Is Leesville, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Leesville, Louisiana, begin by researching local regulations through Vernon Parish and the City of Leesville, as Louisiana generally allows short-term rentals but municipalities may have specific requirements including business licenses, occupancy permits, and zoning compliance. Contact Leesville City Hall at (337) 239-2855 to obtain necessary permits, which typically include a business license ($25-50 annually) and may require a conditional use permit if operating in residential zones. Find a suitable property by searching areas near Fort Polk or downtown Leesville, considering proximity to military housing and local attractions, with average property costs ranging $80,000-150,000 for modest homes. Furnish the property with military-friendly amenities including reliable WiFi, comfortable bedding for 2-6 guests, basic kitchen appliances, and consider adding a washer/dryer since many guests are relocating military families. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with competitive pricing around $60-120 per night depending on size and amenities, highlighting proximity to Fort Polk (major draw for military families), Toledo Bend Reservoir recreation, and local dining options. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication with military families who often book last-minute for PCS moves, and consider hiring local cleaning services like those found through Vernon Parish Facebook groups, while ensuring compliance with Louisiana's 4.45% state sales tax plus local occupancy taxes that may apply to short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Leesville, Louisiana, focus on locations near Fort Polk military base, downtown historic areas, and proximity to Toledo Bend Reservoir recreational activities, as these drive consistent demand from military personnel, tourists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, reliable WiFi, parking, and outdoor spaces, as these features appeal to extended military stays and family vacations. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties, aiming for $80-150 per night depending on size and location, while analyzing seasonal patterns around military training cycles and summer recreation seasons. Research competition by monitoring active Airbnb and VRBO listings within 5-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underserved areas, and studying occupancy rates and guest reviews to understand market saturation. Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Realtor.com, while connecting with Leesville-area real estate agents familiar with military housing allowances, Vernon Parish tourism patterns, and local zoning regulations that permit short-term rentals.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Leesville, Louisiana, you must first contact the Leesville City Hall at 803 South 3rd Street or call (337) 239-3983 to inquire about short-term rental regulations and obtain the necessary application forms. Required documents typically include a completed STR permit application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the Vernon Parish Fire Department, general liability insurance policy with minimum $1 million coverage naming the city as additional insured, floor plan showing maximum occupancy limits, and a $50 application fee paid by check or money order. You must also provide contact information for a local property manager if you live more than 50 miles away, submit photos of all rooms and safety equipment including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and complete a business license application with the city clerk. The approval timeline is approximately 30-45 days after submitting all required documentation, and annual renewal fees of $100 apply each subsequent year. Leesville requires STR properties to maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, limit occupancy to 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking spaces, and display the permit number in all online listings and advertisements.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Leesville, Louisiana operate in a largely unregulated environment at the municipal level, as the city has not enacted specific ordinances governing STR operations as of 2024. However, operators must comply with Louisiana state regulations including sales tax collection requirements and basic business licensing. The city follows standard zoning laws that may restrict commercial activities in residential areas, though enforcement appears minimal. Property owners should verify compliance with homeowners association rules where applicable and ensure proper insurance coverage. Recent trends in Louisiana show increasing municipal regulation of STRs, with cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge implementing registration requirements and occupancy limits, but smaller municipalities like Leesville have been slower to adopt comprehensive STR regulations. Operators should monitor potential future ordinances as the STR market continues to grow in the region.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Leesville, Louisiana are primarily concentrated around Fort Polk and the downtown historic district. The Fort Polk area, particularly neighborhoods within 5-10 miles of the military installation, offers consistent demand from military families during PCS moves, visiting relatives, and temporary duty assignments, with companies like BAE Systems and other defense contractors regularly bringing business travelers to the region. The downtown Leesville area near Vernon Parish Courthouse and Main Street provides opportunities for visitors attending legal proceedings, government business, and those exploring the historic charm of the area. The Lake Vernon vicinity attracts recreational visitors and fishing enthusiasts, particularly during spring and summer months when outdoor activities peak. Areas near the Leesville Municipal Airport cater to business travelers and those accessing the region for oil and gas industry work, as Louisiana's energy sector maintains a presence in Vernon Parish. The neighborhoods around South Polk Drive and Highway 171 corridor offer strategic positioning for guests needing easy access to both Fort Polk and Interstate 49, making them attractive for military-related stays and travelers passing through to destinations like Alexandria or Shreveport.

