Is Creole, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Creole, Louisiana, begin by researching Cameron Parish regulations and Louisiana state requirements, as Creole falls under Cameron Parish jurisdiction which typically requires business licenses and may have specific short-term rental ordinances you must comply with. Contact Cameron Parish Police Jury (337-775-5718) to obtain necessary permits including a business license, occupancy permit, and any required short-term rental permits, while also registering with Louisiana Department of Revenue for sales tax collection since Louisiana requires 4.45% state sales tax plus local taxes on short-term rentals. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings or working with Cameron Parish realtors, considering proximity to attractions like Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, fishing areas, and hurricane evacuation routes given the area's vulnerability to storms. Furnish the property with durable, coastal-appropriate furniture and amenities including hurricane preparedness supplies, fishing equipment storage, and reliable internet since many guests visit for outdoor activities and remote work. Create your Airbnb listing emphasizing unique features like proximity to Gulf Coast fishing, hunting opportunities, and authentic Louisiana marsh experiences, using high-quality photos and competitive pricing based on similar properties in Lake Charles or Cameron areas. Manage your property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with coastal property challenges, implementing flexible cancellation policies for hurricane seasons, and maintaining comprehensive insurance coverage including flood insurance which is essential in this coastal region prone to severe weather events.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Creole, Louisiana, focus on waterfront locations near Calcasieu Lake and properties within 15-20 minutes of major fishing and hunting areas, as this region attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or cabins with boat launches, fishing cleaning stations, large freezers, and outdoor spaces that can accommodate fishing/hunting groups, typically priced between $150,000-$300,000 for optimal ROI. Analyze comparable STR rates using AirDNA and Mashvisor, expecting nightly rates of $120-$250 depending on property size and amenities, with peak seasons during spring fishing (March-May) and fall hunting (October-December). Research competition by monitoring existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 10-mile radius, noting that successful properties often emphasize outdoor recreation amenities and local guide partnerships. Utilize tools like Rabbu and STR Helper for market analysis, connect with local real estate agents familiar with Cameron Parish investment properties, and consider properties near Holly Beach or Grand Chenier for additional tourist appeal, while ensuring compliance with Cameron Parish short-term rental regulations and flood zone requirements given the area's hurricane risk.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Creole, Louisiana, you must first contact the Cameron Parish Police Jury office at 10080 Gulf Highway, Creole, LA 70632, as Cameron Parish governs short-term rental regulations in this unincorporated community. Submit a completed short-term rental application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, general liability insurance policy ($1 million minimum coverage), fire safety inspection certificate from the local fire marshal, septic system inspection (if applicable), and a detailed floor plan showing maximum occupancy limits. Pay the application fee of approximately $150-250 plus annual renewal fees of $100-150, and schedule required inspections for electrical, plumbing, and safety compliance which typically cost $75-125 per inspection. The approval process generally takes 30-45 days from submission of complete application, during which time the parish will verify zoning compliance, conduct property inspections, and review neighbor notifications if required. Specific Creole requirements include adherence to coastal zone management regulations due to proximity to wetlands, compliance with hurricane evacuation procedures, proper waste management systems suitable for the rural environment, and maintaining emergency contact information for guests given the remote location and potential weather-related issues common to coastal Louisiana parishes.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Creole, Louisiana, but operate under Cameron Parish regulations and Louisiana state law. Cameron Parish generally allows STRs in residential areas but requires proper permitting, business licenses, and compliance with local zoning ordinances. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, while hosts must collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes. Recent changes in Louisiana (2019-2022) have strengthened local government authority to regulate STRs, allowing parishes like Cameron to implement stricter oversight including registration requirements and inspection protocols. Some areas near sensitive coastal zones or within flood-prone districts may have additional restrictions, and properties in certain residential neighborhoods might face limitations on the number of guests or parking requirements. The legal framework has evolved to balance tourism revenue with community concerns, particularly important in Creole given its proximity to recreational fishing areas and the Gulf Coast tourism market.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Creole, Louisiana include the immediate waterfront districts along the Calcasieu River and Gulf Coast access points, which attract fishing enthusiasts, boaters, and eco-tourists year-round seeking authentic Cajun experiences. The historic downtown core near local seafood restaurants and cultural sites offers strong potential due to visitors attending regional festivals like crawfish boils and Mardi Gras celebrations. Areas within 10-15 minutes of major industrial facilities including chemical plants and refineries provide consistent business traveler demand, while neighborhoods near Sabine National Wildlife Refuge capture nature tourism and bird-watching markets. Properties close to casino destinations in nearby Lake Charles (approximately 30 minutes away) benefit from overflow accommodation needs during peak gambling and entertainment seasons. The residential areas near boat launches and fishing charter operations maintain steady occupancy from sport fishing tourists, particularly during spring and fall seasons when redfish and speckled trout fishing peaks, while proximity to authentic Creole cultural experiences and local cooking classes attracts culinary tourists seeking immersive Louisiana experiences.

