Top 12 Airbnb Markets in Idaho

Idaho is known for its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and fast-growing cities—an enticing mix that’s turning the Gem State into a short-term rental (STR) hotspot. Whether you’re eyeing steady urban demand in Boise or weekend-warrior traffic in mountain submarkets like Garden Valley, these are Idaho’s top Airbnb markets based on AirDNA’s proprietary data.

What Is AirDNA’s Market Score?

Market Score is a proprietary metric that ranks how attractive a location is for short-term rental investment. Each score is calculated based on the following five metrics:

• Investability
• Rental Demand
• Revenue Growth
• Seasonality
• Regulation

Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating stronger overall market health. In addition to an overall Market Score, each of the five metrics gets its own score on the same scale within the AirDNA app. This level of granularity is useful for Airbnb stakeholders interested in a particular aspect of market behavior.

Understanding Markets vs. Submarkets

This list includes a mix of the largest markets and submarkets, which are defined as:

• Markets refer to well-defined, often larger geographic areas like cities or metro regions.
• Submarkets are more granular locations, such as smaller towns, neighborhoods, or resort communities within those larger regions.

Including both allows investors to spot opportunities that may be overlooked when focusing solely on large-scale market data. A market with a middling score might contain submarkets with excellent performance.

Airbnb Market Overview in Idaho

Idaho’s STR landscape is as varied as its scenery. Boise anchors the state with consistent urban demand, while mountain and river towns supply a constant stream of adventure-seeking travelers. The rise of remote work is further boosting occupancy in smaller destinations such as Garden Valley and Lava Hot Springs, where visitors blend weekend recreation with work-from-anywhere lifestyles. From lakeside luxury in Fish Haven to college-town bookings in Moscow, Idaho offers investors a spectrum of revenue opportunities.

Top 12 Airbnb Markets in Idaho (Ranked by Market Score)

12. Garden Valley

Market Score: 21.46

Average Annual Revenue: $34,337

Garden Valley is a wooded retreat just over an hour from Boise, famous for white-water rafting on the Payette River and abundant wildlife. Low inventory and rising outdoor tourism keep ADRs resilient despite modest overall demand.

11. Burley

Market Score: 24.76

Average Annual Revenue: $25,473

Positioned along the Snake River, Burley attracts anglers, boaters, and event visitors from southern Idaho. Affordable housing and minimal competition make it a value play for investors seeking cash-flowing assets.

10. Moscow

Market Score: 26.27

Average Annual Revenue: $29,837

Home to the University of Idaho, Moscow benefits from steady academic-year demand and regional festivals. While seasonality dips in summer, parent weekends and college sports drive reliable spikes in occupancy and ADR.

9. Donnelly

Market Score: 34.59

Average Annual Revenue: $50,791

Donnelly serves as a gateway to both Tamarack Resort and Lake Cascade, drawing skiers in winter and boaters in summer. High revenue potential offsets moderate Market Score, signaling strong returns for properly managed cabins.

8. Fish Haven

Market Score: 35.41

Average Annual Revenue: $63,018

Overlooking the turquoise waters of Bear Lake, Fish Haven commands premium nightly rates during the high-traffic summer season. Luxury lakefront homes outperform, though high purchase prices and seasonality temper the overall score.

7. Lava Hot Springs

Market Score: 37.33

Average Annual Revenue: $42,205

Lava Hot Springs is famous for its geothermal pools and inner-tube-friendly Portneuf River. Year-round tourist traffic and limited lodging supply support elevated ADRs, making it an attractive niche market.

6. Kellogg

Market Score: 39.92

Average Annual Revenue: $25,573

Situated in Idaho’s Silver Valley, Kellogg pairs outdoor adventure with mining history. Proximity to Silver Mountain ski resort drives winter demand, while mountain biking and festivals sustain bookings the rest of the year.

5. Pocatello

Market Score: 43.27

Average Annual Revenue: $22,835

Pocatello blends university, healthcare, and tech-sector travel, creating stable year-round occupancy. Entry-level housing costs enhance cash-on-cash returns despite modest ADRs.

4. Twin Falls

Market Score: 46.16

Average Annual Revenue: $26,895

Twin Falls is an outdoor mecca, highlighted by Shoshone Falls and Snake River Canyon BASE jumping. Growing tourism and business travel from regional agriculture firms keep occupancy rates competitive.

3. Lewiston

Market Score: 58.75

Average Annual Revenue: $29,640

At the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, Lewiston serves anglers, wine tourists, and river-cruise passengers. Its balanced mix of leisure and corporate travel boosts both weekday and weekend bookings.

2. Idaho City

Market Score: 67.43

Average Annual Revenue: $33,182

Just 40 miles northeast of Boise, historic Idaho City offers a frontier vibe paired with hot springs and snowmobile trails. Low saturation and quick access from the capital city raise its investment appeal.

1. Boise

Market Score: 69.32

Average Annual Revenue: $32,673

Boise headlines Idaho’s STR scene with a thriving tech sector, vibrant downtown, and proximity to outdoor recreation. Consistent year-round demand, a growing airport, and business-friendly regulations anchor its top ranking.

Should You Invest in Idaho?

Idaho’s combination of booming population growth, outdoor tourism, and comparatively affordable real estate positions it as a compelling STR market. Urban investors can tap into strong fundamentals in Boise, while adventure-focused operators might favor high-ADR lake and mountain submarkets like Fish Haven or Lava Hot Springs.

Seasonality, especially in resort areas, requires careful revenue management, but diversity across markets—from college towns to riverfront escapes—helps smooth out income volatility. For investors comfortable with a range of property types and guest profiles, Idaho offers ample opportunity to build a resilient and profitable STR portfolio.