Is Fort Polk, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Fort Polk, Louisiana, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Vernon Parish Planning Commission, as Fort Polk falls under parish jurisdiction rather than city limits, and contact the parish clerk's office to understand any short-term rental ordinances that may require registration or permits. Obtain necessary business licenses from Louisiana Secretary of State and register for state and local tax collection, including Louisiana sales tax and any applicable parish occupancy taxes. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Fort Polk military base where demand is high from visiting military families, temporary duty personnel, and contractors, focusing on properties within 10-15 miles of the base in communities like Leesville or DeRidder. Furnish the property with military-friendly amenities including reliable WiFi, comfortable bedding for extended stays, kitchen essentials, and consider military-specific needs like early check-in/late check-out flexibility and secure parking. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, emphasizing proximity to Fort Polk, military-friendly policies, and highlighting local attractions like Kisatchie National Forest. Manage the property by establishing relationships with local cleaning services, maintenance contractors familiar with the area, implement keyless entry systems for easy access, maintain competitive pricing typically ranging $60-120 per night depending on size and amenities, and consider offering monthly discounts for extended military assignments which are common at Fort Polk.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Fort Polk, Louisiana, focus on properties within 10-15 minutes of Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) military base, as military personnel and their families represent the primary demand driver, along with areas near Toledo Bend Reservoir for recreational visitors. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes with dedicated parking, full kitchens, washer/dryer hookups, and outdoor spaces, as these appeal to extended military stays and fishing/hunting groups. Analyze pricing by researching comparable rentals on Airbnb and VRBO in the $75-150 nightly range, considering seasonal fluctuations during military training cycles and hunting seasons (October-February). Competition research should focus on the limited existing STR inventory in Leesville and nearby DeRidder, identifying gaps in amenities like pet-friendly options or larger group accommodations. Utilize AirDNA for market analytics, monitor Fort Johnson's training schedules and deployment calendars, connect with local real estate agents familiar with military housing allowances, and leverage Facebook groups for military families and Louisiana outdoor enthusiasts to understand guest preferences, while ensuring compliance with Vernon Parish short-term rental regulations and considering proximity to amenities like restaurants along Highway 171 and recreational access points to Toledo Bend.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Fort Polk, Louisiana, you must first contact the Vernon Parish Planning and Zoning Department at (337) 238-0783 or visit their office at 201 S 3rd Street in Leesville, as Fort Polk falls under Vernon Parish jurisdiction. Submit a completed short-term rental application along with required documents including a copy of your property deed or lease agreement, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), floor plan of the rental property, site plan showing parking areas, and a $150 application fee payable by check or money order. Additional requirements include ensuring the property meets all building and fire safety codes, providing adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), installing smoke detectors in all bedrooms and common areas, and obtaining a business license from the Louisiana Secretary of State if operating as a business entity. The review process typically takes 30-45 days, during which time the parish may conduct an inspection of the property. Once approved, you'll receive your permit which must be renewed annually for a $75 fee, and you must also register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes and comply with all local noise ordinances and occupancy limits (maximum 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests).

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Fort Polk, Louisiana operate under Vernon Parish regulations, where they are generally permitted but subject to specific zoning restrictions and licensing requirements. The area around Fort Polk, being primarily a military installation and surrounding communities, has limited residential areas where STRs can legally operate, typically restricted to residential zoning districts and requiring proper permits from Vernon Parish authorities. Property owners must obtain business licenses, comply with occupancy limits, maintain adequate parking, and ensure properties meet safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency exits. STRs are generally prohibited in areas zoned exclusively for single-family residential use without proper conditional use permits, and the proximity to the military base means additional considerations regarding noise ordinances and temporary housing regulations. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and enhanced permit requirements, with Vernon Parish implementing more detailed application processes to address concerns about housing availability for military families and local residents, though the overall legal framework remains supportive of properly licensed and compliant short-term rental operations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment near Fort Polk, Louisiana include the historic downtown Leesville district, which attracts military families and personnel due to its proximity to the base and local dining establishments, and the residential neighborhoods along Highway 171 corridor that offer easy access to both the military installation and recreational areas. The Anacoco Lake region, approximately 20 miles southeast, presents strong potential due to fishing tournaments, water sports enthusiasts, and weekend recreational visitors from Texas and Louisiana metropolitan areas. Areas near the Kisatchie National Forest boundaries are attractive for outdoor recreation tourists, hunters, and nature enthusiasts, particularly during hunting seasons from October through January. The Vernon Parish courthouse area in Leesville offers good investment potential due to business travelers, legal professionals, and government contractors who frequently visit for military-related business and prefer short-term accommodations over traditional hotels. Properties within 5-10 miles of Fort Polk's main gates typically maintain consistent occupancy from military personnel in transition, temporary duty assignments, and visiting family members, making these locations particularly stable for Airbnb investments.

