AirROI ranking · 202610 markets ranked

Best Places to Buy an Airbnb in South Dakota (2026)

Rapid City is the best place to buy an Airbnb in South Dakota in 2026, according to AirROI's ranking of 10 markets. Its listings averaged $35,000 in revenue over the 12 months to October 2026 and were booked on 49% of nights. It leads on the blend rather than on any one measure, placing 1st of 10 for market size, 1st of 10 for occupancy and 2nd of 10 for year-round demand. Custer and Deadwood come next.

Source: AirROI Reviewed by , Founder @ AirROI Updated

Markets tracked
28
Active Airbnb listings
3,570
Avg. revenue per listing
$34,100
Occupancy rate
42%
Avg. nightly rate
$305
Revenue change, typical market
+8%

The short answer

South Dakota Airbnb Market at a Glance

Across South Dakota, the 3,570 active Airbnb listings tracked by AirROI, a short-term-rental data firm, averaged $34,100 over the same period. They were booked on 42% of nights at about $305 a night; the ranking covers the 10 markets with at least 100 active listings. Revenue per listing rose in 7 of the 10 ranked markets with a comparable year of data, by 8% in the typical one.

The ranking weighs revenue per listing most, then occupancy and market size, then how evenly income spreads across the year and how it changed on the year. It reflects rental performance, not purchase prices or local short-term rental rules. How the ranking works.

Where the top 10 Airbnb markets in South Dakota are

Each dot is one of the 28 markets AirROI tracks in South Dakota, sized by active listings and coloured by average revenue per listing. Select a number to jump to its profile.

Where the top 10 Airbnb markets in South Dakota areDot map of 28 Airbnb markets. Numbered pins mark the top-ranked markets: 1 Rapid City, 2 Custer, 3 Deadwood, 4 Sioux Falls, 5 Lead, 6 Spearfish, 7 Powder House Pass, 8 Sturgis, 9 Hill City, 10 Hot Springs.10987654321© OpenStreetMap
Avg. revenueUnder $28k$28k–$29k$29k–$38k$38k+ Under 30 listings 1 Top-ranked market

Top 10

The Top 10 Airbnb Markets in South Dakota

Each profile draws on the market's full AirROI report: how it earns, when in the year, who books and what sells. Monthly figures are averages per listing active in that month, so twelve of them add up to more than the annual average, which also counts listings that operated for only part of the year.

The top 10 Airbnb markets in South Dakota at a glance
#MarketAvg. revenueOccupancy
Rapid City Large market · High occupancy$35,00049%
Custer Growing revenue · High occupancy$40,10048%
Deadwood High earnings · Growing revenue$41,00038%
4 Sioux Falls Large market · High occupancy$22,80042%
5 Lead Large market · High earnings$40,00035%
6 Spearfish$31,20041%
7 Powder House Pass High earnings$81,20035%
8 Sturgis$28,90035%
9 Hill City$28,00039%
10 Hot Springs$23,10037%

  1. 1. Rapid City

    Known for: Large market · High occupancy

    Top-earning Airbnb listing in Rapid City, 4 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Rapid City, 4 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Rapid City, 2 bedrooms
    Top-earning Airbnb listings in Rapid City
    Avg. revenue
    $35,000 +10% vs. last year
    Occupancy
    49%
    Nightly rate
    $270
    Active listings
    706

    Where it places among the 10 ranked markets in South Dakota

    • Revenue 5th of 10
    • Occupancy 1st of 10
    • Market size 1st of 10
    • Year-round 2nd of 10
    • Growth 3rd of 10
    How it earns
    Rapid City earns on volume. Rates run below the South Dakota average at about $270 a night, but listings book 49% of nights. That adds up to $35,000 per listing over the year, the fifth-highest of the 10 ranked markets. A typical listing takes in about $3,430 a month; the top quarter clear $5,510 or more. Revenue per listing rose 10% over the year, the third-biggest gain in South Dakota, helped by nightly rates 11% higher, even as the number of listings grew 16%.
    When it earns
    Rapid City's season runs from May to September, peaking in July at about $6,780 per listing; January, the quietest month, brings in about $2,070.
    What sells
    The most common entire home has 2 bedrooms (27% of entire homes), and houses make up 56% of supply.
    Who it suits
    It suits buyers who can carry costs through a quiet January and would rather price for occupancy than for rate.

