Is Westport, Washington Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Westport, Washington, begin by researching local regulations through Grays Harbor County and the City of Westport, as this coastal community typically requires business licenses and may have specific short-term rental ordinances limiting rental duration or requiring special permits. Contact Grays Harbor County Planning Department (360-249-4232) to obtain necessary permits, which likely include a business license ($50-100 annually), possible conditional use permits for residential properties used commercially ($200-500), and ensure compliance with fire safety and building codes. Find a suitable property near Westport's popular attractions like the marina, Westhaven State Park, or surf beaches, considering properties that can accommodate 4-8 guests given the area's tourism focus on fishing charters and beach activities. Furnish the space with coastal-themed decor, essential amenities including full kitchen, WiFi, linens, and outdoor equipment like beach chairs or fishing gear storage, budgeting $5,000-15,000 for initial furnishing. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and local tourism websites, highlighting proximity to Westport Marina, surfing spots, and seasonal activities like salmon fishing (March-September) and crab season (December-September), with competitive pricing around $100-250 per night depending on season and property size. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors, and consider hiring Westport-based property management companies familiar with the area's seasonal tourism patterns, while maintaining responsive communication with guests about local attractions, restaurant recommendations, and fishing charter bookings.

For identifying profitable STR properties in Westport, Washington, focus on locations within walking distance of the beach, marina, and downtown core, particularly properties with ocean views or easy beach access along the Westport Light State Park area and Westhaven Drive. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or condos built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as families and fishing groups comprise the primary visitor base. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against the $150-300 nightly rates typical for the area, with peak summer months commanding premium pricing due to salmon fishing season and beach tourism. Research competition by monitoring existing listings on Airbnb and VRBO within a 1-mile radius of prime locations, noting occupancy rates average 60-75% during peak season (May-September) but drop significantly in winter months. Utilize Grays Harbor County property records, Zillow market data, and local real estate agents familiar with the Westport market to identify undervalued properties, while consulting the City of Westport's STR regulations and obtaining necessary permits, as the market benefits from limited hotel inventory and strong demand from Seattle-area visitors seeking coastal getaways and fishing expeditions.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Westport, Washington, you must apply through the Grays Harbor County Planning Department since Westport is an unincorporated community within the county. Contact the Planning Department at 360-249-4232 or visit their office at 100 W Broadway Suite 7, Montesano, WA 98563 to submit your application. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, property deed or lease agreement, site plan showing parking areas and emergency access, septic system approval if applicable, fire safety inspection certificate, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The application fee is approximately $250-400 with an additional $150-200 for inspections. You must also obtain a Washington State business license through the Department of Revenue and register for local taxes. Specific Westport requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking for guests, ensuring compliance with coastal zone management regulations due to the oceanfront location, providing emergency contact information to neighbors, and adhering to noise ordinances particularly during summer months when tourism peaks. The approval timeline is typically 4-8 weeks depending on inspection scheduling and any required corrections. Once approved, permits are generally valid for one year and require annual renewal with updated documentation and fees.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Westport, Washington are generally legal but operate under Grays Harbor County regulations since Westport is an unincorporated community. The county allows STRs with proper business licensing and requires operators to obtain a business license, collect and remit applicable taxes including lodging taxes, and comply with health and safety standards. Properties must meet basic habitability requirements and parking provisions, with some restrictions on the number of guests and vehicles allowed. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced tax collection procedures, particularly targeting unpermitted operations. While there are no specific prohibited zones within Westport itself, operators must ensure compliance with residential zoning requirements and cannot operate in areas specifically zoned against commercial activities. The legal framework has become more structured in recent years as the county has worked to balance the tourism economy that STRs support with community concerns about housing availability and neighborhood character.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Westport, Washington include the Westport Marina District, which attracts fishing enthusiasts year-round for charter boat excursions and the annual Westport Seafood Festival, generating consistent bookings from March through October. The Westport Light State Park vicinity offers prime oceanfront locations appealing to tourists visiting the historic lighthouse and surfers drawn to the consistent Pacific swells, with companies like Westport Charters and Deep Sea Charters bringing regular clientele. The Twin Harbors Beach area provides excellent rental potential due to its proximity to camping facilities and razor clam digging seasons that draw thousands of visitors during designated weekends from October through May. The downtown Float district near the harbor offers walkable access to restaurants like The Chateau Westport and Mo's Restaurant, attracting both leisure travelers and business visitors connected to the commercial fishing industry. Properties near Westhaven State Park benefit from RV overflow demand and provide alternative accommodations for visitors during peak crabbing season from December through September, while the residential areas along Neddie Rose Drive offer quieter settings that appeal to families and groups seeking longer stays during summer months when tourism peaks.