In Leesville, Louisiana, Airbnb hosts are subject to Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45% on lodging rentals, which applies to short-term rentals under 30 days. Vernon Parish, where Leesville is located, typically imposes an additional local sales tax of approximately 3-4%, bringing the combined rate to around 7.45-8.45%. The City of Leesville may impose a local occupancy tax of 2-3% specifically on transient lodging. These taxes are generally collected by Airbnb directly from guests and remitted to the Louisiana Department of Revenue on behalf of hosts through their automated tax collection system, which began around 2018-2019. Hosts must register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for a sales tax permit if they're not using Airbnb's collection service. Monthly remittance is required by the 20th of the following month, with quarterly filing available for smaller operators. Rentals exceeding 30 consecutive days to the same guest are typically exempt from these transient occupancy taxes but may still be subject to regular sales tax depending on the arrangement and local interpretations.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Leesville, Louisiana is approximately $165,000-$195,000. Property purchase costs around $120,000-$140,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $15,000-$20,000 for quality furniture, appliances, linens, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials total $1,500-$2,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and tax registration cost $500-$800. Insurance for short-term rental coverage runs $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable cost $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning supplies ($200/month), maintenance reserves ($300/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) total approximately $9,300. Additional startup costs for welcome amenities, safety equipment, and contingency funds add another $2,000-$3,000 to ensure a successful launch.

Airbnb properties in Leesville, Louisiana show moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on property size and amenities, generating monthly revenues of $1,800-3,200 for well-managed properties with 60-70% occupancy rates. Operating expenses typically include 25-30% for cleaning and maintenance, 3% Airbnb service fees, 15-20% for utilities and supplies, and 8-12% for property management if outsourced, resulting in net profit margins of 35-45% for debt-free properties. Success factors in this military town near Fort Polk include proximity to the base (properties within 10 miles perform 20% better), offering military discounts, providing extended-stay options for PCS moves, and maintaining veteran-friendly amenities. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000 and generating $2,400 monthly revenue with $1,400 in expenses yields approximately $12,000 annual profit, representing a 6.7% cash-on-cash return, though properties catering specifically to military families and contractors can achieve 8-10% returns due to consistent demand from Fort Polk personnel and their visiting families.

Airbnb investments in Leesville, Louisiana typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by the area's proximity to Fort Polk military base which creates consistent demand from military personnel and their families. Properties near the base or in downtown Leesville command average daily rates of $75-95, with occupancy rates around 65-75% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, assuming a 20-25% down payment on properties valued between $80,000-150,000. The market benefits from steady military rotations and training exercises, though investors should expect seasonal fluctuations with higher demand during PCS (Permanent Change of Station) seasons in summer and winter months, and properties requiring minimal renovation typically achieve break-even faster than those needing significant updates.

STRSearch is a national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties across markets including Leesville, Louisiana. In the Leesville area, local real estate agents like those at Century 21 Bono Realty and Coldwell Banker Ingle Safari Realty have experience with investment properties and can assist with Airbnb acquisitions. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which provides market analysis and property management for short-term rentals, Mashvisor for investment property analytics, and AirDNA for market data and revenue projections. Local property management companies such as Fort Polk Area Property Management and Sabine Parish Realty can provide insights into the rental market dynamics around the Fort Polk military installation, which drives much of the area's short-term rental demand. BiggerPockets marketplace and Roofstock also offer investment property listings that may include suitable Airbnb properties in the region, while companies like Vacasa and AvantStay focus on managing and optimizing short-term rental investments once acquired.