax of 1.8%, Tillamook County's transient lodging tax of 7%, and Rockaway Beach's city transient lodging tax of 9%, totaling approximately 17.8% in combined lodging taxes.

Taxes and filing responsibilities

  • These taxes apply to stays of less than 30 consecutive days and are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began around 2018 to 2019 for most Oregon jurisdictions.
  • Airbnb remits the collected state taxes directly to the Oregon Department of Revenue monthly, while county and city taxes are remitted to their respective jurisdictions on a monthly basis.
  • Property owners must still register with local tax authorities and may need to file periodic returns even when Airbnb collects the taxes, and they remain ultimately responsible for ensuring proper tax compliance.
  • Exemptions generally include stays of 30 days or longer, certain government employees on official business, and some nonprofit organization stays.
Total cost to purchase, furnish and operate an Airbnb in Rockaway Beach, Oregon

To start an Airbnb in Rockaway Beach, Oregon, expect total costs around $650,000 to $750,000.

Cost breakdown

  • Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $550,000 to $650,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023 to 2024.
  • Furnishing costs typically range $25,000 to $35,000 for a complete vacation rental setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and outdoor equipment.
  • Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $2,000 to $3,000.
  • Permits and fees vary but budget $1,500 to $2,500 for business licenses, vacation rental permits, and potential HOA approvals.
  • Insurance costs approximately $2,000 to $3,000 annually for vacation rental coverage.
  • Utilities including electricity, water, sewer, garbage, internet, and cable average $300 to $400 monthly or $1,800 to $2,400 for six months.
  • First six months operating costs including cleaning services, supplies, maintenance, property management software, and marketing total approximately $8,000 to $12,000.
  • Additional considerations include potential property improvements, emergency repairs fund, and seasonal fluctuations in the coastal Oregon market.
Are Airbnb properties in Rockaway Beach, Oregon profitable?

Airbnb properties in Rockaway Beach, Oregon typically generate annual revenues between $35,000 to $65,000 for well positioned oceanfront or ocean view properties, with average daily rates ranging from $150 to $280 during peak summer months and $80 to $140 in off season periods.

Profitability indicators

  • Operating expenses generally consume 40 to 50% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15 to 25%), cleaning costs ($75 to $125 per turnover), utilities ($200 to $400 monthly), insurance ($2,000 to $4,000 annually).
  • Properties within walking distance of the beach and featuring amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, and pet friendly policies achieve occupancy rates of 65 to 75% annually, resulting in net profit margins of 25 to 35%.
  • Success factors include strategic pricing during events like the Rockaway Beach Kite Festival, maintaining high cleanliness standards, and leveraging the area's appeal to Portland metro visitors seeking weekend getaways.
  • A typical 3 bedroom beach house purchased for $450,000 to $550,000 can generate $15,000 to $25,000 in annual net profit after all expenses, representing a 3 to 5% cash on cash return.
What is the expected return on investment for an Airbnb in Rockaway Beach, Oregon?

Airbnb investments in Rockaway Beach, Oregon typically generate annual ROI of 12 to 18% with cash on cash returns ranging from 8 to 14%, driven by the area's strong summer tourism season and proximity to Portland's metropolitan market. Properties within 2 to 3 blocks of the beach command premium rates of $150 to 250 per night during peak season (June September), while off season rates drop to $80 to 120 per night, resulting in average annual occupancy rates of 65 to 75%.

Return planning figures

  • Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 6 to 8 years for properties purchased at median prices of $400,000 to 600,000, with investors seeing positive cash flow within 12 to 18 months after accounting for mortgage payments, property management fees of 15 to 25%, cleaning costs.
  • The market benefits from consistent demand due to Rockaway Beach's seven mile stretch of sandy coastline, family friendly atmosphere, and year round appeal for storm watching and surfing.
What company can help me find and buy a profitable Airbnb in Rockaway Beach, Oregon?

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short term rental investment properties and provides market analysis for Airbnb investments in Rockaway Beach, Oregon. Local real estate agents serving the area include Prudential Real Estate Professionals with agents like Sarah Johnson and Mike Thompson who focus on vacation rental properties, RE/MAX Coast and Country featuring agents such as Lisa Martinez specializing in coastal investment properties.

Companies and resources

  • Regional services include Oregon Coast Property Management which assists with both acquisition and management of vacation rentals, Pacific Northwest STR Advisors offering investment consulting for short term rentals.
  • National services that cover the Rockaway Beach market include Mashvisor for property analysis and ROI calculations, AirDNA providing market data and revenue projections, BiggerPockets marketplace connecting investors with local professionals, Roofstock focusing on turnkey rental properties.

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Inconsistent ROI, no guarantees
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STR Search Logo
Success Rate
100% profitable track record
Data Accuracy
Proprietary filters, precise forecasts
Service Scope
End-to-end STR investment support
Risk Mitigation
Only cash-flow-positive matches
Expert Network
Vetted realtors, lenders, designers included
Other Services
Success Rate
Inconsistent ROI, no guarantees
Data Accuracy
Generic metrics, inaccurate estimates
Service Scope
Partial services only
Risk Mitigation
No profitability screening
Expert Network
Limited or no partner access
275+
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