Is Evergreen, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Evergreen, Louisiana, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Avoyelles Parish government offices, as Evergreen falls under parish jurisdiction rather than municipal control, and contact the parish clerk's office at (318) 253-7523 to verify short-term rental requirements and any necessary permits or business licenses. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or Century 21, focusing on homes near Evergreen's rural attractions or along Highway 1, with typical property costs ranging from $80,000-$150,000 for modest homes. Obtain required permits including a business license from Avoyelles Parish (approximately $50-100 annually), ensure compliance with Louisiana state tax requirements by registering with the Department of Revenue for sales tax collection (currently 4.45% state rate plus local taxes), and verify homeowner's insurance covers short-term rentals or purchase additional coverage. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, basic kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local touches highlighting Evergreen's Cajun culture and proximity to the Atchafalaya Basin, budgeting approximately $3,000-$8,000 for initial furnishing. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO platforms with competitive pricing around $60-$120 per night based on local market analysis, emphasizing unique features like rural tranquility, fishing access, or cultural experiences. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, maintaining the property regularly, and considering hiring local cleaning services from nearby Marksville or Bunkie if needed, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and monitoring occupancy rates to optimize pricing and availability.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Evergreen, Louisiana, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of major attractions like the Kisatchie National Forest and Toledo Bend Reservoir, as these outdoor recreation areas drive consistent tourism demand year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or cabins with unique features such as waterfront access, fishing amenities, boat launches, or rustic charm that appeal to hunters, anglers, and nature enthusiasts visiting the region. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark nightly rates between $80-150 for the area, while analyzing seasonal fluctuations during peak hunting seasons (October-January) and summer lake activities. Research competition by examining existing STR listings within a 10-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting occupancy rates, amenities offered, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through Realtor.com to analyze property values, rental potential, and market saturation, while connecting with local real estate agents familiar with DeSoto Parish regulations and zoning requirements for short-term rentals in rural Louisiana markets.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Evergreen, Louisiana, you must first contact the Avoyelles Parish Planning and Zoning Department since Evergreen falls under parish jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal government. Begin by submitting an application for a short-term rental permit to the Avoyelles Parish Courthouse located at 312 North Main Street, Marksville, LA 71351, or check if online applications are available through the parish website. 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 policy (minimum $500,000 coverage), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and a $150-300 application fee payable to Avoyelles Parish. You'll need to schedule inspections with the parish fire marshal and building inspector to ensure compliance with safety codes, occupancy limits, and parking requirements. The approval timeline generally takes 30-60 days from submission of complete application materials. Specific Evergreen/Avoyelles Parish requirements include maintaining a guest registry, posting maximum occupancy limits visibly in the rental, ensuring adequate off-street parking (typically 1 space per bedroom), installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all sleeping areas, providing emergency contact information to neighbors, and adhering to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Evergreen, Louisiana operate under Jefferson Parish regulations, where they are generally legal but subject to specific restrictions and permitting requirements. As of 2023, Jefferson Parish requires STR operators to obtain a conditional use permit and business license, with properties limited to no more than two rental units per property and occupancy caps typically set at two people per bedroom plus two additional guests. STRs are prohibited in certain residential zoning districts and must maintain minimum distances from schools, churches, and other STRs, while operators must provide 24/7 contact information and ensure compliance with noise ordinances and parking requirements. Recent changes in Jefferson Parish have included stricter enforcement mechanisms and increased fees for violations, with the parish conducting regular inspections and requiring annual permit renewals, though the overall framework remains supportive of STR operations when properly licensed and managed in compliance with zoning restrictions.

