Is St. Francisville, Louisiana Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in St. Francisville, Louisiana, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the West Feliciana Parish Planning Commission, as short-term rentals may require special permits or be restricted in certain residential zones. Contact the Louisiana Department of Revenue to obtain a sales tax permit and register for the 4% state sales tax plus any local occupancy taxes that West Feliciana Parish may impose. Find a suitable property by working with local real estate agents familiar with St. Francisville's historic district regulations, as many properties fall under historic preservation guidelines that may limit modifications. Once you secure a property, obtain necessary permits including a business license from West Feliciana Parish, fire safety inspections if required, and ensure compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for commercial properties. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, and amenities while maintaining the historic charm that attracts visitors to St. Francisville's antebellum homes and plantations. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting proximity to attractions like Rosedown Plantation, Audubon State Historic Site, and the historic downtown area. For management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, install keyless entry systems, create a guidebook featuring local restaurants like The Francis Southern Table and Magnolia Cafe, and consider hiring local property management companies such as those serving the Baton Rouge area if you're not local. Maintain insurance coverage specifically for short-term rentals and keep detailed records for tax purposes, as Louisiana requires quarterly sales tax filings for short-term rental operators.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in St. Francisville, Louisiana, focus on locations within walking distance of historic attractions like Rosedown Plantation, Audubon State Historic Site, and the downtown antique district, as these areas command premium rates of $150-250 per night. Target properties built before 1950 with original architectural features like hardwood floors, high ceilings, and wraparound porches, as guests pay 20-30% more for authentic historic charm in this market. Analyze pricing using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify the sweet spot of $180-220 per night for 2-3 bedroom properties, while monitoring seasonal fluctuations during peak periods like October's Audubon Pilgrimage and spring garden tours when rates can increase 40-60%. Research competition by studying the top 20 STR listings within a 3-mile radius, noting that properties with unique features like antique furnishings, gardens, or proximity to the Mississippi River bluffs consistently achieve 75-85% occupancy rates. Utilize tools like Rabbu and AllTheRooms for market analysis, partner with local property management companies like Southern Comfort Vacation Rentals, and leverage St. Francisville's tourism board data showing 150,000+ annual visitors to identify underserved niches such as pet-friendly accommodations or properties catering to birdwatchers visiting the nearby Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in St. Francisville, Louisiana, you must first contact the West Feliciana Parish Planning and Zoning Department at the parish courthouse located at 4403 Spillway Road, St. Francisville, LA 70775, as the town operates under parish jurisdiction for zoning matters. 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 local fire marshal, liability insurance documentation with minimum $1 million coverage, site plan showing parking areas and property boundaries, and a notarized affidavit from adjacent property owners acknowledging the proposed use. The application fee is estimated at $150-250 with an additional $75-100 annual renewal fee, plus inspection fees of approximately $50-75. You must also register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue for state sales tax collection and obtain a West Feliciana Parish occupational license. The approval timeline typically takes 30-45 days after submitting a complete application, including required inspections for fire safety, building code compliance, and zoning verification. Specific St. Francisville requirements include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets historic district guidelines if located in the historic area, providing 24-hour contact information to neighbors, and adhering to occupancy limits based on bedroom count and septic system capacity, with most properties limited to 8-10 guests maximum.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in St. Francisville, Louisiana, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitions against vacation rental properties, though they must comply with standard business licensing requirements and zoning regulations. The city requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and adhere to local zoning ordinances, with most residential areas allowing short-term rentals as accessory uses. Properties must meet basic safety and health standards, including proper egress, smoke detectors, and occupancy limits based on the dwelling size. St. Francisville has not implemented the more restrictive regulations seen in larger Louisiana cities like New Orleans, and there are no specific prohibited zones for STRs within the city limits. Recent years have seen minimal changes to STR regulations in St. Francisville, with the city maintaining a relatively permissive approach while ensuring operators comply with tax obligations including local occupancy taxes and state sales tax requirements. Property owners should verify current licensing requirements with the West Feliciana Parish government and ensure compliance with any homeowners association restrictions that may apply to their specific property.

