Top 10 Short-Term Rental Markets in Minnesota (2026 Update)
Discover the best cities and regions in Minnesota for STR investing—ranked by ROI potential, occupancy rates, regulatory environment, and entry costs. Data-driven insights from 25+ years of real estate experience.
Minnesota might not be the first state that comes to mind for short-term rental investing, but savvy investors know it's one of the best-kept secrets in the Midwest. With year-round demand driven by medical tourism, corporate relocations, youth sports, and vacation travel, Minnesota offers consistent cash flow that vacation-only markets can't match.
After analyzing data from our own properties plus 200+ STRs across the state, we've identified the top 10 markets for STR investors in 2026. Here's what we evaluated:
- Average ROI: Cash-on-cash return and total annual return
- Entry cost: Typical purchase price for a 3BR/2BA property
- Occupancy rate: Annual average across all seasons
- Regulatory environment: Permit requirements and restrictions
- Demand drivers: What brings guests to the area
- Competition level: Number of existing STRs
The Top 10 Minnesota STR Markets
Roseville
Twin Cities Suburb • Ramsey County
Why #1: Perfect location between Minneapolis and St. Paul, close to University of Minnesota Medical Center, excellent schools, family-friendly. Low permit fees ($150/year), no occupancy caps. Strong demand from medical tourism, corporate relocations, and youth sports.
Our Experience: We own a 3BR/2BA property here generating $6,167/month with 82% occupancy. Guests love the quiet neighborhood and easy access to downtown.
Bloomington
Twin Cities Suburb • Hennepin County
Why #2: Home to Mall of America (40M+ annual visitors), MSP Airport proximity, excellent highway access. Higher revenue potential than Roseville but slightly higher entry costs. Permit required ($250/year), max 2 STRs per owner.
Rochester
Southeast Minnesota • Olmsted County
Why #3: Mayo Clinic drives year-round demand—patients and families need 1-4 week stays. Lower entry costs than Twin Cities, highest occupancy rates in state. Very STR-friendly regulations ($300/year license). Best market for medical tourism focus.
Eden Prairie
Twin Cities Suburb • Hennepin County
Why #4: Upscale suburb with excellent schools, corporate headquarters (Optum, C.H. Robinson). Higher-end properties attract business travelers and relocating executives. Permit required ($200/year), max 10 guests.
Duluth / North Shore
Northeast Minnesota • St. Louis County
Why #5: Traditional vacation rental market—Lake Superior tourism, fall colors, winter sports. Highly seasonal (peak Jun-Oct) but strong peak rates ($250-400/night). Best for investors who want a personal vacation property with rental income.
Markets #6-10: Strong Contenders
#6 - Minnetonka
Upscale lakefront properties, corporate demand, excellent schools. Higher entry cost but premium positioning.
#7 - Maple Grove
Fast-growing northwest suburb, family-friendly, youth sports hub. Solid occupancy year-round.
#8 - Brainerd Lakes
Summer lake vacation market. Very seasonal but strong peak demand (Jun-Aug). Fishing, family reunions.
#9 - Plymouth
Large suburb with diverse housing stock, corporate relocations, medical tourism. Permit required.
#10 - St. Cloud
Lowest entry costs, college town (St. Cloud State), medical center. Higher ROI but smaller market.
❌ Avoid: Minneapolis & St. Paul
Why: Both cities require owner-occupancy for STRs (can't rent entire home unless you live there). Very restrictive regulations make them unsuitable for investors. Focus on suburbs instead.
How to Choose Your Market
The "best" market depends on your investment strategy and goals:
🎯 Best for First-Time STR Investors
Roseville or Bloomington: Proven demand, straightforward regulations, strong support network. Our Roseville property is the perfect example of consistent cash flow.
💰 Best for Maximum ROI
Rochester or St. Cloud: Lower entry costs with strong demand. Rochester has highest occupancy rates in state due to Mayo Clinic.
🏖️ Best for Vacation Rental Experience
Duluth/North Shore or Brainerd Lakes: Traditional vacation markets with personal-use potential. More seasonal but higher peak rates.
🏢 Best for Corporate/Medical Focus
Rochester, Eden Prairie, or Minnetonka: Target extended stays, business travelers, and medical tourism for longer booking windows and lower turnover.
Market Selection Checklist
Before choosing your market, evaluate these factors:
- ✅ Verify STR regulations: Call city planning department, confirm permit requirements
- ✅ Analyze comparable properties: Search Airbnb/VRBO for similar listings, check occupancy/rates
- ✅ Calculate true ROI: Include all costs (mortgage, insurance, cleaning, maintenance, permits)
- ✅ Assess demand drivers: What brings guests? Is it year-round or seasonal?
- ✅ Check HOA restrictions: Many condos prohibit STRs—verify before purchasing
- ✅ Visit the area: Drive neighborhoods, check proximity to attractions/hospitals/airports
Ready to Invest in Minnesota STRs?
Minnesota offers some of the most consistent STR cash flow in the country—if you choose the right market. Our Roseville property proves the model works, and we're planning to add a second Minnesota property in 2026.
Want to learn our complete system for finding, analyzing, and managing profitable STRs in Minnesota and beyond?