Top 11 Airbnb Markets in Ohio

Ohio features a diverse mix of large metros, small towns, and scenic countryside escapes, giving short-term rental (STR) investors plenty of ways to build a profitable portfolio. From the rolling hills of Hocking Hills Country to the urban buzz of Columbus and Cleveland, the Buckeye State provides both affordability and solid demand. Below are the top-ranked Airbnb markets in Ohio based on AirDNA’s proprietary Market Score.

What Is AirDNA’s Market Score?

Market Score is a proprietary metric that ranks how attractive a location is for short-term rental (STR) 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 lake-country 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 mediocre score might contain submarkets with excellent performance.

Airbnb Market Overview in Ohio

Ohio’s STR landscape has evolved beyond its traditional big-city anchors. While Columbus and Cleveland remain dependable revenue drivers thanks to business travel, universities, and events, rural retreats like Logan near Hocking Hills now post some of the highest Market Scores in the state. Mid-sized cities such as Dayton and Akron balance affordability with robust, year-round demand, making them attractive entry points for new hosts and seasoned investors alike.

Top 11 Airbnb Markets in Ohio (Ranked by Market Score)

11. Lima

Market Score: 87.89

Average Annual Revenue: $16,783

Lima is a manufacturing hub with steady demand from visiting professionals and families attending local events. Low housing costs and minimal competition give investors room to capture solid occupancy despite moderate nightly rates.

10. Mansfield

Market Score: 89.89

Average Annual Revenue: $25,335

Mansfield’s central location between Columbus and Cleveland—plus attractions like the Ohio State Reformatory—drives weekend tourism. The submarket rewards hosts who deliver unique stays at competitive prices.

9. Columbus

Market Score: 90.64

Average Annual Revenue: $33,432

Ohio’s capital city benefits from a mix of government, university, and corporate travel. Year-round events at Ohio State University and a thriving tech scene keep occupancy high, while diverse neighborhoods offer multiple investment niches.

8. Cleveland

Market Score: 91.87

Average Annual Revenue: $25,465

From world-class healthcare to pro sports and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland draws a broad visitor base. Despite some seasonality tied to harsh winters, strong summer tourism and steady business travel balance revenue throughout the year.

7. Millersburg

Market Score: 93.70

Average Annual Revenue: $40,052

Located in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, Millersburg charms guests with rolling farmland, antique shops, and artisanal food. Higher ADRs and low saturation make this rural submarket a lucrative play for unique, experience-driven properties.

6. Akron

Market Score: 94.61

Average Annual Revenue: $28,371

Akron’s revitalized downtown, proximity to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and a calendar full of sporting events fuel year-round bookings. Investors benefit from below-average home prices and diversified demand streams.

5. Canton

Market Score: 94.65

Average Annual Revenue: $28,267

Home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton punches above its weight in tourism traffic. The submarket balances event-driven spikes with consistent corporate stays tied to its manufacturing base.

4. Toledo

Market Score: 95.30

Average Annual Revenue: $21,302

Positioned on Lake Erie, Toledo benefits from port activity, healthcare centers, and cultural attractions like the Toledo Museum of Art. Affordable real estate and improving downtown amenities support healthy STR margins.

3. Youngstown

Market Score: 96.93

Average Annual Revenue: $19,194

Youngstown’s growing university presence and regional medical facilities drive steady guest traffic. Low acquisition costs and civic efforts to revitalize the city center enhance long-term upside for early entrants.

2. Dayton

Market Score: 97.45

Average Annual Revenue: $25,112

Dayton’s aviation history, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and expanding tech ecosystem sustain high occupancy. The city’s central location along key interstates also captures overnight road-trip demand.

1. Logan

Market Score: 98.31

Average Annual Revenue: $65,764

Logan—the gateway to Hocking Hills State Park—tops the list with exceptional nature-driven demand. Cabins and unique stays routinely command premium rates, while year-round outdoor recreation minimizes seasonality risk.

Should You Invest in Ohio?

Ohio’s blend of affordable property prices, diverse visitor segments, and emerging rural destinations makes it a compelling STR market. Urban centers like Columbus and Cleveland offer dependable, year-round bookings fueled by business, healthcare, and events. Simultaneously, high-scoring rural and small-town submarkets—Logan, Millersburg, and Youngstown—provide opportunities for investors seeking strong returns with lower acquisition costs.

With a generally favorable regulatory climate and steady population growth in key metros, the Buckeye State is positioned to remain a balanced, opportunity-rich option for Airbnb investors of all sizes.