Is Warrenton, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Warrenton, Oregon, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Warrenton Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental permits and compliance with zoning ordinances that typically allow vacation rentals in residential zones with proper licensing. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Warrenton City Hall, a transient lodging tax permit from Clatsop County (currently around 9-11% tax), and ensure compliance with Oregon state lodging regulations and fire safety codes. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas near the Columbia River or Fort Stevens State Park, considering properties that meet minimum square footage requirements and parking availability as specified in Warrenton's municipal code. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, and safety equipment including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers as required by Oregon fire marshal standards. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, ensuring professional photography and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to beaches, hiking trails, and historic sites. Manage your rental by establishing cleaning protocols, guest communication systems, pricing strategies that account for seasonal tourism peaks during summer months, and maintain compliance with ongoing reporting requirements to the city including quarterly occupancy reports and tax remittances to both local and state authorities.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Warrenton, Oregon, focus on locations within walking distance of the Columbia River waterfront, Fort Stevens State Park, and historic downtown areas, as these attract tourists year-round for fishing, beach activities, and historical tours. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, waterfront or water views, outdoor spaces like decks or patios, and amenities such as hot tubs, fire pits, or boat parking, as Warrenton's appeal centers on outdoor recreation and river access. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to evaluate average daily rates ($80-150 estimated for 2023-2024), occupancy rates (typically 60-75% in coastal Oregon markets), and seasonal demand patterns, with peak seasons during summer months and salmon fishing seasons. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or property types, and studying successful listings' pricing strategies, guest reviews, and booking patterns. Utilize tools like Rabbu, AirDNA, and local MLS data through Windermere or RE/MAX agents familiar with Warrenton's market, while connecting with Clatsop County tourism boards and local property management companies like Meredith Lodging or Vacasa to understand market dynamics, regulations, and operational requirements specific to this Columbia River community.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Warrenton, Oregon, you must first contact the Warrenton City Hall at 225 S Main Avenue to inquire about their specific short-term rental ordinance and application process, as the city implemented STR regulations around 2019-2020. You'll need to submit a completed STR permit application along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, a site plan showing parking and emergency egress, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), a good neighbor agreement outlining house rules and contact information, and evidence of compliance with fire safety requirements including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The application fee is estimated at $200-400 annually, with additional fees for inspections if required. You must also register with the Oregon Department of Revenue for transient lodging tax collection and obtain a business license from the city if operating as a business entity. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days depending on completeness of application and any required inspections. Warrenton-specific requirements likely include limits on the number of guests, designated parking spaces, 24-hour local contact person, and compliance with residential zoning restrictions, though you should verify current regulations as coastal Oregon cities frequently update their STR ordinances due to housing concerns.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Warrenton, Oregon, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. Warrenton requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning requirements, with most residential zones allowing STRs as a conditional use. The city has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise restrictions to address neighborhood concerns. STRs are generally prohibited in certain residential areas near the waterfront and in zones designated for long-term housing preservation. Recent changes around 2022-2023 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and increased penalties for violations, along with requirements for local contact persons available 24/7. The city also established a complaint process for neighbors and requires STR operators to provide information about waste collection, parking, and quiet hours to guests. Warrenton's regulations reflect the broader Oregon coastal community approach of allowing STRs while implementing controls to balance tourism revenue with residential neighborhood character preservation.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Warrenton, Oregon include the Fort Stevens State Park vicinity, which attracts tourists year-round to the historic Civil War fort, shipwreck viewing, and beach access, generating consistent rental demand from families and history enthusiasts. The downtown Warrenton waterfront district near the harbor offers appeal to fishing enthusiasts, crabbers, and boaters, particularly during salmon and crab seasons from spring through fall. Properties near the Columbia River waterfront provide scenic views and attract visitors interested in river activities, windsurfing, and wildlife viewing at nearby refuges. The residential areas closest to Highway 101 and the Astoria-Megler Bridge offer convenience for tourists exploring the broader North Coast region, including nearby Astoria's maritime attractions, Fort Clatsop, and seasonal events like the Astoria Regatta. Beach-adjacent neighborhoods benefit from summer tourism peaks and storm-watching visitors during winter months, while properties within walking distance of local seafood restaurants and the working waterfront appeal to culinary tourists and those seeking authentic coastal experiences.

Airbnb properties in Warrenton, Oregon are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the Oregon state transient lodging tax of 1.8%, Clatsop County's transient lodging tax of 7%, and the City of Warrenton's transient lodging tax of 9%, resulting in a combined rate of approximately 17.8% on short-term rental stays. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though individual hosts may need to register with the Oregon Department of Revenue and local jurisdictions to ensure compliance. The state tax applies to stays of less than 30 consecutive days with revenues over $25,000 annually, while county and city taxes generally apply to all short-term rentals under 30 days regardless of revenue thresholds. Exemptions may include stays longer than 30 consecutive days, certain government employees on official business, and properties that fall below minimum revenue requirements, though hosts should verify current exemption criteria with local tax authorities as regulations can change frequently.

Starting an Airbnb in Warrenton, Oregon requires approximately $380,000-$420,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $320,000 based on median home prices in the coastal Oregon market as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor runs $15,000-$25,000. Initial setup including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic supplies costs $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, transient lodging tax registration, and potential city permits total $500-$1,500. Insurance for short-term rental coverage adds $1,200-$2,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, sewer, internet, and cable cost $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning supplies ($200/month), maintenance reserves ($300/month), marketing ($150/month), and property management software ($50/month) total approximately $9,600. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and emergency repair funds which could add another $3,000-$5,000 to initial costs.

Airbnb properties in Warrenton, Oregon typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for coastal properties, with oceanfront units commanding premium rates of $150-$250 per night during peak summer months and $80-$120 in off-season periods. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($50-$75 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($200-$400 monthly), insurance ($1,500-$3,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts achieving occupancy rates of 60-75% annually by leveraging Warrenton's proximity to Fort Stevens State Park, the Columbia River, and seasonal tourism patterns. Properties within walking distance of beaches or historic sites consistently outperform inland locations by 20-30% in both occupancy and nightly rates, while hosts who provide amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or pet-friendly accommodations often achieve premium pricing and higher guest satisfaction scores, directly correlating with increased bookings and profitability in this competitive coastal Oregon market.

Based on Warrenton, 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 proximity to the Columbia River and recreational areas. Properties near Fort Stevens State Park and waterfront locations command higher nightly rates of $120-180, while standard residential properties average $80-120 per night with 60-70% occupancy rates during peak summer months and 40-50% in winter. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with coastal proximity and outdoor recreation access being key drivers. The market benefits from Portland metro area visitors seeking weekend getaways and fishing enthusiasts, though seasonal fluctuations significantly impact winter performance. Properties requiring minimal renovation typically achieve break-even faster, while full rehabs may extend profitability timelines to 30-36 months but can achieve higher long-term returns of 10-14% annually.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Warrenton, Oregon. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coastal Properties Group, Pacific Northwest Realty Partners, and Astoria Investment Properties, with agents like Sarah Mitchell at RE/MAX By The Bay and David Chen at Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate focusing on vacation rental acquisitions in the Columbia River region. National services include Mashvisor for property analysis, AirDNA for market data, Awning for full-service Airbnb investing, and RedAwning for vacation rental property sourcing. Regional companies such as Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals, Sunset Empire Realty, and Clatsop County Investment Group provide local market expertise, while platforms like Roofstock, BiggerPockets Marketplace, and Vacasa's investment division offer additional property sourcing and management services specifically targeting the Pacific Northwest short-term rental market.