- Washington, D.C. ranks #1 in renter engagement for the first half of 2025, with strong metrics in saved searches and listing availability.
- Kansas City, MO, makes a dramatic leap to #2. Cincinnati, Minneapolis, and Atlanta complete the top five.
- The South claims 14 of the top 30 spots, showing strong demand in affordable and emerging rental markets.
As peak rental season heats up, RentCafe’s Renter Engagement Tracker (REnT) reveals where apartment hunters are most active online. The mid-year 2025 edition shows a reshuffled leaderboard, surging demand in affordable metros, and a clear southern advantage.
A Capital Attraction
Washington, D.C. leads the nation after jumping five positions year-over-year. The capital scored highest in saved searches, with page views rising 5% and available listings up 15%. Most online interest came from nearby Virginia suburbs, New York City, and Baltimore.
Kansas City’s Climb
Kansas City, MO, surged 70 spots to reach #2. This leap was powered by a 34% jump in favorited listings and double-digit growth in page views. Most activity came from local renters, with strong interest from Overland Park, KS, Chicago, and Denver.
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Cincinnati’s Steady Rise
Cincinnati moved up 10 places to land at #3. The city saw a 40% spike in listings marked as favorites, even with a drop in saved searches. Columbus, OH; Chicago; and suburban Forest Park, OH generated much of the traffic.
The Rest of the Top Five
Minneapolis, last year’s leader, slipped to #4 after declines across all engagement metrics. Meanwhile, Atlanta holds #5. The city still attracts strong traffic, yet it experienced sharper drops in favorites and saved searches as renters take a more cautious approach.
Southern Strength
Regionally, the South dominates with 14 of the top 30 cities. The Midwest follows with 10, then the West with eight, and the Northeast with just one. Notable southern climbers include Amarillo, TX (+132 spots); New Orleans (+74); and Virginia Beach, VA (+58).
Why It Matters
The REnT Tracker shows that affordability, job growth, and lifestyle amenities are pulling renter demand away from traditional coastal hubs. As a result, emerging cities are gaining more online visibility, which points to stronger leasing activity ahead.
What’s Next
If these trends continue, the year-end rankings may see even more southern and midwestern markets at the top. Renter interest is accelerating in cities that offer value, space, and strong local economies.
