Maximize Your Utah County Airbnb Investment with Smart Local Strategy

TL;DR: Utah County is one of the fastest-growing regions in the state, and it's attracting more travelers than ever. For investors exploring Utah County Airbnb investment opportunities, cities like Provo, Orem, and Lehi offer high year-round demand, strong event traffic, and family-friendly appeal. TruStay helps buyers forecast real returns using data-backed projections, so you can invest with confidence and clarity.

Utah County has long been known as a quiet, family-centric area just south of Salt Lake City, but in recent years, it's become one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. With its booming tech scene, two major universities, year-round recreation, and growing tourism, Utah County is now a hot spot for short-term rental (STR) investment.

But how does Utah County stack up for Airbnb investors? Which cities offer the best opportunity? And what kind of income can you expect?

If you're looking to understand whether a Utah County Airbnb investment is right for you, this guide breaks down everything you need to know: the best cities to invest in, who your ideal guest might be, and how TruStay can help you forecast earnings with confidence.

Why Utah County?

Utah County has something rare: a mix of consistent demand, diverse guest types, and affordability (at least compared to Salt Lake or Park City). It attracts:

• University visitors (BYU in Provo, UVU in Orem)

• Tech professionals and event-goers (Silicon Slopes in Lehi)

• Outdoor enthusiasts (hiking, skiing, boating, etc.)

• Families visiting for weddings, reunions, or religious events

• Travelers passing through on road trips or national park tours

This makes for a strong and varied guest base, precisely what you want for a high-performing short-term rental.

Top Cities in Utah County for Airbnb Investment

While the county as a whole is promising, not all cities are created equal when it comes to STR potential. Here’s a closer look at four of the strongest locations for your Utah County Airbnb investment.

Provo

Home to Brigham Young University and close to Utah Lake, Provo draws thousands of visitors for graduations, conferences, sports events, and recreation. The city's vibrant downtown, cultural events, and easy access to Sundance Resort make it a solid year-round market.

Guest Types:

• Families attending BYU events

• Professors, speakers, and event attendees

• Outdoor travelers heading to the Provo River or canyons

STR Tip: Homes near downtown, BYU campus, or the river trail see consistently high occupancy.

Orem

Just northwest of Provo, Orem is home to Utah Valley University and serves as a quieter, more suburban base for visitors. With access to both Provo and the northern tech corridor, it's ideal for extended families and professionals.

Guest Types:

• UVU visitors

• Traveling professionals

• Multi-generational families visiting relatives

STR Tip: Mid-size homes with multiple beds and flexible layouts do well here.

Lehi

Lehi is the epicenter of Utah’s tech boom, home to the Silicon Slopes and major companies like Adobe, Podium, and Divvy. The area is packed with events, conferences, and business travel, but also offers family-friendly attractions like Thanksgiving Point.

Guest Types:

• Business travelers and tech conference guests

• Families visiting for extended work stays

• Weekend travelers attending events or expos

STR Tip: Proximity to I-15 and walkability to tech campuses or event venues is a major plus.

Spanish Fork

Spanish Fork might not be the first place people think of for Airbnb—but that’s changing. With affordable homes, beautiful mountain views, and community festivals like the Holi Festival of Colors, this area has seen increasing STR interest.

Guest Types:

• Travelers visiting family in smaller towns

• Attendees of niche cultural or religious events

• Guests looking for a peaceful, scenic base

STR Tip: Smaller homes or basement units with private entrances are ideal for casual travelers.

Seasonality: What to Expect

Unlike Park City or Bear Lake, Utah County doesn’t rely on a single “peak season.” Demand is relatively steady year-round, thanks to overlapping school schedules, tech conferences, religious events, and local tourism.

That said, you’ll likely see the biggest spikes in:

• Spring (April–June): Graduation events, weddings, outdoor travel

• Summer (June–August): Family reunions, festivals, hiking, boating

• Fall (September–October): Football weekends, fall foliage tourism

• Winter (November–January): Holidays, BYU basketball, ski access via Provo Canyon

Strategic pricing and calendar optimization are key to maximizing income across these peaks.

How Much Can You Earn?

This is the big question—and the answer depends on a lot of factors: location, property size, amenities, guest type, and seasonality.

At TruStay, we use real data from local STR platforms to help owners understand what their home is worth in the short-term rental market. We can also run projections on homes you’re considering buying, so you don’t go in blind.

Here’s a rough estimate of monthly gross income ranges for well-managed homes:

*These figures are generalized and based on active listings and historical performance, but we always recommend personalized analysis as each home, amenity, and situation differ.

How TruStay Helps You Make Smarter Investment Decisions

Whether you’re buying a new property or trying to maximize your current home, TruStay offers:

• Free income projections based on real data

• Property review and performance forecasting

• Recommendations on guest fit and amenity upgrades

• Help navigating Utah County regulations and platforms

We’re not just another property management company. We’re a data-informed partner who helps you decide if your STR goals are realistic, and if the home you're considering will actually deliver the return you expect.

Our team has reviewed dozens of homes for clients, and in many cases, we've advised against purchase due to weak projected returns. It’s not always the answer people want, but it’s the one they need to hear.

Final Thoughts: Is a Utah County Airbnb Investment Right for You?

Utah County offers one of the most balanced and promising STR markets in Utah. With a diverse guest pool, steady year-round demand, and strong community infrastructure, it's an attractive option for smart investors.

That said, it’s not one-size-fits-all. The right property in the right neighborhood with the right layout makes all the difference.

If you’re considering a Utah County Airbnb investment, let TruStay help you run the numbers first. We’ll give you honest insights, smart projections, and expert guidance—so you can move forward with clarity.

Curious about how much your home—or future property—could earn as a short-term rental? Contact TruStay for a free projection and consultation.