Nevada might be known for the neon lights of Las Vegas, but there's a lot more to the state's short-term rental potential than slot machines and fancy shows. When it comes to short-term rental opportunities, Nevada offers a surprisingly diverse mix of markets. And the best Airbnb markets in Nevada each shine in their own way.
Backed by data-driven insights from SummerOS short-term rental data, these five locations stand out:
- North Las Vegas, NV: Best for affordable access to Las Vegas
- Henderson, NV: Best for luxury, family-friendly stays
- Incline Village, NV: Best area for upscale mountain rentals
- Pahrump, NV: Best for lenient STR regulations
- Mesquite, NV: Best city for golf getaways
You'll soon find out that Nevada has a surprising mix of Airbnb markets that are delivering solid returns.
How we picked the best Airbnb markets in Nevada
To narrow down our selection to the absolute best markets, we took a data-first approach using insights from SummerOS. We came up with a list that balances upfront investment with strong earning potential.
Here's how we did it:
- Consistency: We first looked at cities where hosts were earning steady income throughout the year.
- Strong nightly rates: Then, we looked for ADRs that support sustainable revenue, even if bookings aren't maxed out.
- Good investment potential: Instead of chasing the lowest price, we focused on markets where returns justify the buy-in, even at a higher cost.
- Regulatory stability: We searched for markets where short-term rentals are legal and relatively easy to operate.
- Unique guest appeal: Finally, we looked for places with something special like natural beauty or a strategic location.
These five markets show the different ways short-term rentals succeed across Nevada. Some thrive on volume, while others on high pricing power. Each stands out for a specific reason, so let's get into them below.
By focusing on these criteria, we identified the best short-term rental markets in Nevada, and then we used SummerOS to pinpoint the data that matters. With SummerOS, you can analyze revenue, market trends, and occupancy rates, helping smart investors choose the right market for their goals. From revenue projections to competitive set analytics, SummerOS empowers you to build your Airbnb portfolio with confidence.
Want to uncover top STR markets for your next investment? Find your next opportunity with SummerOS to turn data into smarter decisions.
1. North Las Vegas, NV: Best for affordable access to Las Vegas
North Las Vegas is a suburban city in the Las Vegas Valley that's often overshadowed by its famous neighbor. But for travelers and investors alike, this city hits a sweet spot: it offers affordable access to the Vegas experience without the premium price tag.
Just a short, 30-minute drive from the neon lights of the Strip, North Las Vegas provides a convenient home base for visitors who want to enjoy Las Vegas's attractions and then retreat to a quieter, budget-friendly locale.
And, as more people discover value beyond the Strip, it's no surprise the Vegas metro (including North Las Vegas) has been among the fastest-growing regions in the U.S..
From an investment perspective, North Las Vegas combines relatively low entry costs with strong earning potential. The average home price here is around $450,625, making it easier for first-time Airbnb investors to break in.
Yet, despite the lower prices, demand remains strong. With about 300 active rentals in the area, occupancy sits at a healthy 69%, indicating that properties are booked most of the year. In fact, the typical short-term rental in North Las Vegas grosses about $65,994 annually with an average daily rate of $306.
Those numbers are impressive for a "budget" market because it means guests are willing to pay good nightly rates for the value they get here.
2. Henderson, NV: Best for luxury, family-friendly stays
Henderson often finds itself on "best places to live" lists, and it's easy to see why. This city of just over 300,000 residents is the second-largest in Nevada, known for its safety and upscale communities.
Located about 16 miles southeast of downtown Las Vegas, Henderson offers a very different vibe from the Strip. Henderson is all about green spaces, tranquil neighborhoods, bike trails, and even a scenic lakeside retreat. In fact, Henderson boasts more than 220 miles of trails and 72 parks for visitors to enjoy.
For guests, that means a family-friendly environment where kids can play and adults can relax, all while being a short drive away from casinos and entertainment. It's the perfect balance of luxury and comfort.
For investors, Henderson represents the high end of Southern Nevada's rental market. The average home price here is about $1,178,947, by far one of the priciest among Nevada's top STR markets, reflecting Henderson's luxury housing stock.
The payoff for that steep investment is strong earning potential: short-term rentals in Henderson average around $78,442 in gross annual revenue. This comes from an ADR of roughly $362, supported by a solid 67% occupancy rate.
Visitors are willing to pay premium prices for Henderson's upscale accommodations, even if it means slightly lower occupancy than a budget market. And, with over 250 active rentals, the market isn't overly saturated, so a well-appointed property can really stand out.
3. Incline Village, NV: Best area for upscale mountain rentals
Perched on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, Incline Village is synonymous with alpine luxury. Incline Village has long been a getaway for the affluent, and it lives up to its reputation as an exclusive mountainside retreat.
