Airbnb Market Data

12 min read

17 Best Short Term Rental Markets In Ohio For 2025

We’ve identified the top 17 cities in Ohio that offer promising opportunities to investors looking for high-yield STR markets.

Written By

Emir Dukic

Jan 27, 2025

Ohio 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 17 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 Ohio 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 5,101 Airbnb listings across the state of Ohio 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 17 cities in Ohio 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 17 STR Markets in Ohio

1. Sandusky, OH

Sandusky, OH, a hidden gem on Lake Erie, is thriving as a prime short-term rental market ideal for real estate investors. Known for Cedar Point amusement park and its scenic waterfront, it attracts countless visitors. Engage in the summer excitement with the Lake Erie Shores & Islands or catch a thrilling Sandusky Bay Regatta. As a top-notch destination for vacation rentals, Sandusky offers real estate market opportunities with promising rental income. Perfect for Airbnb hosts seeking a good return, this vibrant city is a must-visit for tourists seeking unique experiences.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 19.3%
  • Average Property Value: $239,218 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $46,081 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 34% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 165 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 117%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Sandusky, OH →

2. Logan, OH

Logan, OH, nestled in the scenic Hocking Hills, is a thriving hub for vacation rentals, offering real estate investors promising rental income potential in 2025. Renowned for attractions like Hocking Hills State Park, tourists flock to enjoy outdoor adventures and crystalline waterfalls. The annual Logan Washboard Music Festival draws music lovers, enhancing its status in the short-term rental market. For investors seeking good return and cash flow, Logan is among the best places to capitalize on a flourishing str and Airbnb tourism landscape.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 16.6%
  • Average Property Value: $404,739 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $67,220 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 46% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 417 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 73%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Logan, OH →

3. Huron, OH

Huron, OH offers a promising short-term rental market for real estate investors seeking lucrative vacation rentals. Nestled on Lake Erie's shores, it attracts travelers with its stunning beaches, vibrant downtown, and proximity to Cedar Point Amusement Park. Sports enthusiasts enjoy the local golf courses and fishing opportunities. Special events like the Huron River Fest lure thousands of tourists annually, boosting rental income potential. Being an Airbnb host here promises good returns and consistent cash flow thanks to the steady stream of guests seeking the best places to stay.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 16.2%
  • Average Property Value: $420,386 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $68,163 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 39% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 99 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 85%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Huron, OH →

4. Geneva, OH

Geneva, OH, a hidden gem for short-term rental properties, offers a thriving short-term rental market appealing to real estate investors seeking good returns. This picturesque town, located on Lake Erie's shores, draws tourists with its renowned Geneva-on-the-Lake resort area, rich wineries, and annual Grape Jamboree, making it a hotspot for vacation homes. As an Airbnb host, capitalize on the bustling tourism fueled by fishing charters and the scenic Western Reserve Greenway, ensuring robust rental income and cash flow.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 15.1%
  • Average Property Value: $287,752 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $43,343 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 35% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 158 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 93%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Geneva, OH →

5. Cleveland, OH

Cleveland, OH, offers a vibrant short-term rental market ideal for real estate investors seeking good returns on Airbnb properties. Known for its thriving arts scene, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and major sports teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indians, it attracts tourists year-round. Annual events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival and the Cleveland Air Show boost tourism, offering airbnb hosts increased rental income potential. With its dynamic housing market, Cleveland is one of the best places for investment property in vacation rentals.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 14.8%
  • Average Property Value: $180,357 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $26,766 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 38% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 896 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 108%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Cleveland, OH →

6. Akron, OH

Akron, OH stands out as a prime destination for real estate investors seeking short-term rental properties. The city offers diverse attractions such as the Akron Art Museum, Stan Hywet Hall, and the vibrant Cuyahoga Valley National Park, enticing tourists year-round. Home to sports teams like the Akron Zips and events like the All-American Soap Box Derby, Akron attracts numerous visitors. With a robust housing market and potential for rental income, the city ranks among the best places for vacation rentals and real estate investing in 2025.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 14.3%
  • Average Property Value: $223,817 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $31,937 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 39% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 139 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 92%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Akron, OH →

