Is Calhoun, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Calhoun, Louisiana, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Ouachita Parish government offices, as Calhoun falls under parish jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal regulations. Contact the Ouachita Parish Planning Department to verify that short-term rentals are permitted in your desired area and obtain any required business licenses or permits, which typically cost $25-100 annually. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings or working with agents familiar with the rural Calhoun market, focusing on properties near fishing spots along the Ouachita River or hunting areas that attract visitors to this small community. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and outdoor equipment like fishing gear or grills that appeal to the area's recreational tourism market. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos highlighting the rural charm and outdoor activities available, setting competitive rates around $75-125 per night based on similar properties in Monroe or West Monroe about 20 miles away. For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, respond promptly to inquiries, maintain the property regularly, and consider the seasonal nature of hunting and fishing tourism that drives most visitor traffic to the Calhoun area, while ensuring compliance with Louisiana state tax requirements for short-term rental income reporting.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Calhoun, Louisiana, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Grambling State University and Louisiana Tech University in nearby Ruston, as these drive consistent demand from visiting families, prospective students, and university events. Target 3-4 bedroom homes built after 1990 with modern amenities, full kitchens, reliable WiFi, and parking for multiple vehicles, as these appeal to groups and families. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against similar properties in Monroe and Ruston markets, aiming for properties under $150,000 that can generate $100-150 per night during peak university seasons and $60-80 during slower periods. Research competition by monitoring existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 15-mile radius, noting occupancy rates, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like BiggerPockets for investment analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, and local resources including the Ouachita Parish Assessor's office for property values, while connecting with local real estate agents familiar with the Lincoln Parish and Ouachita Parish markets who understand seasonal demand patterns driven by university calendars, hunting seasons, and regional business travel.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Calhoun, Louisiana, you must first contact the Ouachita Parish Planning Department since Calhoun falls under parish jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal permitting system. Begin by submitting an application for a short-term rental permit to the Ouachita Parish Courthouse located at 300 St. John Street in Monroe, Louisiana, or through their online portal if available. Required documents typically include a completed STR application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, liability insurance documentation showing minimum $1 million coverage, floor plan of the rental property, and a $150-200 application fee payable by check or money order. You must also obtain a Louisiana state sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue and register for local occupancy taxes with the Ouachita Parish Tax Assessor's office. The property must comply with residential zoning requirements, maintain adequate parking spaces (typically 2 per unit), install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, provide emergency contact information to neighbors within 500 feet, and limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. The approval timeline generally takes 30-45 business days after submission of complete documentation, and permits must be renewed annually with a $75-100 renewal fee, though specific requirements may vary and you should verify current regulations directly with Ouachita Parish planning officials before proceeding.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Calhoun, Louisiana are generally legal but subject to state regulations and potential local ordinances. Louisiana state law allows STRs but requires operators to collect and remit state sales tax and local occupancy taxes where applicable. Calhoun, being a small unincorporated community in Ouachita Parish, would fall under parish jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal regulations. Ouachita Parish has not implemented comprehensive STR restrictions as of recent years, though operators must comply with standard zoning requirements and may need business licenses. Properties must meet basic safety standards and fire codes, and some residential areas may have deed restrictions or HOA rules that limit commercial activities including STRs. Recent Louisiana legislation around 2019-2021 strengthened state oversight of STR taxation and registration requirements, but did not create blanket prohibitions. Property owners in Calhoun should verify current parish regulations and ensure proper tax registration with the Louisiana Department of Revenue, as enforcement of tax collection has increased significantly in recent years.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Calhoun, Louisiana include the historic downtown district near the Ouachita River waterfront, which attracts visitors interested in the area's railroad heritage and proximity to fishing spots, and neighborhoods within walking distance of local festivals and community events that draw regional tourists. The residential areas near Highway 165 offer good accessibility for business travelers visiting local industries and government offices, while properties close to recreational areas like nearby lakes and hunting grounds appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and seasonal visitors. The older established neighborhoods with character homes near the town center provide authentic small-town charm that appeals to visitors seeking a quiet retreat from larger cities like Monroe or Alexandria, and areas with easy access to Interstate 20 (about 30 minutes away) capture overflow demand from travelers needing affordable alternatives to hotel accommodations in larger metropolitan areas.