Airbnb properties in Creole, Louisiana are subject to Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45% and local parish sales tax which varies by parish but typically ranges from 3-5% in Cameron Parish where Creole is located. Short-term rentals are also subject to Louisiana's hotel occupancy tax of 4% on the first $600 of rent per month. These taxes are collected either directly by Airbnb through their automated tax collection service for participating jurisdictions or must be collected by the host and remitted monthly to the Louisiana Department of Revenue using Form R-1029 for sales tax and the appropriate local tax collector for parish taxes. Hosts must register for a Louisiana sales tax account and obtain any required local permits or licenses. Occupancy taxes are remitted quarterly using Form RT-4. Exemptions may apply for stays exceeding 30 consecutive days as these are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain government or non-profit travelers may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation. Failure to collect and remit these taxes can result in penalties and interest charges from both state and local authorities.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Creole, Louisiana is approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in rural Louisiana parishes like Cameron County. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$25,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, occupancy permits, and local registration fees range from $500-$1,500 depending on parish requirements. Insurance costs approximately $2,500-$4,000 annually for short-term rental coverage, with the first year paid upfront. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, and cable average $300-$400 monthly or $1,800-$2,400 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services, maintenance, supplies, platform fees, and marketing total $8,000-$12,000. Additional considerations include potential hurricane insurance given the coastal location, which could add $3,000-$5,000 annually, and higher utility costs during peak summer months due to air conditioning needs in the humid Louisiana climate.

Airbnb properties in Creole, Louisiana, a small unincorporated community in Cameron Parish, face unique profitability challenges due to limited tourism infrastructure and remote location, with estimated annual revenues ranging from $8,000-$15,000 for typical properties compared to operating expenses of $6,000-$12,000 including utilities, maintenance, insurance, and platform fees of 3-5%. Properties near fishing and hunting areas or those serving oil industry workers can achieve higher occupancy rates of 40-60% with average daily rates of $75-$120, while standard residential properties struggle with 20-30% occupancy and $60-$90 nightly rates. Success factors include targeting niche markets like sportsmen, industrial workers, and nature enthusiasts, offering amenities like boat launches or hunting equipment storage, and maintaining competitive pricing given the area's limited lodging alternatives. Profit margins typically range from 10-25% for well-positioned properties, though many owners break even or operate at small losses due to seasonal demand fluctuations, hurricane-related insurance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 annually, and maintenance challenges in the coastal environment. Properties that successfully market to fishing charters, hunting groups, or temporary workers from companies like Cheniere Energy or Cameron LNG can achieve better profitability, with some owners reporting net profits of $3,000-$8,000 annually on properties purchased specifically for short-term rental purposes.

Airbnb investments in Creole, Louisiana can expect annual ROI of 8-12% based on the area's proximity to outdoor recreation and fishing activities along the Gulf Coast. Cash-on-cash returns typically range from 6-10% annually, with properties averaging $80-120 per night during peak fishing and hunting seasons from October through March. Initial investment recovery and profitability generally occurs within 3-4 years, assuming average property acquisition costs of $150,000-250,000 and annual gross revenues of $18,000-28,000. The market benefits from consistent demand from sportsmen visiting the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge and Cameron Parish recreational areas, though seasonal fluctuations require properties to maintain 45-60% occupancy rates to achieve target returns. Properties closer to water access and boat launches command premium rates of $130-180 per night, potentially pushing annual ROI to 14-16% for well-positioned investments.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties across markets including Creole, Louisiana. Local real estate agents in the Lake Charles and Cameron Parish area such as Coldwell Banker Ingle Safari Realty and Century 21 Bono Realty have experience with vacation rental properties near the Gulf Coast region. National services like Awning, RedAwning, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property management specifically for Airbnb investments in Louisiana markets. Mashvisor offers investment property analysis tools that cover the Creole area, while BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals familiar with short-term rental regulations in Cameron Parish. Local property management companies such as Gulf Coast Property Management and Bayou Property Services can assist with identifying and managing Airbnb properties in the region. Real estate investment firms like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Louisiana Gulf Coast properties suitable for vacation rentals, and platforms like VRBO Property Management and Vacasa provide full-service solutions for investors looking to enter the Creole short-term rental market near popular fishing and outdoor recreation areas.