Is Lacassine, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Lacassine, Louisiana, begin by researching local regulations through Jefferson Davis Parish offices, as Lacassine falls under parish jurisdiction rather than municipal control, and contact the parish planning department at (337) 824-1773 to verify zoning compliance and short-term rental requirements. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Jefferson Davis Parish, register for Louisiana state sales tax with the Department of Revenue, and secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes short-term rental protection. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through companies like Coldwell Banker or Century 21 in nearby Jennings, focusing on properties near Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge or along Highway 14 for tourist appeal. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, air conditioning (crucial for Louisiana climate), and outdoor furniture for the humid subtropical environment, sourcing items from nearby retailers in Lake Charles or Lafayette. List your property on Airbnb by creating a detailed profile highlighting proximity to wildlife viewing, fishing opportunities, and Cajun culture, setting competitive rates around $75-120 per night based on regional comparisons, and including high-quality photos showcasing the rural Louisiana charm. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, coordinating with local cleaning services in Jennings or Welsh, responding promptly to guest inquiries, maintaining the property regularly due to high humidity conditions, and building relationships with nearby restaurants and attractions to enhance guest experiences while ensuring compliance with Louisiana's 4.45% state sales tax on short-term rentals.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Lacassine, Louisiana, focus on properties within 5-10 miles of major attractions like Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge and nearby fishing/hunting areas, as outdoor recreation drives most tourism demand in this rural market. Target 2-4 bedroom homes or cabins with features like boat launches, fishing access, large yards, outdoor spaces, fire pits, and accommodations for hunting gear storage, as properties catering to sportsmen typically command $80-150 per night compared to $60-100 for standard homes. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb and VRBO listings within 20 miles, including properties near Creole, Lake Arthur, and Welsh, while factoring in seasonal demand peaks during hunting seasons (October-January) and fishing seasons (March-September). Competition research should focus on the limited existing STR inventory in this small market of approximately 1,200 residents, examining occupancy rates and guest reviews for properties targeting outdoor enthusiasts within a 30-mile radius. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analysis, STR Helper for revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including the Jeff Davis Parish tourism board, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries for seasonal activity calendars, and networking with local hunting guides and fishing charters who can refer guests to your property.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Lacassine, Louisiana, you must first contact the Jefferson Davis Parish Planning and Zoning Department at their courthouse located at 300 N State St, Jennings, LA 70546, as Lacassine falls under parish jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal permitting system. Required documents typically include a completed short-term rental application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the Louisiana State Fire Marshal, liability insurance policy with minimum $1 million coverage, site plan showing parking and occupancy limits, and a $150-300 application fee payable to Jefferson Davis Parish. You must also obtain a Louisiana sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue and register with the Louisiana Department of Health if offering more than 5 rooms. The approval timeline is generally 30-45 days after submitting complete documentation. Specific Lacassine area requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring septic systems can handle increased occupancy, complying with rural road access standards, and adhering to agricultural zoning restrictions that may limit commercial activities in certain areas. Properties must pass health and safety inspections, maintain guest registries for 2 years, and comply with noise ordinances particularly important in this rural community where properties are often adjacent to working farms and residential areas.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Lacassine, Louisiana, as the small unincorporated community in Jefferson Davis Parish operates under Louisiana state law and parish regulations rather than having its own municipal ordinances. Louisiana state law permits STRs with proper registration and tax compliance, requiring operators to collect and remit state sales tax and local occupancy taxes. Jefferson Davis Parish does not appear to have enacted specific STR prohibitions for Lacassine, though operators must comply with standard zoning requirements, health and safety codes, and obtain necessary permits. The rural nature of Lacassine means most properties would likely be classified as residential, and STR operations would need to conform to any applicable homeowners association rules or deed restrictions. As of recent years, Louisiana has maintained a generally permissive stance toward STRs while requiring proper licensing and tax collection, with most restrictions occurring at the municipal level in larger cities rather than in small communities like Lacassine. Property owners should verify current parish regulations and ensure compliance with state registration requirements through the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Lacassine, Louisiana are primarily concentrated around the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge vicinity and properties near Lacassine Bayou, as these locations attract nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and hunters year-round, particularly during duck hunting season from November through January. The downtown Lacassine area near Highway 14 offers potential for business travelers and visitors to nearby industrial facilities, while properties within 10-15 miles of the refuge boundaries capitalize on the growing eco-tourism market. Areas close to boat launches and fishing access points along local waterways are particularly attractive to anglers targeting speckled trout, redfish, and bass, especially during spring and fall fishing seasons. The proximity to Lake Arthur (approximately 15 miles east) also makes Lacassine properties appealing to visitors attending local festivals and events, while the rural, authentic Louisiana experience attracts tourists seeking peaceful retreats away from urban areas, making waterfront or near-water properties with easy refuge access the most profitable investment opportunities.