    Revenue per listing by month

    Median listing
    $3,430/mo
    Top 25% of listings
    $5,510+/mo
    Booked ahead
    63 days
    Average stay
    5 nights
    Most common home size
    2 bedrooms
    Superhosts
    62%

    Areas in the full report: Downtown Rapid City · Bear Butte State Park · Rapid City suburbs

    Full Rapid City Airbnb report

  2. 2. Custer

    Known for: Growing revenue · High occupancy

    Top-earning Airbnb listing in Custer, 6 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Custer, 5 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Custer, 6 bedrooms
    Top-earning Airbnb listings in Custer
    Avg. revenue
    $40,100 +15% vs. last year
    Occupancy
    48%
    Nightly rate
    $320
    Active listings
    289

    Where it places among the 10 ranked markets in South Dakota

    • Revenue 3rd of 10
    • Occupancy 2nd of 10
    • Market size 4th of 10
    • Year-round 7th of 10
    • Growth 1st of 10
    How it earns
    Custer fills more nights than most of South Dakota: 48% of them, the second-highest occupancy of the 10 ranked markets, at about $320 a night. Listings averaged $40,100 in revenue over the year, the third-highest of the 10 ranked markets. In a typical month the median listing brings in about $3,650, and the best quarter clear $6,240. Revenue per listing rose 15% over the year, the biggest gain in South Dakota, helped by nightly rates 14% higher. With 289 listings it is a small market, so its averages can move more from year to year.
    When it earns
    Revenue in Custer concentrates from June to September: July earns about $8,490 per listing, about four times as much as February.
    What sells
    One-bedroom homes lead the market (29% of entire homes), and cabins, campers and other outdoor stays make up 48% of supply.
    Who it suits
    Best for buyers who can ride out a slow February.

    Revenue per listing by month

    Median listing
    $3,650/mo
    Top 25% of listings
    $6,240+/mo
    Booked ahead
    74 days
    Average stay
    4 nights
    Most common home size
    1 bedroom
    Superhosts
    71%
    Full Custer Airbnb report

  3. 3. Deadwood

    Known for: High earnings · Growing revenue

    Top-earning Airbnb listing in Deadwood, 13 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Deadwood, 9 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Deadwood, 4 bedrooms
    Top-earning Airbnb listings in Deadwood
    Avg. revenue
    $41,000 +12% vs. last year
    Occupancy
    38%
    Nightly rate
    $390
    Active listings
    123

    Where it places among the 10 ranked markets in South Dakota

    • Revenue 2nd of 10
    • Occupancy 6th of 10
    • Market size 8th of 10
    • Year-round 2nd of 10
    • Growth 2nd of 10
    How it earns
    Deadwood listings charge about $390 a night, 27% above the South Dakota average, and are booked on 38% of nights. Average revenue per listing came to $41,000, the second-highest of the 10 ranked markets. Month to month, the median listing earns about $3,160 and a top-quarter listing $5,640 or more. Revenue per listing rose 12% over the year, the second-biggest gain in South Dakota. Its 123 listings make it one of the smaller ranked markets, so its figures are less settled than those of larger ones.
    When it earns
    In Deadwood, the months from May to September earn above the yearly average, led by July at about $7,710 per listing; April is the low point at about $2,300.
    What sells
    The most common entire home has 1 bedroom (27% of entire homes), and cabins, campers and other outdoor stays make up 34% of supply.
    Who it suits
    A good fit for buyers who are prepared for thin bookings around April.

    Revenue per listing by month

    Median listing
    $3,160/mo
    Top 25% of listings
    $5,640+/mo
    Booked ahead
    80 days
    Average stay
    4 nights
    Most common home size
    1 bedroom
    Superhosts
    55%
    Full Deadwood Airbnb report

  4. 4. Sioux Falls

    Known for: Large market · High occupancy

    Top-earning Airbnb listing in Sioux Falls, 4 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Sioux Falls, 6 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Sioux Falls, 4 bedrooms
    Top-earning Airbnb listings in Sioux Falls
    Avg. revenue
    $22,800 +8% vs. last year
    Occupancy
    42%
    Nightly rate
    $195
    Active listings
    507

