Mississippi is home to many thriving short-term rental markets, but identifying the top-performing cities can be overwhelming, especially when combing through data from countless locations across the state.
To simplify this process, we analyzed data from markets statewide and compiled a list of the top 10 cities for investors and landlords seeking potentially high-return rental properties in the coming year.
As always, we recommend thorough underwriting and analysis of any prospective property and a review of local short-term rental regulations before making any investment decisions.
How We Created This List
First, we looked at all Airbnb listings in Mississippi that met the following criteria as of January 2025:
- Average Rating: 4.8 stars and above
- Guest Review Count: Minimum of 10
- Average Daily Rate: $1 (minimum) to $2,000 (maximum)
- Occupancy Rate: 1% (minimum) to 99% (maximum)
- Property Size: 1 to 10 bedrooms
- Property Type: Entire homes
We did this to eliminate Airbnb listings from our analysis that fall outside of what we consider "realistic" situations. This left us with a total of 1,966 Airbnb listings across the state of Mississippi to work with.
Next, we grouped these listings by city and eliminated markets that didn't have at least 75 Airbnb listings meeting the above criteria. We took this step to avoid outlier cities we felt didn't have enough data to be considered at this current time. This left us with 10 cities in Mississippi to rank.
Then, we needed to arrive at a gross yield number for each of our remaining cities in order to create our rankings. We did this by taking the average annual Airbnb revenue for each city and combining it with the cities median property value (from Zillow as of December 2024) to calculate our gross yield for each city.
Finally, we ordered the cities by highest gross yield.
The Top 10 STR Markets in Mississippi
1. Long Beach, MS
Long Beach, MS, is a hidden gem for real estate investors seeking lucrative short-term rental properties with strong rental income potential. Known for its serene beaches, visitors can explore the nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore or enjoy local attractions like the charming downtown with shops and dining. The city hosts events like the Long Beach Carnival, drawing tourists year-round. Proximity to sports teams and casinos adds to its allure, making it one of the best places for those aiming for a good return and consistent cash flow from vacation rentals.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 12.2%
- Average Property Value: $319,940 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $38,902 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 38% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 85 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 75%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Long Beach, MS →
2. Laurel, MS
Laurel, MS offers an enticing short-term rental market for real estate investors seeking lucrative vacation rentals. Known for its charming historic district, Laurel attracts both tourists and investors with its vibrant community and top attractions like the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art and Mason Park. Each fall, the city hosts the Loblolly Festival, drawing crowds for its festivities and boosting rental income potential. Additionally, proximity to acclaimed sports teams and outdoor activities enhances it as a prime vacation home location, ensuring good return and steady cash flow for Airbnb hosts.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 12.0%
- Average Property Value: $230,624 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $27,618 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 35% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 109 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 73%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Laurel, MS →
3. Jackson, MS
Jackson, MS, a thriving hub for short-term rental properties, entices visitors with rich cultural attractions like the Mississippi Museum of Art and lively events like the Mississippi State Fair. Sports enthusiasts flock to cheer on the Jackson State University Tigers. The city's burgeoning short-term rental market, driven by tourism and investment property potential, offers real estate investors lucrative opportunities for rental income. As a top choice for Airbnb hosts, Jackson provides a good return and cash flow in the vacation rentals space, appealing to both tourists and real estate investors.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 11.8%
- Average Property Value: $168,903 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $19,862 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 32% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 131 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 90%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Jackson, MS →
4. Gulfport, MS
Gulfport, MS, is a vibrant destination for real estate investors seeking strong opportunities in the short-term rental market. Known for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage, the city attracts tourists with attractions like the Mississippi Aquarium and Island View Casino. Sports enthusiasts enjoy events at the Gulfport Sportsplex, while annual festivals like the Gulfport Music Festival draw crowds. With a growing tourism industry, vacation homes here offer good return potential and rental income for Airbnb hosts, making Gulfport one of the best places for investment properties.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 11.1%
- Average Property Value: $291,704 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $32,485 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 35% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 349 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 90%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Gulfport, MS →