Airbnb properties in Lacassine, Louisiana are subject to Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45% and Jefferson Davis Parish sales tax of approximately 4-5%, totaling around 8.45-9.45% on lodging rentals. The state requires registration with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and monthly remittance of collected taxes by the 20th of the following month, with hosts needing to obtain a sales tax permit and file returns even if no rentals occurred. Jefferson Davis Parish may have additional local occupancy tax requirements of 2-3% that must be remitted to parish authorities quarterly, though specific collection procedures vary by parish office protocols established around 2018-2020. Airbnb may collect and remit some taxes automatically for hosts depending on agreements with state and local authorities, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify current rates with the Louisiana Department of Revenue and Jefferson Davis Parish Tax Assessor's office. Exemptions typically apply only to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and certain government or non-profit organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

Starting an Airbnb in Lacassine, Louisiana requires approximately $185,000-$220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$150,000 based on median home prices in rural Louisiana parishes like Jefferson Davis County. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property with quality furniture, appliances, linens, and décor typically costs $15,000-$25,000. Initial setup expenses including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic renovations run $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees. Annual insurance including liability and property coverage costs $2,000-$3,500, with monthly premiums of $165-$290. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, cable, and trash service average $200-$350 monthly or $1,200-$2,100 for six months. First six months operating costs including cleaning services ($150-$250 per turnover), maintenance, supplies, marketing, platform fees (3% of bookings), and property management if outsourced total approximately $8,000-$15,000 depending on occupancy rates and booking frequency.

Airbnb properties in Lacassine, Louisiana face challenging profitability conditions due to the area's rural location and limited tourism infrastructure, with average nightly rates typically ranging from $75-120 compared to Louisiana's statewide average of $140. Properties in this small Evangeline Parish community generally achieve occupancy rates of 35-50% annually, generating gross revenues of $12,000-25,000 per year for typical 2-3 bedroom homes. Operating expenses including property management (10-15%), cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), utilities ($150-200 monthly), insurance ($1,200-1,800 annually), and maintenance typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue, leaving net profit margins of 15-25% before taxes and mortgage payments. Success factors for profitable operations include targeting hunting and fishing enthusiasts visiting nearby Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, offering competitive pricing during peak waterfowl season (November-January), and maintaining properties that appeal to outdoor recreation visitors. Properties within 10 miles of the refuge or featuring amenities like boat launches, freezer space, and outdoor cleaning stations tend to outperform standard residential rentals by 20-30% in both occupancy and nightly rates, though the limited local market size caps overall revenue potential compared to more established Louisiana tourism destinations.

Based on Lacassine, Louisiana market conditions, Airbnb investments in this rural Jefferson Davis Parish community typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% due to limited tourism infrastructure and lower property values averaging $80,000-$120,000. Cash-on-cash returns range from 6-10% annually, with properties near Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge performing at the higher end during hunting and fishing seasons (October-March). Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, assuming 40-50% occupancy rates at $75-$95 nightly rates. Properties require minimal renovation costs ($10,000-$15,000) but face challenges from seasonal demand fluctuations and limited repeat visitor base. The market benefits from proximity to Lake Charles (45 minutes) and outdoor recreation opportunities, though investors should expect longer vacancy periods during summer months and plan for 3-4 year investment horizons to achieve optimal returns in this emerging rural Airbnb market.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Lacassine, Louisiana, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents in the Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana area such as Coldwell Banker Ingle Safari Realty, Century 21 Bono Realty, and RE/MAX Acadiana have experience with investment properties in rural Louisiana markets including Lacassine. National services like Mashvisor, AirDNA, and BiggerPockets provide market analysis tools for short-term rental investments in smaller Louisiana markets. Awning and RedAwning offer property management services that extend to rural Louisiana areas, while companies like Vacasa and AvantStay focus on vacation rental management in emerging markets. Local property management companies such as Bayou Property Management and Acadiana Property Services may assist with Airbnb operations in the Lacassine area. Investment-focused real estate companies like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature Louisiana properties, though availability in smaller markets like Lacassine may be limited. Regional real estate investors and wholesalers operating in Southwest Louisiana, including those connected to the Lake Charles Real Estate Investors Association, may have knowledge of opportunities in Jefferson Davis Parish where Lacassine is located.