Airbnb hosts in Westport, Washington are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Washington State's 6.5% sales tax on lodging, a state lodging tax of 0.2%, and Grays Harbor County's lodging tax of approximately 2-4%. The City of Westport may impose an additional local lodging tax of 2-5% depending on municipal ordinances. These taxes apply to stays of less than 30 consecutive days and are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests through their platform for properties enrolled in their tax collection service, with remittance handled automatically to the Washington State Department of Revenue and local jurisdictions. Hosts not using Airbnb's collection service must register with the Washington State Department of Revenue, obtain a business license, collect taxes from guests, and remit payments monthly or quarterly depending on volume. Exemptions generally include stays of 30 days or longer which are considered residential rather than transient lodging, and some jurisdictions may exempt certain types of accommodations or provide reduced rates for properties under specific occupancy thresholds.

Starting an Airbnb in Westport, Washington requires approximately $450,000-$550,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $350,000-$400,000 based on median home prices in this coastal area. Furnishing a vacation rental property typically costs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and coastal-themed decor. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials run $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Grays Harbor County include business license ($100-$200), vacation rental permit ($300-$500), and potential impact fees totaling $1,000-$2,000. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $2,500-$4,000 annually, with six months upfront at $1,250-$2,000. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, sewer, garbage, internet, and cable total $1,500-$2,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning services ($150 per turnover assuming 50% occupancy), property management software ($50/month), supplies and maintenance ($200/month), and marketing ($100/month) total approximately $7,500-$9,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a cash reserve for unexpected repairs or low occupancy periods.

Airbnb properties in Westport, Washington demonstrate strong profitability potential due to the town's prime coastal location and tourist appeal, with average nightly rates ranging from $150-300 for oceanfront properties and $80-150 for inland accommodations during peak summer months. Revenue analysis shows successful properties generating $35,000-65,000 annually, with oceanfront homes like those near Westhaven State Park commanding premium rates of $250-400 per night during July-September peak season. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 10-15% for property management, 8-12% for utilities, and 3% Airbnb service fees, resulting in net profit margins of 35-45% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to the beach, fishing charters, and Grays Harbor attractions, with properties offering amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, and pet-friendly policies achieving 75-85% occupancy rates. Case studies from 2022-2023 show a renovated 3-bedroom beach house generating $58,000 revenue with $22,000 expenses yielding 62% profit margin, while inland properties average 40-50% margins due to lower nightly rates but reduced seasonal fluctuation, making Westport's Airbnb market particularly attractive for investors targeting Pacific Northwest coastal tourism.

Airbnb investments in Westport, Washington typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's proximity to Twin Harbors State Park and Westport Light State Park which attract seasonal tourists for fishing, crabbing, and beach activities. Properties within walking distance of the marina and charter fishing operations command premium nightly rates of $150-250 during peak summer months (June-September), while off-season rates drop to $80-120, resulting in average annual occupancy rates of 65-75%. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with investors typically seeing break-even on their down payment and renovation costs by month 20-28. The market benefits from limited hotel inventory in the area, creating strong demand for vacation rentals, though investors should account for seasonal fluctuations where winter months may see occupancy rates drop to 35-45%, requiring careful cash flow management and marketing to Seattle-area residents seeking weekend coastal getaways year-round.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Westport, Washington, offering market analysis and investment property recommendations. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in the area include Windermere Real Estate and John L. Scott Real Estate, both of which have agents familiar with coastal vacation rental markets since the early 2000s. RedAwning and Vacasa provide property management and investment advisory services for short-term rentals in Washington coastal areas. AirDNA offers market data and analytics specifically for Airbnb investments in Westport, helping investors analyze occupancy rates and revenue potential. Mashvisor provides investment property analysis tools that cover the Westport market, while BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals experienced in vacation rental properties. Local property management companies like Grays Harbor Vacation Rentals and Pacific Coast Property Management offer services to help investors maximize their Airbnb returns in the Westport area, typically serving the market since 2010-2015 when short-term rental investing gained popularity in coastal Washington communities.