    Where it places among the 10 ranked markets in South Dakota

    • Revenue 10th of 10
    • Occupancy 3rd of 10
    • Market size 3rd of 10
    • Year-round 1st of 10
    • Growth 5th of 10
    How it earns
    Sioux Falls is South Dakota's third-largest Airbnb market, with 507 active listings to price against. Average revenue per listing came to $22,800, the tenth-highest of the 10 ranked markets. Its place at #4 rests on year-round demand (1st of 10) and market size (3rd of 10) rather than on revenue per listing. A typical listing takes in about $2,290 a month; the top quarter clear $3,650 or more. Revenue per listing rose 8% over the year, helped by nightly rates 18% higher.
    When it earns
    Sioux Falls' season runs from May to September, peaking in June at about $3,710 per listing; February, the quietest month, brings in about $1,830. Guests book later than in most of South Dakota, about 36 days ahead against roughly 73 for the typical market in South Dakota; stays average 5 nights.
    What sells
    Two-bedroom homes lead the market (35% of entire homes), and houses make up 69% of supply.
    Who it suits
    It suits buyers who are comfortable adjusting prices close to the date.

    Revenue per listing by month

    Median listing
    $2,290/mo
    Top 25% of listings
    $3,650+/mo
    Booked ahead
    36 days
    Average stay
    5 nights
    Most common home size
    2 bedrooms
    Superhosts
    76%

    Areas in the full report: Downtown Sioux Falls · Minnehaha Park · Historic District

    Full Sioux Falls Airbnb report

  5. 5. Lead

    Known for: Large market · High earnings

    Top-earning Airbnb listing in Lead, 6 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Lead, 8 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Lead, 5 bedrooms
    Top-earning Airbnb listings in Lead
    Avg. revenue
    $40,000 +9% vs. last year
    Occupancy
    35%
    Nightly rate
    $385
    Active listings
    535

    Where it places among the 10 ranked markets in South Dakota

    • Revenue 4th of 10
    • Occupancy 10th of 10
    • Market size 2nd of 10
    • Year-round 8th of 10
    • Growth 4th of 10
    How it earns
    Lead is South Dakota's second-largest Airbnb market, with 535 active listings to price against. Listings averaged $40,000 in revenue over the year, the fourth-highest of the 10 ranked markets. In a typical month the median listing brings in about $3,540, and the best quarter clear $5,970. Revenue per listing rose 9% over the year, helped by nightly rates 8% higher.
    When it earns
    Revenue in Lead concentrates from June to September: July earns about $8,580 per listing, about 4.2 times as much as April.
    What sells
    Big homes set the market: 76% of entire homes have three or more bedrooms, against about 50% in the typical market in South Dakota, and cabins, campers and other outdoor stays make up 47% of supply.
    The competition
    Professional managers run 52% of listings, against about 22% in the typical market in South Dakota, and the largest operator runs 100 listings, so new hosts compete with polished operations.
    Who it suits
    Best for buyers who can carry costs through a quiet April and plan to use a professional manager or run a polished operation.

    Revenue per listing by month

    Median listing
    $3,540/mo
    Top 25% of listings
    $5,970+/mo
    Booked ahead
    71 days
    Average stay
    4 nights
    Most common home size
    4 bedrooms
    Superhosts
    71%

    Areas in the full report: Lead City Center · Terry Peak · Deadwood

    Full Lead Airbnb report

  6. 6. Spearfish

    Top-earning Airbnb listing in Spearfish, 6 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Spearfish, 5 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Spearfish, 5 bedrooms
    Top-earning Airbnb listings in Spearfish
    Avg. revenue
    $31,200 0% vs. last year
    Occupancy
    41%
    Nightly rate
    $295
    Active listings
    182

    Where it places among the 10 ranked markets in South Dakota

    • Revenue 6th of 10
    • Occupancy 4th of 10
    • Market size 6th of 10
    • Year-round 6th of 10
    • Growth 8th of 10
    How it earns
    Spearfish books 41% of nights at about $295 a night, close to the typical market in South Dakota. Average revenue per listing came to $31,200, the sixth-highest of the 10 ranked markets. Month to month, the median listing earns about $2,730 and a top-quarter listing $4,470 or more. With 182 listings it is a small market, so its averages can move more from year to year.
    When it earns
    In Spearfish, the months from May to September earn above the yearly average, led by July at about $6,360 per listing; February is the low point at about $1,700.
    What sells
    The most common entire home has 1 bedroom (36% of entire homes), and houses make up 59% of supply.
    Who it suits
    A good fit for buyers who can ride out a slow February.

