Counties Expecting the Highest Single-Family Rental Returns

Profitability in the single-family rental market is anticipated to decline in a majority of U.S. counties over the next year. According to property data provider ATTOM’s 2026 Single-Family Rental Market Report, 187 of the 341 counties analyzed in the report—or about 54.8%—are expected to see rental yields decline as costs grow for both builders and landlords.

Where are single-family rent yields expected to grow?

Not all metros are experiencing this same drop in profitability, however. According to the report, 10 counties are projected to see profits grow by more than 10% over the next year. For instance, in Saint Clair County, Ill., single-family rental yields in 2026 are projected to reach 14.5%, and in Mobile County, Ala., they’re projected to reach 13.6%. Peoria County, Ill., is expected to see rental yields of 12.5%, followed by Saint Louis County, Minn., at 11.6% and Trumbull County, Ohio at 11.5%.

Rising costs are hurting builders, buyers, and renters alike, but in some metros, wages are growing faster than single-family rents

The report also shows that typical wages grew faster than the monthly rent increase for a three-bedroom home from 2025 to 2026 in 63% of the counties analyzed, giving renters in these counties a leg up. Among the largest counties where wage growth outpaced rent increases were Los Angeles County, Calif.; Harris County, Texas; Maricopa County, Ariz.; San Diego County, Calif.; and Orange County, Calif.