7. Toledo, OH

Toledo, OH is a thriving hotspot for short-term rental properties, offering real estate investors promising opportunities in 2025. Known for its vibrant arts scene, Toledo houses attractions like the Toledo Museum of Art and the stunning Toledo Zoo. Sports enthusiasts flock to see the Toledo Mud Hens baseball team and catch events at the Huntington Center. With festivals like the German-American Festival, the city promises high rental income for Airbnb hosts. These diverse offerings position Toledo's housing market as one of the best places for investment property and vacation rentals.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 12.5%
  • Average Property Value: $198,928 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $24,820 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 38% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 150 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 91%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Toledo, OH →

8. Rockbridge, OH

Nestled in the scenic Hocking Hills region, Rockbridge, OH, offers a thriving short-term rental market, ideal for real estate investors seeking a good return and steady cash flow. Visitors are drawn to its nature-rich attractions like the Hocking Hills State Park and the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve, making vacation homes and Airbnb options highly attractive. For guests interested in outdoor activities, zip-lining and hiking are popular, while local festivals and events keep the tourism scene vibrant year-round, ensuring consistent rental income for property owners.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 12.3%
  • Average Property Value: $537,061 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $65,821 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 44% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 121 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 85%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Rockbridge, OH →

9. Oxford, OH

Oxford, OH, a charming college town and home to Miami University, offers a thriving short-term rental market perfect for real estate investors seeking good returns. Popular attractions like the Miami University Art Museum and Hueston Woods State Park draw guests year-round, boosting rental income for vacation homes. Sports fans flock to Miami RedHawks football games, and annual events like the Oxford Wine Festival enhance tourism. With its vibrant culture and strong rental property demand, Oxford ranks among the best places for short-term rentals and Airbnb hosts keen to capitalize on a growing real estate market.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 10.9%
  • Average Property Value: $463,125 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $50,278 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 36% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 95 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 86%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Oxford, OH →

10. Port Clinton, OH

Port Clinton, OH, is a gem for real estate investors looking into the short-term rental market. Known for its prime location on Lake Erie, this charming city offers vacation homes that promise a great return. Tourists flock to see stunning attractions like the Lake Erie Islands and African Safari Wildlife Park. Hosting special events like the Walleye Festival draws significant tourism, enhancing rental income potential. With minor league sports teams and rich outdoor activities, being an Airbnb host here ensures consistent cash flow from eager guests seeking unique experiences.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 10.1%
  • Average Property Value: $500,200 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $50,522 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 39% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 156 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 91%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Port Clinton, OH →

11. Athens, OH

Athens, OH, is a vibrant hub for vacation rentals, appealing to real estate investors seeking to tap into the bustling short-term rental market. Known for its lively atmosphere, thanks to Ohio University, it hosts events like the Ohio Brew Week and the Pawpaw Festival, attracting tourists year-round. Guests flock to explore the charming downtown and scenic Hocking Hills. Investing in Airbnb properties here can offer good return and cash flow, making it an attractive investment property option in an emerging housing market.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 9.5%
  • Average Property Value: $346,869 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $32,971 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 37% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 105 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 64%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Athens, OH →

12. Millersburg, OH

Millersburg, OH, is a hidden gem for real estate investors seeking lucrative short-term rental properties. Nestled in Ohio's Amish Country, it attracts tourists with charming attractions like Yoder's Amish Home and the historic Victorian House Museum. The local real estate market is ideal for vacation rentals, offering potential for good return and cash flow. With yearly events like the Holmes County Antique Festival and proximity to charming shops and eateries, Millersburg is one of the best places for Airbnb hosts and visitors alike.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 8.6%
  • Average Property Value: $541,864 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $46,841 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 41% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 197 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 93%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Millersburg, OH →

