Destin, Florida, is a popular vacation destination located in Okaloosa County. With its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and various tourist attractions, it’s no wonder that the (Airbnb) short-term rental market in Destin is thriving.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the short-term rental market in Destin and why it’s an attractive location for both tourists and investors.
Market Overview
To understand the dynamics of the short-term rental market in Destin, let’s delve into some key statistics and figures.
Supply
AS of July 2025, the most popular homes are 3-bedroom homes, comprising 26.36% of inventory. This is followed by 2 and 4-bedroom homes at 20.60% and 20.32% of the total inventory, respectively.
Homes Appreciation
AS of July 2025, according to Zillow, homes in Destin experienced an depreciation of -5.99%. This data indicates a significant decrease in property values.
Median Home Value
As of January of 2025, Homes in Destin have depreciated by -5.99%. The median home value in Destin is $582,900 as reported by Zillow. This figure highlights the city’s robust real estate market and the potential for long-term property appreciation.
Active Short Term Rentals
AS of July 2025, Destin boasts a significant Airbnb rental market, with approximately 4,008 active rentals. This abundance of available properties provides ample opportunities for investors and homeowners looking to capitalize on the tourism demand.
Average Daily Rate
The median ADR for the market is $378. The Average Daily Rate is the highest for 5-bedroom homes $521, followed by 4-bedrooms and 3 bedrooms at $460 and $410 respectively.
Occupancy Rate
Chalet data reveals an occupancy rate of 52.42% for Airbnb rentals in Destin. This high demand ensures a consistent stream of income for property owners and investors.
How Profitable is Airbnb in Destin ?
AS of July 2025, the average gross yield, which represents the annual income generated by a property as a percentage of its value, is 10.62% in Destin. This figure suggests that short-term rentals in the city offer a favorable return on investment. Destin is ranked #64 by return on investment on Airbnb rentals in the United States.
Annual Revenue
According to Chalet, short-term rentals in Destin earn an average of $35,599 annually, highlighting the strong investment potential in the city’s market. You can evaluate your properties using our free Airbnb calculator.
Hosts
The market is dominated by property management firms. The largest host is Vacasa Florida with 4.60% of the total inventory and an average review of 4.77⭐️s .
Property Tax
According to SmartAsset, the average property tax in Destin is 1.65%. This relatively moderate tax rate is an important consideration for those looking to invest in short-term rental properties.
Guests
The majority of the guests in Destin come outside of Florida. 4.50% of all guests are from Atlanta followed by Houston with 2.10%.
Regulations
Destin’s short-term rental regulations are somewhat investor-friendly, with different zoning regulations and limitations in place. Understanding these regulations is crucial for potential investors to ensure compliance and a smooth operation.