Airbnb properties in Calhoun, Louisiana are subject to Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45% and local sales tax which varies by parish but typically ranges from 3-5% for Ouachita Parish where Calhoun is located, resulting in a combined rate of approximately 7.45-9.45% on short-term rental accommodations. The state also imposes a 4% hotel occupancy tax on lodging stays of less than 30 days, bringing the total tax burden to roughly 11.45-13.45%. These taxes are collected at the time of booking through Airbnb's automated tax collection system for most bookings, with Airbnb remitting payments directly to the Louisiana Department of Revenue on a monthly basis. However, hosts may still be responsible for registering with the state and local tax authorities and filing returns even when Airbnb collects taxes, and any bookings made outside of Airbnb's platform require manual collection and remittance by the host. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain government or non-profit related stays may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Calhoun, Louisiana, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Louisiana parishes. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$12,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees in Ouachita Parish include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit if required ($200-$500), and potential zoning compliance costs ($300-$800). Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $1,200-$2,000 annually, with companies like Proper Insurance and CBIZ offering specialized Airbnb policies. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable total approximately $500-$800 initially. First six months operating costs encompass utilities ($150-$250 monthly), cleaning services ($75-$100 per turnover), Airbnb platform fees (3% host fee), maintenance reserves ($200-$400 monthly), and marketing expenses, totaling roughly $4,000-$6,500 for the initial half-year period.

Airbnb properties in Calhoun, Louisiana show modest profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $18,000-28,000 in annual gross revenue assuming 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including property management fees (15-25%), cleaning costs ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), and maintenance reserves (5-8% of revenue). Net profit margins generally range from 15-25% after expenses, translating to $3,000-6,000 annual profit per property. Success factors in this rural Louisiana market include proximity to outdoor recreation areas like Ouachita National Forest, competitive pricing against limited hotel options, and targeting hunting/fishing enthusiasts during peak seasons. Properties within 30 minutes of Monroe or West Monroe perform better due to business traveler overflow, while lakefront or hunting lodge-style properties command premium rates of $150-200 nightly during hunting seasons (October-January). The limited local competition and lower property acquisition costs ($80,000-150,000) create favorable investment conditions, though seasonal demand fluctuations and rural location challenges require careful market positioning and property selection.

Airbnb investments in Calhoun, Louisiana can expect annual ROI of 8-12% based on the rural market dynamics and limited tourism infrastructure in this small community. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 6-10% annually, with properties averaging $80-120 per night during peak hunting and fishing seasons from October through March. The timeframe to profitability is generally 18-24 months, considering the seasonal nature of demand driven by outdoor recreation activities along the Ouachita River corridor. Property acquisition costs average $60,000-$90,000 for suitable investment properties, with annual gross revenues of $8,000-$15,000 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses including cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and platform fees typically consume 35-45% of gross revenue. The market benefits from proximity to Catahoula Lake and hunting preserves, though occupancy rates remain seasonal at 40-55% annually, with stronger performance during waterfowl season and spring fishing periods when daily rates can reach $150-200 for well-appointed properties with boat access or hunting amenities.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking to enter the Airbnb market in Calhoun, Louisiana. Local real estate agents like those at Coldwell Banker Ingle Safari Realty and Century 21 Buelow Group have experience with investment properties in the Monroe-West Monroe metropolitan area that includes Calhoun. National services such as Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for short-term rental investments in Louisiana markets. RedAwning and Vacasa offer property management services that can help investors identify and manage profitable Airbnb properties in the region. Local property management companies like Louisiana Property Management Group and investment-focused realtors at RE/MAX and Keller Williams in the Monroe area often work with clients seeking vacation rental properties. Additionally, services like Awning, AvantStay, and local investment groups such as North Louisiana Real Estate Investors Association can provide guidance and opportunities for Airbnb property acquisition in Calhoun and surrounding Ouachita Parish areas.