    Revenue per listing by month

    Median listing
    $2,730/mo
    Top 25% of listings
    $4,470+/mo
    Booked ahead
    66 days
    Average stay
    5 nights
    Most common home size
    1 bedroom
    Superhosts
    60%
    Full Spearfish Airbnb report

  7. 7. Powder House Pass

    Known for: High earnings

    Top-earning Airbnb listing in Powder House Pass, 6 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Powder House Pass, 6 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Powder House Pass, 6 bedrooms
    Top-earning Airbnb listings in Powder House Pass
    Avg. revenue
    $81,200 −3% vs. last year
    Occupancy
    35%
    Nightly rate
    $660
    Active listings
    114

    Where it places among the 10 ranked markets in South Dakota

    • Revenue 1st of 10
    • Occupancy 8th of 10
    • Market size 9th of 10
    • Year-round 10th of 10
    • Growth 9th of 10
    How it earns
    Powder House Pass earns on price: guests pay about $660 a night, about 2.1 times the South Dakota average. That adds up to $81,200 per listing over the year, the highest of the 10 ranked markets. A typical listing takes in about $7,250 a month; the top quarter clear $10,700 or more. Its 114 listings make it one of the smaller ranked markets, so its figures are less settled than those of larger ones.
    When it earns
    Powder House Pass' season runs from June to August, peaking in July at about $19,700 per listing; April, the quietest month, brings in about $3,350. Stays are shorter than in most of South Dakota, about 3 nights, so listings turn over often; guests book about 88 days ahead.
    What sells
    Big homes set the market: 100% of entire homes have three or more bedrooms, against about 50% in the typical market in South Dakota, and cabins, campers and other outdoor stays make up 59% of supply.
    The competition
    Professional managers run 68% of listings, against about 22% in the typical market in South Dakota, and the largest operator runs 50 listings, so new hosts compete with polished operations.
    Who it suits
    It suits buyers who can furnish and price for a premium stay and are prepared for thin bookings around April.

    Revenue per listing by month

    Median listing
    $7,250/mo
    Top 25% of listings
    $10,700+/mo
    Booked ahead
    88 days
    Average stay
    3 nights
    Most common home size
    5+ bedrooms
    Superhosts
    89%
    Full Powder House Pass Airbnb report

  8. 8. Sturgis

    Top-earning Airbnb listing in Sturgis, 7 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Sturgis, 7 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Sturgis, 6 bedrooms
    Top-earning Airbnb listings in Sturgis
    Avg. revenue
    $28,900 +8% vs. last year
    Occupancy
    35%
    Nightly rate
    $365
    Active listings
    267

    Where it places among the 10 ranked markets in South Dakota

    • Revenue 7th of 10
    • Occupancy 9th of 10
    • Market size 5th of 10
    • Year-round 4th of 10
    • Growth 6th of 10
    How it earns
    Sturgis is South Dakota's fifth-largest Airbnb market, with 267 active listings to price against. Average revenue per listing came to $28,900, the seventh-highest of the 10 ranked markets. The gap between listings is wide: a typical one takes in about $2,860 a month, while the top quarter clear $5,840 and the top 10% $9,090, so pricing and presentation count for more here than in most of South Dakota. Revenue per listing rose 8% over the year on stronger bookings rather than higher rates. With 267 listings it is a small market, so its averages can move more from year to year.
    When it earns
    Revenue in Sturgis concentrates from June to September: July earns about $7,270 per listing, about 3.4 times as much as April.
    What sells
    Five-bedroom-plus homes lead the market (22% of entire homes), and houses make up 53% of supply.
    Who it suits
    Best for buyers who can carry costs through a quiet April.