For hosts and investors, Incline Village is the upscale mountain market in Nevada, but it comes with unique considerations. First, the buy-in cost is high–the average home price here is around $2.9M which is more than double the price of a comparable property in Henderson. Naturally, this limits the pool of investors to those with significant capital or those who might already own a vacation home here.
Second, the rental income, while solid, might seem modest relative to the home values: average gross revenue is about $50,902 per year, with an ADR of $390.
The key is understanding the seasonal nature of this market. Occupancy in Incline Village is only 44% on average but that's not due to lack of desirability. It's because many bookings are concentrated in peak seasons (winter holidays for ski trips and summer months for lake vacations) and then drop off in the shoulder seasons when tourism quiets down.
In other words, homeowners might be renting their places out for only part of the year, driving up nightly rates when they do. The high ADR of $390 shows that when upscale travelers come to Tahoe, they're willing to pay a premium for a stunning home.
For an investor, Incline Village is best for catering to high-end, seasonal demand. You might not see back-to-back bookings year-round, but during prime time you can command high prices. It's also a great market if you're interested in a long-term hold, as property values here have historically trended upward, making it a strong option for appreciation as well as rental income.
4. Pahrump, NV: Best for lenient STR regulations
Pahrump might not be the first place that comes to mind for a Nevada vacation, but this desert town about 60 miles west of Las Vegas has a special appeal to Airbnb hosts: lenient short-term rental regulations.
Situated in Nye County, Pahrump has embraced a more laid-back approach to many things, and STRs are no exception. While nearby Las Vegas and Clark County have tightened rules on Airbnbs in recent years, Pahrump's local governance has remained comparatively relaxed.
This means far fewer hoops to jump through; you're less likely to face complex licensing and heavy-handed enforcement here. If you want a place where you can run your Airbnb without constantly looking over your shoulder, Pahrump is an inviting option.
As a community, Pahrump offers a quiet, rural Nevada experience. Guests who come here aren't looking for the glamor of the Strip. They're often road-trippers or folks on their way to California. For example, Death Valley National Park is only a short drive away, and Pahrump makes a convenient base for exploring the park's landscapes.
In terms of data, Pahrump's short-term rental market is small but steady. With only about 70 active rental units, competition is minimal, and a new listing can grab attention pretty easily. The average home price is roughly $506,686, which is modest compared to most other Nevada markets.
However, the income side of the equation reflects Pahrump's off-the-beaten-path nature: gross revenue averages around $26,985 a year, with an ADR of $153 and about a 61% occupancy rate. Those figures are decent but not sky-high, indicating that while there is tourist activity, it's not an endless parade of guests as you might see closer to Vegas.
But, the important thing to remember is that lenient regulations are a long-term asset. Pahrump is positioning itself as a friendlier environment for STR investors, which could attract more hosts and, eventually, more visitors who prefer Airbnbs over the limited hotels in town.
5. Mesquite, NV: Best city for golf getaways
Tucked near the Arizona border, Mesquite has made a name for itself as a golfer's desert paradise. This small city is about 80 miles from Las Vegas along I-15, and while it does have a few casinos and resorts, its true claim to fame is year-round golf.
For Airbnb hosts, Mesquite represents a niche market with stable demand. Currently, there are only about 100 active short-term rentals, so the playing field isn't overly crowded. The average home price here is around $480,746, similar to North Las Vegas, meaning investors don't need high budgets to buy in.
These homes often cater to the golf crowd—think amenities like pools or hot tubs for after-golf soaks. The performance metrics are encouraging for a city its size: average gross revenue is about $35,712 per year, with an ADR of $213. Occupancy averages 54%, which suggests a moderate, seasonal pattern.
Note that Mesquite tends to see its peak occupancy in the milder months (fall, winter, and spring) when golfers and vacationers flock to town; summers are slightly slower due to the intense heat, which is typical for desert destinations.
With a healthy ADR $200 and an occupancy above 50%, Mesquite is best if you're aiming to serve a specific travel niche (e.g., golf, sports tournaments, or retirees escaping winters) and if you want a market that still has room to grow.
Is Nevada good for Airbnb?
Nevada's short-term rental landscape proves that this state has something to offer for every kind of Airbnb host, and the best airbnb markets in Nevada we highlighted show the diversity of opportunities here.
In other words, the state can be very good for Airbnb if you choose the right market that aligns with what you're looking for. Are you aiming for maximum nightly rates? Consistent year-round occupancy? Easier management with few regulatory hurdles? As you've seen, each top market comes with unique benefits and challenges. This is why doing your research is so crucial.
The good news is that you don't have to rely on guesswork. The short-term rental data in SummerOS can help you find the right markets and decide confidently where in Nevada to invest. This advanced analytics tool provides up-to-date, granular insights on everything from revenue projections to occupancy trends, customized for markets across Nevada (and beyond).
Ready to see what the right data at your fingertips can do? Explore SummerOS today!
