America Off-the-Map

Airbnb reveals its list of rural US towns you may not have heard of — but should.
Airbnb reveals its list of rural US towns you may not have heard of — but should.
Airbnb reveals its list of rural US towns you may not have heard of — but should.
Image for Airbnb Off the Map campaign
.
From Snowflake, Arizona to Stanley, Virginia, we’re shining a spotlight on 20 of America’s lesser-known rural US destinations, each with its own unique appeal.
Read the full statement

Rural USA

In 2026, about 70% of the US lacks significant hotel accommodations. Airbnb is committed to helping travelers discover the beauty and hospitality of the country’s rural communities beyond the traditional hotspots.
In 2026, about 70% of the US lacks adequate hotel accommodations. Airbnb is committed to helping travelers discover the beauty and hospitality of the country’s rural communities beyond the traditional hotspots.
Census tracts with Airbnb Listings but No Hotels

Meet Larry, a Host in Rural Louisiana

Larry has been hosting on Airbnb for nine years. Originally from Louisiana, Larry and his wife decided to retire in his wife’s hometown of Arnaudville after Larry’s decades-long career in the oil and gas industry. In Arnaudville, they built their dream cabin on a small pond, next door to their family. After Larry's wife passed away, he decided to start hosting on Airbnb to keep her memory alive. Larry has a found a new passion in retirement, welcoming people from all over the world.
Lestronge Family
Wilmington, Illinois

Meet the Lestronge Family

“Our family has deep roots in Wilmington. My dad’s grandfather farmed an island here, and my dad lived on the property for years before we started renting it out as an Airbnb together. Having grown up around Route 66, I took small town life for granted, but Wilmington is so underserved; you’d have to go much farther to find a hotel. People used to ask, ‘Do you really think guests will come to Wilmington?’ Now, we get to share our corner of the world with visitors from near and far, and many return year after year to enjoy the nature and tranquility. I always encourage them to support local businesses. People love it.” – Natalie Lestronge, daughter of Airbnb hosts in Illinois
Rhonda
Snowflake, Arizona

Meet Rhonda

When her kids began leaving the nest, she found herself with extra space and hoped it could provide a new opportunity for them. "My husband said nobody would want to stay in Snowflake, Arizona, but I thought, ‘What do I have to lose?’ Now people are going out of their way to stay here and they love it. There’s a unique culture with local homes and restaurants that you won’t find anywhere else, tight-knit neighbors, with dogs and kids that run free. Everyone is so supportive, and people who visit are amazed by how friendly everyone is. I’m really proud of our little town.”
Voices From the Community
Mignonne

Mignonne Hollis, Executive Director, Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation

“Driving tourism to rural communities serves as a significant economic catalyst. It alleviates the tax burden while simultaneously boosting sales and providing support to small businesses.”

Gigi Dennis, City Manager, Monte Vista, CO

“Undiscovered gems exist in rural areas.  Focusing only on communities with the funds to amplify their destination causes one to miss great opportunities to explore and discover new places and new memories.”
Gige Denis
Anne Ryan

Anne Ryan, Deputy Secretary for Tourism, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

“Places like Pine Creek Gorge & the surrounding region of the Pennsylvania Wilds remind us that what people are really craving right now isn’t more noise — it’s quiet. The kind of quiet where the morning starts with coffee at a roadside diner, the evening ends under the lights of a drive-in theater, and somewhere in between you stumble across a river bend or the ruins of something old and forgotten. Rural Pennsylvania has a way of slowing time just enough that you remember how good it feels to simply be where you are.”

Frequently Asked Questions