    Revenue per listing by month

    Median listing
    $2,860/mo
    Top 25% of listings
    $5,840+/mo
    Booked ahead
    76 days
    Average stay
    5 nights
    Most common home size
    5+ bedrooms
    Superhosts
    44%
    Full Sturgis Airbnb report

  9. 9. Hill City

    Top-earning Airbnb listing in Hill City, 8 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Hill City, 7 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Hill City, 3 bedrooms
    Top-earning Airbnb listings in Hill City
    Avg. revenue
    $28,000 +7% vs. last year
    Occupancy
    39%
    Nightly rate
    $275
    Active listings
    154

    Where it places among the 10 ranked markets in South Dakota

    • Revenue 8th of 10
    • Occupancy 5th of 10
    • Market size 7th of 10
    • Year-round 9th of 10
    • Growth 7th of 10
    How it earns
    Hill City listings charge about $275 a night, 11% below the South Dakota average, and are booked on 39% of nights. Average revenue per listing came to $28,000, the eighth-highest of the 10 ranked markets. The gap between listings is wide: a typical one takes in about $2,590 a month, while the top quarter clear $4,880 and the top 10% $7,960, so pricing and presentation count for more here than in most of South Dakota. Revenue per listing rose 7% over the year. Its 154 listings make it one of the smaller ranked markets, so its figures are less settled than those of larger ones.
    When it earns
    In Hill City, the months from May to September earn above the yearly average, led by July at about $6,430 per listing; January is the low point at about $1,510.
    What sells
    The most common entire home has 3 bedrooms (31% of entire homes), and cabins, campers and other outdoor stays make up 53% of supply.
    Who it suits
    A good fit for buyers who can ride out a slow January.

    Revenue per listing by month

    Median listing
    $2,590/mo
    Top 25% of listings
    $4,880+/mo
    Booked ahead
    81 days
    Average stay
    4 nights
    Most common home size
    3 bedrooms
    Superhosts
    66%
    Full Hill City Airbnb report

  10. 10. Hot Springs

    Top-earning Airbnb listing in Hot Springs, 10 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Hot Springs, 5 bedrooms Top-earning Airbnb listing in Hot Springs, 7 bedrooms
    Top-earning Airbnb listings in Hot Springs
    Avg. revenue
    $23,100 −8% vs. last year
    Occupancy
    37%
    Nightly rate
    $260
    Active listings
    113

    Where it places among the 10 ranked markets in South Dakota

    • Revenue 9th of 10
    • Occupancy 7th of 10
    • Market size 10th of 10
    • Year-round 4th of 10
    • Growth 10th of 10
    How it earns
    Hot Springs listings charge about $260 a night, 15% below the South Dakota average, and are booked on 37% of nights. That adds up to $23,100 per listing over the year, the ninth-highest of the 10 ranked markets. In a typical month the median listing brings in about $2,340, and the best quarter clear $3,630. Revenue per listing slipped 8% over the year as nightly rates eased 5%. With 113 listings it is a small market, so its averages can move more from year to year.
    When it earns
    Hot Springs' season runs from June to September, peaking in July at about $4,980 per listing; January, the quietest month, brings in about $1,440.
    What sells
    One-bedroom homes lead the market (41% of entire homes), and houses make up 37% of supply.
    The competition
    It is still largely owner-run: professional managers account for 7% of listings, and Superhosts make up 62% of hosts.
    Who it suits
    It suits buyers who are prepared for thin bookings around January and want to manage a property themselves.

    Revenue per listing by month

    Median listing
    $2,340/mo
    Top 25% of listings
    $3,630+/mo
    Booked ahead
    62 days
    Average stay
    4 nights
    Most common home size
    1 bedroom
    Superhosts
    62%
    Full Hot Springs Airbnb report

Full ranking

How All 10 Ranked Markets in South Dakota Compare

The overall ranking with the five measures behind it. "Slow month" is a market's weakest month of revenue as a share of its best, so a higher figure means steadier income. Select a column heading to re-sort.