Fort Polk, Louisiana Airbnb properties are subject to Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45% and Vernon Parish sales tax of approximately 4-5%, totaling around 8.45-9.45% on lodging rentals. The Louisiana Department of Revenue requires hosts to register for a sales tax account and collect these taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in. Airbnb automatically collects and remits state and local occupancy taxes for most Louisiana properties through their platform since 2018, but hosts should verify coverage and may need to manually collect and remit if not covered. Monthly tax returns are typically due by the 20th of the following month to the Louisiana Department of Revenue, with quarterly filing available for smaller operators. Vernon Parish may have additional local occupancy tax requirements of 2-3% that hosts must collect and remit directly to parish authorities. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and some exemptions may exist for government or military personnel given Fort Polk's proximity to the military installation, though specific exemption certificates must be provided by qualifying guests.

Starting an Airbnb in Fort Polk, Louisiana requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000 based on median home prices in the Fort Polk area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $15,000-25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local suppliers. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total approximately $2,000-3,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and potential HOA approvals through Vernon Parish. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage costs $2,000-3,000 annually, with companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ offering specialized Airbnb policies. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, internet, and cable run $1,000-2,000. First six months operating costs including utilities ($800/month), cleaning services ($100-150 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($300/month), Airbnb fees (3% host fee), and property management if outsourced (10-20% of revenue) total approximately $8,000-12,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for the Fort Polk military housing market.

Airbnb properties in Fort Polk, Louisiana show moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 depending on occupancy rates of 60-75%. Operating expenses typically include mortgage payments ($800-1,200), utilities ($150-250), cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($100-200), and maintenance ($200-400 monthly), resulting in net profit margins of 15-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to Fort Polk military base which drives consistent demand from military families and contractors, competitive pricing below hotel rates, reliable internet for remote workers, and professional property management to maintain high ratings. Properties within 10-15 minutes of the base command premium rates, with some investors like those operating through companies such as RedAwning and Vacasa reporting annual returns of 12-18% on investment properties purchased in the $120,000-180,000 range during 2019-2023, though success heavily depends on property condition, location relative to base access points, and effective marketing to military personnel and their families.

Airbnb investments in Fort Polk, Louisiana typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by military personnel stationed at Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) seeking short-term housing during training rotations and family visits. Properties within 10-15 miles of the base command premium rates of $80-120 per night, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually due to consistent military demand and limited hotel options in the area. Initial profitability can be achieved within 18-24 months for properties purchased under $150,000 with renovation costs kept below $25,000, as the market benefits from steady government-backed demand and lower competition compared to traditional tourist markets. The investment landscape is supported by companies like Vacasa and RedAwning managing properties in the region, with peak demand occurring during major training exercises and graduation ceremonies throughout the year, making Fort Polk a stable though modest-return market for Airbnb investors focusing on military-adjacent real estate.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment opportunities including in the Fort Polk, Louisiana area. Local real estate agents who work with Airbnb investors in the region include Century 21 Buelow-Miller Realty, Coldwell Banker Ingle Safari Realty, and RE/MAX Leesville, all of whom have experience with investment properties near military installations. National services that can assist include Mashvisor for market analysis and property identification, AirDNA for short-term rental data analytics, Awning for full-service Airbnb property management, RedAwning for vacation rental market insights, and BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal sourcing. Local property management companies such as Leesville Property Management and Central Louisiana Property Services can provide ongoing management for Airbnb investments, while national companies like Vacasa, AvantStay, and RedAwning also operate in Louisiana markets. Real estate investment firms like HomeVestors and We Buy Ugly Houses occasionally work with investors seeking properties suitable for short-term rental conversion in the Fort Polk area.