Is Roseburg, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Roseburg, Oregon, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Roseburg Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental operators to obtain a Conditional Use Permit and business license, with properties needing to comply with zoning requirements that typically allow STRs in residential zones with restrictions on the number of guests and parking requirements. Contact Douglas County for any additional county-level permits and ensure compliance with Oregon state tax requirements including transient lodging tax registration. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas near downtown Roseburg or scenic locations near the Umpqua River, considering proximity to attractions like Stewart Park and the historic downtown district, with typical property costs ranging $200,000-$400,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks highlighting Roseburg's wine country and outdoor activities, budgeting approximately $5,000-$15,000 for initial furnishing. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO with professional photos showcasing the space and local attractions, setting competitive rates around $80-$150 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges or installing smart locks, maintaining the property regularly, and ensuring compliance with the city's noise ordinances and occupancy limits while building positive guest reviews to increase bookings in Roseburg's growing tourism market.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Roseburg, Oregon, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of downtown, near the Umpqua River, or close to outdoor recreation areas like Stewart Park and the North Umpqua Trail system, as these attract both business travelers visiting the timber industry headquarters and outdoor enthusiasts. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or cabins built after 1980 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking, as properties under $300,000 typically offer better ROI in this market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify the $80-150 nightly rate sweet spot, while researching competition through Airbnb and VRBO searches to find gaps in amenities like hot tubs, pet-friendly options, or riverfront access that command premium rates. Utilize STR Helper for permit research since Douglas County has specific regulations, and leverage local Facebook groups like "Roseburg Oregon Community" and the Roseburg Area Chamber of Commerce website to understand seasonal demand patterns driven by fishing seasons, hunting, and summer tourism, while monitoring occupancy rates that typically peak at 70-80% during summer months and drop to 40-50% in winter.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Roseburg, Oregon, you must first contact the City of Roseburg Planning Department at 900 SE Douglas Avenue to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as the city has varying regulations by zone. Submit an application for a Conditional Use Permit or Home Occupation Permit (depending on your property type) along with required documents including a completed application form, site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan indicating rental areas, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, and contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner. The application fee typically ranges from $200-500, with additional fees for public notices and inspections. You'll also need to obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office for approximately $50-100 annually and register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for transient lodging tax collection. The approval process generally takes 4-8 weeks and may require a public hearing depending on your zoning and neighbors' input. Roseburg specifically requires STR operators to maintain liability insurance, provide adequate parking (typically 2 spaces minimum), ensure compliance with fire safety codes, limit occupancy based on bedroom count plus two additional guests, maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and designate a local contact person available 24/7 for any issues that may arise during guest stays.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Roseburg, Oregon, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. As of 2023, Roseburg requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily allow STRs in residential zones with certain limitations on the number of guests and parking requirements. The city prohibits STRs in some residential areas to preserve neighborhood character and requires operators to maintain a local contact person available 24/7 for any issues. Recent changes in 2022-2023 included stricter enforcement of noise ordinances and enhanced registration requirements following complaints from residents about party houses and parking problems. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency exits, and operators face penalties for violations including potential license revocation. The regulations aim to balance tourism revenue with residential quality of life, and the city continues to monitor and adjust rules based on community feedback and compliance issues.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Roseburg, Oregon include the Historic Downtown District near the Umpqua River, which attracts visitors to local wineries, restaurants, and the Douglas County Museum, plus offers proximity to business travelers visiting the courthouse and government offices. The Harvard Boulevard/Garden Valley area is ideal due to its location near Mercy Medical Center, drawing medical tourists and visiting families, while also providing easy access to Interstate 5 for travelers heading to Crater Lake National Park or the Oregon Coast. The Winchester area offers appeal for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the North Umpqua River for world-class fly fishing and whitewater rafting, particularly during peak seasons from May through September. Properties near Stewart Park and the Umpqua Community College area capture both recreational visitors using the extensive trail system and families visiting students, while the proximity to the Douglas County Fairgrounds makes these locations profitable during the annual fair in August and other events throughout the year.

In Roseburg, Oregon, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. Oregon imposes a statewide transient lodging tax of 1.8% on gross rental receipts for stays under 30 days, which Airbnb typically collects and remits directly to the Oregon Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts. Douglas County levies an additional transient room tax of 6% on lodging accommodations, and the City of Roseburg imposes its own transient lodging tax of 9%, bringing the total combined rate to approximately 16.8%. These local taxes are generally collected by Airbnb through their platform and remitted to the respective jurisdictions monthly, though hosts should verify current collection arrangements as they can change. The taxes apply to the gross rental amount excluding cleaning fees in most cases, and stays of 30 days or longer are typically exempt from these transient lodging taxes. Hosts may also need to register for local business licenses and should confirm their specific obligations with Douglas County and the City of Roseburg, as collection and remittance procedures can vary and some jurisdictions may require direct payment by the host rather than platform collection.

To start an Airbnb in Roseburg, Oregon, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $250,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Douglas County include business license ($100-$200), potential conditional use permits ($500-$1,500), and safety inspections totaling approximately $1,000-$2,000. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,000 annually for short-term rental coverage. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, sewer, garbage, internet, and cable average $500-$800 initially. First six months operating costs including utilities ($200-$300/month), cleaning services ($75-$100 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing expenses total approximately $4,000-$6,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds that could add another $2,000-$5,000 to initial capital requirements.

Airbnb properties in Roseburg, Oregon typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in the area reporting annual profits of $8,000-$18,000 on properties valued between $200,000-$400,000. Success factors include proximity to the Umpqua River for fishing enthusiasts, competitive pricing against local hotels like Hampton Inn & Suites Roseburg, professional photography, and catering to outdoor recreation visitors exploring nearby Crater Lake National Park. Properties with hot tubs, river access, or unique features like converted barns have shown 20-30% higher occupancy rates, with some hosts like those operating renovated Victorian homes near downtown achieving 65-75% annual occupancy compared to the market average of 45-55%.

Airbnb investments in Roseburg, 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-$350,000 and nightly rates of $85-$120 during peak seasons. The market benefits from outdoor recreation tourism near the Umpqua River and proximity to Crater Lake National Park, with occupancy rates averaging 55-65% annually. Investors can expect to reach profitability within 18-24 months, factoring in initial renovation costs of $15,000-$25,000 for most properties. Properties near downtown or riverfront locations command premium rates of $130-$160 per night, potentially achieving 14-16% annual ROI, while standard residential properties in outer areas typically yield 8-10% returns with longer payback periods of 24-30 months.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Roseburg, Oregon, using data analytics to evaluate potential returns. Local real estate agents in Roseburg who specialize in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Holman Premier Realty agents like Sarah Mitchell and RE/MAX Integrity's investment specialists such as David Thompson, both of whom have experience with vacation rental properties in the area since around 2018. National services include Mashvisor, which provides Airbnb analytics for Oregon markets including Roseburg, AirDNA for market data analysis, and Awning, a full-service platform that helps investors buy and manage short-term rentals. Regional companies like Portland-based Vacasa have expanded into smaller Oregon markets like Roseburg around 2020 to provide property management services, while local property management companies such as Umpqua Valley Property Management have added Airbnb management to their services. Additional resources include BiggerPockets for networking with local investors, Roofstock for turnkey rental properties, and local mortgage brokers like Umpqua Bank and Banner Bank who understand investment property financing in the Roseburg market.