Top Airbnb markets in South Dakota, ranked by AirROI
Rapid City Large market, high occupancy$35,00549%$26830%+10%706
Custer Growing revenue, high occupancy$40,11448%$31825%+15%289
Deadwood High earnings, growing revenue$41,00438%$39130%+12%123
4Sioux Falls Large market, high occupancy$22,79042%$19649%+8%507
5Lead Large market, high earnings$40,02235%$38524%+9%535
6Spearfish$31,17941%$29627%0%182
7Powder House Pass High earnings$81,18935%$65917%−3%114
8Sturgis$28,85035%$36529%+8%267
9Hill City$27,96339%$27423%+7%154
10Hot Springs$23,13637%$26229%−8%113

By measure

South Dakota Airbnb Markets Ranked by Revenue, Nightly Rate and Occupancy

The overall ranking balances five measures. These lists take one at a time, for buyers who care most about income, pricing power, bookings, a steady calendar, momentum or market size.

Highest-earning Airbnb markets in South Dakota

Average annual revenue per active listing over the past 12 months. Markets with at least 200 listings.

Highest-earning Airbnb markets in South Dakota
#MarketRevenue
Custer #2 overall$40,100
Lead #5 overall$40,000
Rapid City #1 overall$35,000
4Sturgis #8 overall$28,900
5Sioux Falls #4 overall$22,800

Most expensive Airbnb markets in South Dakota by nightly rate

Average rate per booked night. A high rate earns most where occupancy holds up too. Markets with at least 200 listings.

Most expensive Airbnb markets in South Dakota by nightly rate
#MarketNightly
Lead #5 overall$385
Sturgis #8 overall$365
Custer #2 overall$320
4Rapid City #1 overall$270
5Sioux Falls #4 overall$195

Highest-occupancy Airbnb markets in South Dakota

Share of available nights booked over the past 12 months. Markets with at least 200 listings.

Highest-occupancy Airbnb markets in South Dakota
#MarketOccupancy
Rapid City #1 overall49%
Custer #2 overall48%
Sioux Falls #4 overall42%
4Sturgis #8 overall35%
5Lead #5 overall35%

Most year-round Airbnb markets in South Dakota

Revenue in the slowest month as a share of the best month, so a higher figure means steadier income. Markets with at least 200 listings.

Most year-round Airbnb markets in South Dakota
#MarketSlow month
Sioux Falls #4 overall49%
Rapid City #1 overall30%
Sturgis #8 overall29%
4Custer #2 overall25%
5Lead #5 overall24%

Fastest-growing Airbnb markets in South Dakota

Change in revenue per listing from the year before, among markets where it rose. Markets with at least 200 listings.

Fastest-growing Airbnb markets in South Dakota
#MarketChange
Custer #2 overall+15%
Rapid City #1 overall+10%
Lead #5 overall+9%
4Sioux Falls #4 overall+8%
5Sturgis #8 overall+8%

Largest Airbnb markets in South Dakota

Active listings. Bigger markets have more comparable rentals to price against and more buyers at resale.

Largest Airbnb markets in South Dakota
#MarketListings
Rapid City #1 overall706
Lead #5 overall535
Sioux Falls #4 overall507
4Custer #2 overall289
5Sturgis #8 overall267
6Spearfish #6 overall182
7Hill City #9 overall154
8Deadwood #3 overall123
9Powder House Pass #7 overall114
10Hot Springs #10 overall113

Seasonality

When Airbnbs in South Dakota Earn the Most

July is the best month for about nine in ten ranked markets in South Dakota. April is the most common slowest month, in 4 markets.

July earns about 3.2 times what January does

Average revenue per listing across the 10 ranked markets in South Dakota, by month

Average Airbnb revenue per listing and the number of ranked markets that earn most in each month, in South Dakota
MonthAvg. revenue per listingBest month forHighest-ranked examples
January$2,220––
February$2,310––
March$2,670––
April$2,350––
May$3,740––
June$6,2701 marketSioux Falls
July$7,1909 marketsRapid City, Custer, Deadwood
August$6,200––
September$4,320––
October$3,150––
November$2,390––
December$2,950––

Average revenue is per listing across the ranked markets, the line in the chart above. "Best month for" counts the ranked markets whose own revenue peaks in that month.

Named regions

Regions in South Dakota

These pages compare the towns of a region that people search by name, with figures for the region as a whole.

Management

Who Manages Airbnbs in South Dakota?

AirROI ranks the 34 companies that run 5 or more Airbnb listings in South Dakota, by listings, guest rating and growth; companies run 27% of its listings.

