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AirDNA’s Top 10 STR Markets for 2026: The Unexpected Cities Delivering 12–16% Yields
Welcome back to Market Mondays.
Earlier this year, the AirDNA team pulled together their data and released their picks for the top 10 cities to invest in short-term rentals for 2026.
These aren’t your typical Host Camp, nature-forward, experience-driven destinations.
These markets are under-the-radar cities driven by unconventional economic anchors like oil refineries, military bases, hospitals, universities, and state government.
If you're branching out into mid-term rentals or looking for something different, your next market might be on this list.
AirDNA's Top 10 Cities to Invest in 2026
1. Abilene, Texas
Why: Home to a new massive AI data center (Oracle's Stargate Project) + Dyess Air Force Base.
Not a vacation spot, but it boasts the highest yields in the 2026 rankings.
▪️Avg. Home Price: $336K
▪️Occupancy: 77.2%
▪️Revenue Potential: $55K
▪️Yield: 16.4%
Quick Note: Yield measures how hard your money is working for you — revenue divided by purchase price. AirDNA considers 8–12% strong, with anything above 15% considered top-tier.
2. Port Arthur, Texas
Why: One of the largest oil refinery hubs in the U.S., plus a new natural gas terminal bringing in thousands of contractors.
Industrial demand drives weekday stays, while beaches and nearby state parks support weekend bookings.
▪️Avg. Home Price: $243K
▪️Occupancy: 77.6%
▪️Revenue Potential: $35K
▪️Yield: 14.4%
3. Downtown St. Paul, Minnesota
Why: State capital with steady government travel, major hospitals, and corporate HQs.
Layer in concerts, sports, and museums, and you get diversified year-round demand.
▪️Avg. Home Price: $331K
▪️Occupancy: 64.1%
▪️Revenue Potential: $45K
▪️Yield: 13.5%
4. Springfield, Illinois
Why: Another capital city play, with major Abraham Lincoln tourism sites and the Illinois State Fair driving seasonal spikes. Government + tourism = balanced demand.
▪️Avg. Home Price: $262K
▪️Occupancy: 66%
▪️Revenue Potential: $35K
▪️Yield: 13.2%
5. Charleston, West Virginia
Why: State capital + largest hospital in the state + energy sector engineers. Affordable entry point with consistent government and medical travel demand.
▪️Avg. Home Price: $228K
▪️Occupancy: 62.9%
▪️Revenue Potential: $32K
▪️Yield: 14.1%
6. Lake Charles, Louisiana
Why: Petrochemical plants, a busy shipping port, and aviation hubs create steady contractor demand.
A workforce-heavy market with strong weekday occupancy.
▪️Avg. Home Price: $287K
▪️Occupancy: 60.6%
▪️Revenue Potential: $37K
▪️Yield: 12.7%
7. Montgomery, Alabama
Why: Higher entry price, but supported by government travel, healthcare systems, universities, and regional tourism.
A diversified demand base that supports long-term stability.
▪️Avg. Home Price: $342K
▪️Occupancy: 62.6%
▪️Revenue Potential: $42K
▪️Yield: 12.2%
8. Akron, Ohio
Why: The most active rentals on the list (757), signaling strong demand.
Located near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, plus hospitals, universities, and major corporate HQs. This one blends workforce and leisure travel.
▪️Avg. Home Price: $297K
▪️Occupancy: 62.4%
▪️Revenue Potential: $39K
▪️Yield: 13.1%
9. Jackson, Mississippi
Why: Anchored by a major medical center, university, and convention center.
Museums and cultural attractions drive weekend and family travel.
▪️Avg. Home Price: $366K
▪️Occupancy: 64.4%
▪️Revenue Potential: $44K
▪️Yield: 11.9%
10. Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Why: Affordable access to Central Pennsylvania attractions.
Captures tourism overflow from Hershey and Lancaster, plus steady traffic from a busy National Guard training center.
▪️Avg. Home Price: $265K
▪️Occupancy: 59.2%
▪️Revenue Potential: $42K
▪️Yield: 15.7%
AirDNA also highlighted the best markets under $250K with yields over 18%, including places like the Finger Lakes with a 19.6% yield.
We shared their full list on our blog, plus a few tips on how to use AirDNA to find your own hidden gem markets.
Short-term rental success is all about making bold, data-backed decisions.
AirDNA is one of the most powerful tools for doing exactly that—helping you spot opportunity early and avoid expensive mistakes.
Want to start using the analysis tool all the pros swear by?
👉 Get 10% off AirDNA with our special link
Happy investing,
The Host Camp Team