5. Ocean Springs, MS
Ocean Springs, MS is a hidden gem for real estate investors seeking lucrative short-term rental properties. Known for its charming downtown, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to Gulf Coast beaches, it's a top choice for tourists. The town hosts annual events like the Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival, attracting visitors from all over. With a growing housing market, Ocean Springs offers vacation rentals that promise good return and cash flow. Ideal for Airbnb hosts, it's one of the best places to capture rental income while enjoying consistent tourism.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 9.8%
- Average Property Value: $387,329 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $37,929 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 39% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 172 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 108%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Ocean Springs, MS →
6. Biloxi, MS
Biloxi, MS, a gem on the Gulf Coast, is one of the best places for real estate investors interested in short-term rental properties. Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant casinos, and attractions like the Biloxi Lighthouse and the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum, the city draws tourists year-round. Biloxi's bustling tourism industry provides a strong vacation rental market, offering good returns and cash flow potential. Hosting events such as the annual Biloxi Seafood Festival and home to minor league sports teams, it is an attractive destination for visitors seeking diverse experiences.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 9.5%
- Average Property Value: $340,404 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $32,485 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 33% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 159 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 79%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Biloxi, MS →
7. Bay Saint Louis, MS
Bay Saint Louis, MS, is a gem on the Gulf Coast offering ideal conditions for short-term rental properties and vacation rentals, making it a prime spot for real estate investing. With its stunning beaches, charming Old Town district, and vibrant art scene, it appeals to tourists and airbnb guests alike. The annual Crab Fest and Pirate Day in the Bay are key attractions drawing visitors. For real estate investors, this thriving short-term rental market promises good return and rental income due to its growing popularity as a tourist destination and a key player in the housing market.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 8.6%
- Average Property Value: $412,984 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $35,344 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 31% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 245 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 68%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Bay Saint Louis, MS →
8. Starkville, MS
Starkville, MS, is a prime destination in the short-term rental market, offering real estate investors excellent opportunities in vacation rentals. Home to Mississippi State University, it's a hot spot for college sports fans, especially during football season. The city's vibrant cultural scene includes events like the Starkville Art Walk and Cotton District Arts Festival, drawing tourists year-round. With attractions like the Mississippi Horse Park and Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum, visitors have plenty to explore, making Starkville one of the best places for real estate investing in investment properties.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 7.4%
- Average Property Value: $402,146 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $29,899 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 30% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 189 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 105%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Starkville, MS →
9. Oxford, MS
Oxford, MS, a vibrant town famed for its rich history and cultural charm, offers a promising short-term rental market for real estate investors aiming for consistent rental income. Home to the University of Mississippi, Oxford draws sports enthusiasts with lively college football games and hosts annual events like the renowned Double Decker Arts Festival. The quaint downtown, vibrant arts scene, and historic attractions entice tourists year-round, making it one of the best places for buying investment property and vacation homes that promise good return and cash flow for Airbnb hosts.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 7.2%
- Average Property Value: $616,872 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $44,682 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 27% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 439 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 94%
Find Airbnbs For Sale in Oxford, MS →
10. Hattiesburg, MS
Hattiesburg, MS is a prime spot for real estate investors looking at the short-term rental market. Known for attractions like the Hattiesburg Zoo and the rich cultural experiences of the Saenger Theater, it draws many tourists. With Southern Miss Golden Eagles games and events like the Southern Miss Jazz and Blues Festival, guests have plenty to explore. Vacation rentals here promise a good return, making it an attractive investment property option for investors seeking steady rental income from delighted Airbnb visitors.
Key STR Metrics:
- Average Gross Yield: 7.1%
- Average Property Value: $341,161 (as of December 2024)
- Average Annual Revenue: $24,181 (past 12 months)
- Average Occupancy Rate: 31% (past 12 months)
- Qualifying Airbnbs: 88 (as of January 2025)
- Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 129%