13. Columbus, OH

Columbus, OH, is a thriving hub for short-term rental properties, making it a prime destination for real estate investors seeking good returns. The city's vibrant attractions, including the Columbus Zoo and Scioto Mile, draw tourists year-round. Sports enthusiasts can catch a game with the Columbus Blue Jackets or Crew SC, while options like the renowned Arnold Sports Festival entice visitors. With a dynamic housing market and increasing tourism, Columbus offers great opportunities for rental income and cash flow, making it one of the best places for short-term rental investment properties.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 8.6%
  • Average Property Value: $359,266 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $30,751 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 41% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 985 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 77%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Columbus, OH →

14. Dayton, OH

Dayton, OH is an appealing destination for short-term rental properties with attractions like the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and Carillon Historical Park. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy visiting the Dayton Dragons baseball games, offering steady streams of visitors and guests. With vibrant festivals like the Dayton Celtic Festival, this city is a hotspot for tourists year-round. Real estate investors find the Dayton real estate market lucrative due to its good return potential, making it one of the best places for vacation rentals and Airbnb hosts.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 8.5%
  • Average Property Value: $325,526 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $27,770 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 43% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 298 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 92%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Dayton, OH →

15. Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati, OH, is an enticing destination for short-term rental properties, drawing tourists with its vibrant culture and attractions. The city is home to the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals, and hosts events like Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, one of the largest in the U.S. Vacation rentals thrive, as visitors flock to explore the Cincinnati Zoo, Art Museum, and bustling Over-the-Rhine district. For real estate investors, Cincinnati offers a promising housing market with good returns and cash flow, making it one of the best places for investment properties in 2025.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 7.4%
  • Average Property Value: $403,165 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $29,869 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 40% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 930 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 83%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Cincinnati, OH →

16. Hamilton, OH

Hamilton, OH, is a burgeoning hotspot for short-term rental properties, offering real estate investors ample opportunities for good return and consistent cash flow. Known for its vibrant arts scene, the charming city hosts events like Operation Pumpkin and the Hamilton Flea, drawing tourists year-round. Guests of vacation homes can explore attractions such as Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, while sports enthusiasts enjoy Hamilton Joes baseball. With its growing tourism appeal, Hamilton's housing market is ripe for both airbnb hosts and real estate investing.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 6.5%
  • Average Property Value: $434,748 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $28,044 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 36% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 90 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 54%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Hamilton, OH →

17. Lakewood, OH

Lakewood, OH, is a vibrant city offering great opportunities for real estate investors interested in short-term rental properties. Known for its scenic views along Lake Erie, Lakewood attracts visitors with attractions like the Beck Center for the Arts and Edgewater Park. Sports enthusiasts enjoy events hosted by local teams like the Lakewood Rangers. These elements make Lakewood's housing market particularly appealing for vacation rentals, promising good returns and steady rental income for Airbnb hosts and real estate investors looking to capitalize on tourism and guest interest.

Key STR Metrics:

  • Average Gross Yield: 6.1%
  • Average Property Value: $379,851 (as of December 2024)
  • Average Annual Revenue: $23,299 (past 12 months)
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 37% (past 12 months)
  • Qualifying Airbnbs: 100 (as of January 2025)
  • Year-Over-Year Growth in Airbnbs: 110%

Find Airbnbs For Sale in Lakewood, OH →

Categories: Airbnb Market Data

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About the author

Emir Dukic

CEO @ Rabbu.com

With a passion for real estate innovation and technology, Emir has transformed Rabbu into a go-to marketplace for real estate investors seeking high-yield opportunities in the short-term rental market. Drawing on his background in entrepreneurship and operational strategy, Emir has been instrumental in simplifying the complexities of the short-term rental industry, empowering investors to maximize their returns with data-driven insights and streamlined tools.

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