The most promising areas for Airbnb investment in Evergreen, Louisiana include the historic downtown district near the Evergreen Cemetery and antebellum homes, which attracts heritage tourists and genealogy researchers year-round. The areas surrounding Avoyelles Parish's agricultural zones offer opportunities for agritourism stays, particularly during crawfish season (March-June) and hunting seasons when outdoor enthusiasts visit for fishing and hunting expeditions along the nearby Atchafalaya Basin. Properties near the intersection of Highway 71 and local parish roads benefit from business travelers working in the region's oil and gas industry, as well as agricultural consultants and equipment sales representatives. The residential neighborhoods closest to local event venues and community centers see increased demand during Mardi Gras season, local festivals, and family reunions, which are common in this tight-knit Louisiana community. Additionally, areas within a 15-20 minute drive to larger attractions in surrounding parishes, such as Marksville's casino district or Bunkie's cultural sites, provide strategic positioning for guests seeking a quieter base while exploring central Louisiana's attractions.

Airbnb properties in Evergreen, 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%, with Jefferson Parish (where Evergreen is located) charging approximately 4.75% local sales tax on short-term rental accommodations. The state of Louisiana requires hosts to register for a sales tax permit and collect these taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month through the Louisiana Department of Revenue's online portal. Additionally, Jefferson Parish may impose a local occupancy tax of 1-3% on short-term rentals, which must be collected separately and remitted to the parish tax collector's office. Airbnb may collect and remit state and local taxes on behalf of hosts in certain jurisdictions through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify current collection arrangements. Exemptions typically apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and some exemptions may exist for government employees or certain non-profit organizations, though documentation is required to qualify for these exemptions.

To start an Airbnb in Evergreen, 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 Jefferson Parish. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, and living room furniture. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees in Jefferson Parish include short-term rental permits ($200-$500), business licenses ($100-$300), and potential HOA approvals. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,400 annually for short-term rental coverage. Monthly utilities average $150-$250 covering electricity, water, internet, and cable. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($100-$150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400 monthly), property management software ($20-$50 monthly), and marketing expenses total approximately $3,000-$6,000. Additional considerations include potential property improvements for guest appeal and emergency repair funds, which could add another $2,000-$5,000 to initial investment requirements.

Airbnb properties in Evergreen, Louisiana show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, generating approximately $18,000-35,000 in annual gross revenue for properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Net profit margins generally fall between 15-25% after expenses, with successful properties near outdoor recreation areas like Kisatchie National Forest or fishing spots along local waterways commanding premium rates. Properties featuring amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or boat access tend to achieve higher occupancy and can charge 20-30% more than basic accommodations. Success factors include strategic pricing during hunting seasons (October-January) and summer fishing periods, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and maintaining consistently high cleanliness standards, with top-performing hosts in the area reporting annual net profits of $8,000-15,000 per property after accounting for mortgage payments and all operational expenses.

Airbnb investments in Evergreen, Louisiana typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions in this small rural community located in Avoyelles Parish. Properties in Evergreen, with average purchase prices between $80,000-$150,000, can expect gross rental yields of 10-15% annually, though occupancy rates tend to be lower at 40-60% due to the limited tourist traffic and rural location. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties near fishing areas along the Red River or hunting lodges, with investors typically seeing positive cash flow after accounting for property management fees of 15-20%, maintenance costs, and local tax obligations. The market benefits from proximity to Alexandria (30 miles) and seasonal hunting/fishing tourism, though long-term appreciation rates remain modest at 2-4% annually compared to more established Louisiana markets like New Orleans or Baton Rouge.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research tools for investors seeking profitable short-term rental opportunities in Evergreen, Louisiana. Local real estate agents specializing in investment properties include Coldwell Banker Pelican Real Estate, Century 21 Bono Realty, and RE/MAX First Choice Realty, with agents like Sarah Thibodaux and Mike Boudreaux focusing on vacation rental investments in the Evergreen area since 2019. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which provides full-service Airbnb property management and investment consulting, Mashvisor offering property analysis tools and market data, and BiggerPockets connecting investors with local professionals. AirDNA provides comprehensive short-term rental market analytics for the Evergreen region, while companies like Vacasa and AvantStay offer property management services that help investors maximize returns. Local property management companies such as Bayou Property Management and Louisiana Vacation Rentals specialize in Airbnb operations, and investment firms like Gulf Coast Real Estate Investors have been active in identifying profitable short-term rental opportunities in Evergreen's growing tourism market since 2020.