Realty Income has increased its dividend at a 4.2% compound annual rate over the past three decades. Mid-America Apartment Communities extended its dividend growth streak to 16 years in a row. Rexford Industrial Realty has delivered a robust 15% compound annual dividend growth rate over the last five years. Investing in dividend stocks like these REITs has historically yielded higher total returns compared to non-dividend payers. Realty Income, Mid-America Apartment Communities, and Rexford Industrial Realty are standout income stocks to consider for the long term. These companies have a track record of consistently increasing their higher-yielding dividends, making them smart investments.

Read more at Nasdaq: 3 Brilliant High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Buy Now and Hold for the Long Term