Salem

As of May 2026, Salem, Corvallis, Lincoln City have 660 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 10% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Salem generates $36K per year. High-performing properties earn $64K/year, while low-performing properties earn $14K/year. The substantial gap between top and bottom performers suggests that revenue potential is highly polarized, likely driven by specific listing attributes rather than broad market demand.

Average home prices in Salem vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $295K, 2-bedroom homes average $355K, 3-bedroom properties are around $457K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $552K. These prices reflect median home values across the Salem, Corvallis, Lincoln City area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Salem, with an average gross yield of 7% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 13%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. This yield variance highlights that even with a shrinking revenue environment, top-tier assets maintain significantly stronger capital efficiency.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Salem is 37%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $240, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $66 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Salem, with an average gross yield of 12% and annual revenue of $65K. These properties balance purchase price ($552K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Salem market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Salem area. Salem: Moderate. Business license required, zoning restrictions apply, 30-day minimum rental in residential zones. Complaint-driven enforcement. Corvallis: Strict. Conditional use permit required, owner-occupancy mandate, rental caps by zone. Active enforcement with violations tracked. Lincoln City: Lenient. Business license and transient lodging tax required. Minimal restrictions, light enforcement focused on tax collection. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Salem Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 10% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 24%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The contraction in supply alongside falling revenue suggests that the market is struggling to absorb current capacity, leading to downward pressure on overall profitability.

Launch around April, 2-3 months before peak summer season (July peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -8% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (December-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Salem listings include: Air Conditioning (96%), Kitchen (95%), Tv (86%), Washing Machine (72%), Heating (71%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Hot Tub, Air Conditioning, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 50% more ($50K/year vs $34K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Salem over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $3K, August: $3K, September: $2K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $2K, January: $1K, February: $1K, March: $2K, April: $2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Salem is $240, up 22% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $144/night, 2-bedroom properties average $207/night, 3-bedroom properties average $270/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $477/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in May.

Guests in Salem book an average of 38 days in advance, down 14% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 36 days, 2-bedroom: 38 days, 3-bedroom: 34 days, 4+ bedroom: 49 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Salem Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 10%, revenue per listing decreased 24%, occupancy fell 17%, average nightly rates increased 22%, and lead time decreased 14%. These figures reveal a market shifting toward shorter booking windows and higher pricing, despite softening occupancy and total revenue.

In Salem, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Tuesday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 52% higher occupancy than weekdays.