Is Springfield, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Springfield, Oregon, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Springfield Planning Department, as Springfield requires short-term rental permits and has specific zoning restrictions that typically allow STRs in residential zones with conditions. Contact Springfield's Code Enforcement Division at 541-726-3610 to understand current ordinances, as regulations were updated around 2019-2020 requiring business licenses, safety inspections, and neighbor notification processes. Obtain necessary permits including a City of Springfield business license ($50-100 annually), short-term rental permit ($200-400), and ensure compliance with Oregon state tax registration through the Department of Revenue for transient lodging taxes (typically 1-2% local tax plus state requirements). Find a suitable property in approved zones, focusing on areas like the Thurston or Gateway districts where residential short-term rentals are more commonly permitted, ensuring the property meets Springfield's safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exit plans. Furnish the space with quality amenities targeting the Eugene-Springfield market, including fast WiFi for University of Oregon visitors, outdoor gear storage for recreation tourists, and comfortable furnishings from local retailers like Bi-Mart or online sources. List your property on Airbnb, Vrbo, and other platforms with professional photos highlighting proximity to the McKenzie River, Autzen Stadium, and downtown Eugene (10 minutes away). Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services like Molly Maid Springfield, maintenance contractors, and consider property management companies such as Vacasa or local firms that serve the Lane County area, while maintaining compliance with Springfield's ongoing reporting requirements and tax obligations to both city and state authorities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Springfield, Oregon, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of the University of Oregon campus, near the McKenzie River recreational areas, and close to downtown Eugene for business travelers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with dedicated parking, outdoor spaces, and modern amenities like updated kitchens and reliable WiFi. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings in Springfield, aiming for properties under $300,000 that can generate $100-150 per night during peak seasons (summer and university events). Study competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify occupancy rates averaging 60-70% annually, with particular attention to properties near Autzen Stadium during football season and summer festival periods. Utilize local resources including the Springfield Economic Development Agency for market insights, partner with Springfield-based property management companies like Vacasa or local independents, and leverage the Springfield Chamber of Commerce for networking with other investors while monitoring University of Oregon academic calendars and local event schedules through Visit Eugene for demand forecasting.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Springfield, Oregon, you must first contact the Springfield Development Services Department at 225 Fifth Street to apply for a Short-Term Rental Business License, which requires submitting a completed application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, a site plan showing parking arrangements, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), a fire safety inspection certificate from Springfield Fire & Life Safety, and a business registration with the State of Oregon. The application fee is approximately $150-200 with an annual renewal fee of $100-125, and the process typically takes 4-6 weeks for approval once all documents are submitted. Springfield requires STRs to provide adequate off-street parking (minimum 1 space per bedroom), maintain a 24-hour contact person for noise complaints, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, display the permit number in all advertising, and comply with residential zoning requirements which may restrict STRs in certain neighborhoods. You must also register for transient lodging taxes with both the City of Springfield and Lane County, maintain guest registries for inspection, and ensure the property meets all building and safety codes before beginning operations.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Springfield, Oregon, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. Springfield requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that generally limit short-term rentals to certain residential zones while prohibiting them in some neighborhoods to preserve housing stock for long-term residents. The city implemented stricter regulations around 2019-2020, including requirements for local contact persons, noise ordinances, parking provisions, and occupancy limits. Properties must meet safety standards and operators face penalties for violations including noise complaints or exceeding capacity limits. Springfield has been more restrictive than some neighboring jurisdictions, particularly in areas close to the University of Oregon where student housing is prioritized, and the city continues to monitor the impact of STRs on local housing availability while balancing tourism economic benefits with residential community concerns.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Springfield, Oregon include the Glenwood neighborhood near the Willamette River, which attracts outdoor enthusiasts for fishing, kayaking, and riverside recreation activities. Downtown Springfield offers strong potential due to its proximity to the historic Mill Race and easy access to Eugene via public transit, appealing to business travelers and tourists exploring both cities. The Thurston area is attractive for its family-friendly atmosphere and access to local parks, drawing visitors attending University of Oregon events just minutes away in Eugene. The Gateway district benefits from major retail developments and restaurant clusters, making it convenient for travelers seeking amenities. Areas near Dorris Ranch Living History Farm capitalize on agritourism and educational tourism, particularly during harvest seasons and special events. The neighborhoods around Island Park are ideal for targeting visitors to local festivals and outdoor concerts, while properties near Springfield's portion of the Willamette River Trail system attract cycling and hiking enthusiasts year-round.

In Springfield, Oregon, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Oregon state transient lodging tax is 1.8% of gross rental receipts, while Springfield imposes a local transient occupancy tax of 9% on short-term rental stays of less than 30 days. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system, which remits payments directly to the Oregon Department of Revenue for state taxes and to the City of Springfield for local taxes on a monthly basis. Hosts who collect taxes independently must register with both the state and city, file monthly returns, and remit payments by the 15th of the following month. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these transient lodging taxes, and some jurisdictions may offer exemptions for stays by government employees or certain nonprofit organizations, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with local tax authorities as rates and regulations can change.

To start an Airbnb in Springfield, Oregon, the total initial costs would be approximately $485,000-$520,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $380,000-$400,000 based on median home prices in the Springfield market as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, 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 for short-term rentals runs $2,000-$3,000 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable typically cost $1,000-$1,500. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($800/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover averaging 8 cleanings monthly), maintenance and supplies ($300/month), platform fees (3% of bookings estimated at $200/month), and marketing expenses ($200/month) total approximately $9,000-$12,000, bringing the complete startup investment to nearly half a million dollars before generating revenue.

Airbnb properties in Springfield, Oregon typically generate annual revenues of $18,000-$35,000 for entire homes and $8,000-$15,000 for private rooms, with average daily rates ranging from $65-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($800-$1,500 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 achieving higher margins through strategic pricing, excellent guest experiences, and efficient operations. Properties near the University of Oregon campus and downtown Springfield perform particularly well, with some three-bedroom homes generating $40,000+ annually during peak seasons from 2019-2023. Success factors include professional photography, responsive communication, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, competitive pricing strategies, and targeting both business travelers and families visiting the university, with the most profitable properties being those purchased specifically for short-term rental purposes rather than converted primary residences.

Based on Springfield, Oregon market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property type and location within the city. Properties near the McKenzie River corridor and downtown Springfield tend to perform better, achieving the higher end of these ranges, while suburban locations may see returns closer to 6-8%. Initial profitability usually occurs within 12-18 months after accounting for setup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses, with full investment recovery typically achieved in 7-10 years. The Springfield market benefits from proximity to Eugene and University of Oregon events, outdoor recreation tourism, and business travelers, supporting average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, though seasonal fluctuations occur with peak performance during summer months and university events driving demand spikes that can temporarily boost returns by 15-25% above baseline figures.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Springfield, Oregon. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Realty Eugene & Springfield and Coldwell Banker Holman Premier Realty have agents experienced in investment properties and vacation rental markets in the Springfield area. RE/MAX Integrity and Windermere Real Estate also maintain offices serving Springfield with agents knowledgeable about Airbnb investment opportunities. National services include AirDNA for market analysis and revenue projections, Mashvisor for property investment analysis, and BiggerPockets for connecting with local investors and agents. Awning provides comprehensive Airbnb property management services in Oregon markets including Springfield. Local property management companies like Vacasa and RedAwning offer full-service Airbnb management for investors purchasing in the Springfield market. Real estate investment firms such as Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Springfield properties suitable for short-term rentals, while local mortgage brokers like Pacific Residential Mortgage and Umpqua Bank provide financing options specifically for investment properties in the Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area.