Method

How the Ranking Works

The ranking covers the 10 markets in South Dakota with at least 100 active Airbnb listings and data through October 2026. Each market is compared with the others on five measures, and markets are ordered by a weighted blend of where they place on each:

  • Revenue per listing (35%): average revenue an active listing earned over the past 12 months.
  • Occupancy (20%): share of available nights that were booked.
  • Market size (20%): active listings. Bigger markets offer more comparable rentals to price against and more buyers when you sell.
  • Year-round demand (15%): revenue in the slowest month as a share of the best month. The latest month is left out when its bookings look incomplete.
  • Growth (10%): change in revenue per listing from the year before. Markets whose boundaries changed between years are scored in the middle.

Left out: 7 markets whose data predate the latest refresh. The score measures how rentals perform. It does not include purchase prices, financing, operating costs or local short-term rental rules, which vary by address and should be checked before buying. Figures are in US dollars and match each market's own report; see the data methodology for how listings are tracked.

To check one property before buying, run its address and size through the Airbnb income calculator for a revenue, occupancy and nightly-rate range from comparable listings.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb Investing in South Dakota

What is the best place to buy an Airbnb in South Dakota?

Rapid City ranks first of the 10 markets in South Dakota in AirROI's ranking, with $35,000 in average revenue per listing and 49% occupancy. Custer and Deadwood follow. The ranking weighs revenue, occupancy, market size, seasonality and growth; it leaves out purchase prices.

What are the most profitable Airbnb locations in South Dakota?

By revenue per listing, among markets with at least 200 listings, Custer leads at $40,100 a year, ahead of Lead at $40,000. Profit also depends on what a property costs to buy and run, which varies far more between markets than revenue does.

How much does an Airbnb make in South Dakota?

The average active listing in South Dakota earned $34,100 over the 12 months to October 2026, at 42% occupancy. Across the ranked markets, the middle half averaged between $28,000 and $40,000 per listing. Averages include listings that operated for only part of the year, so a listing rented all year typically earns more.

What is a good Airbnb occupancy rate in South Dakota?

The average listing in South Dakota was booked on 42% of available nights over the past 12 months. Half of the ranked markets fall between 35% and 41%, so a market above about 41% sits in the top quarter. Occupancy is only half the picture: a market with lower occupancy can still earn more if its nightly rates are higher.

Where is Airbnb demand highest in South Dakota?

Among ranked markets with at least 200 listings, Rapid City has the highest occupancy, with 49% of available nights booked, followed by Custer at 48%. Its listings average about $270 a night and $35,000 a year.

Where are Airbnb nightly rates highest in South Dakota?

Among ranked markets with at least 200 listings, Lead has the highest average nightly rate, about $385, followed by Sturgis at $365. Sioux Falls is the least expensive, at about $195. The average booked night in South Dakota costs about $305.

What is the best month for Airbnb in South Dakota?

July is the highest-earning month for 9 of the 10 ranked markets, followed by June (1). April is the most common slowest month, in 4 of the 10 markets. Each market's report shows its own month-by-month revenue, occupancy and rates.

Which Airbnb markets in South Dakota earn the most evenly through the year?

Among ranked markets with at least 200 listings, Sioux Falls has the steadiest income: its slowest month, February, still earns about half of its best. Rapid City follows, at 30%. Steadier markets are easier to budget for, though they do not always earn the most per listing.

Which Airbnb markets are growing fastest in South Dakota?

Among ranked markets with at least 200 listings, revenue per listing grew most in Custer, up 15% on the year before, and in Rapid City, up 10%. A single strong year can reflect events or new supply, so it is worth checking a market's monthly trend before relying on it.

Is Airbnb still profitable in South Dakota in 2026?

Revenue per listing grew in 7 of the 10 ranked markets with a comparable year of data; in the typical market it rose 8%. Whether a given property profits depends on its purchase price, financing and running costs.

How many Airbnb listings are there in South Dakota?

AirROI tracked 3,570 active Airbnb listings in South Dakota over the 12 months to October 2026, across 28 markets. The largest ranked market is Rapid City, with 706 listings, followed by Lead with 535.

Directory

All 28 Airbnb Markets in South Dakota

Every South Dakota city with an AirROI Airbnb market report, A–Z, with its active listing count.

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B

C

D

E

H

K

L

M

N

P

R

S

W

Y