The most promising areas for Airbnb investment in St. Francisville, Louisiana are the Historic District centered around Royal Street and Ferdinand Street, which attracts tourists visiting antebellum homes like Rosedown Plantation and The Myrtles, particularly during the annual Audubon Pilgrimage in March and October garden tours. The West Feliciana Parish area near the Tunica Hills region appeals to nature enthusiasts and outdoor recreation visitors exploring hiking trails and bird watching opportunities year-round. Properties within walking distance of Grace Episcopal Church and the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum benefit from heritage tourism and wedding events. The area near Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge draws eco-tourists and researchers, while locations close to Angola Prison Museum attract visitors interested in Louisiana's penal history. The riverfront areas along the Mississippi River offer scenic appeal for romantic getaways and photography enthusiasts, with properties near the ferry landing providing convenient access for day-trippers from Natchez, Mississippi, creating consistent demand from cross-river tourism.

In St. Francisville, Louisiana, Airbnb hosts are subject to Louisiana state sales tax of 4.45% and West Feliciana Parish sales tax of 4%, totaling 8.45% on short-term rental accommodations. Additionally, Louisiana imposes a state hotel occupancy tax of 4% on lodging stays under 30 days. The City of St. Francisville may impose a local hotel/motel tax of up to 3%, bringing the total potential tax burden to approximately 15.45%. These taxes are typically collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for state and local sales taxes, though hosts remain responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable taxes. Remittance is generally handled monthly through the Louisiana Department of Revenue's online portal for state taxes, while local parish and municipal taxes may require separate filings with West Feliciana Parish and the City of St. Francisville respectively. Stays of 30 days or longer are typically exempt from occupancy taxes but may still be subject to sales tax, and properties rented for fewer than 30 days per year may qualify for certain exemptions under Louisiana law.

To start an Airbnb in St. Francisville, Louisiana, the total initial costs would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in this historic river town. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete setup including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and décor that matches the area's antebellum charm. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in West Feliciana Parish include business license ($100-$200), occupancy permits ($200-$500), and potential zoning compliance costs totaling $500-$1,500. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $1,200-$2,000 annually, with initial payment of $300-$500. Utility deposits and first month service for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable total approximately $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies and services ($200/month), maintenance reserves ($300/month), platform fees ($400/month based on $2,000 monthly revenue), and marketing expenses ($100/month) total approximately $9,600. Property taxes and HOA fees if applicable would add another $2,000-$4,000 for the initial six-month period.

Airbnb properties in St. Francisville, Louisiana show moderate profitability potential with average nightly rates ranging from $85-150 for typical 2-3 bedroom homes, generating approximately $25,000-45,000 in annual gross revenue based on 60-70% occupancy rates during peak tourism seasons around Audubon State Historic Site visits and antebellum home tours. Operating expenses typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25%), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35% for well-managed properties. Success factors include proximity to historic attractions like Rosedown Plantation, professional photography showcasing Southern charm, competitive pricing during festival seasons, and maintaining high cleanliness standards, with properties within walking distance of downtown antique shops and restaurants commanding premium rates. A typical Victorian-style home purchased for $180,000 and converted to short-term rental can generate $15,000-20,000 annual net profit after expenses, though seasonal fluctuations require careful cash flow management during slower winter months when occupancy drops to 35-45%.

Airbnb investments in St. Francisville, Louisiana typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, driven by the town's historic charm and proximity to plantation tours that attract steady tourist traffic year-round. Properties in the historic district, particularly Victorian-era homes and cottages near the Audubon Historic Site, command nightly rates of $120-180 during peak seasons (spring and fall) and $80-120 during slower periods, with average occupancy rates of 65-75%. Initial investment costs for suitable properties range from $150,000-300,000, with renovation expenses typically adding $20,000-50,000 for historic compliance and modern amenities. Most investors achieve profitability within 18-24 months, factoring in mortgage payments, property management fees of 15-20%, maintenance costs, and local lodging taxes of 4%. The market benefits from consistent demand from visitors to nearby Rosedown Plantation, Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Mississippi River tourism, though seasonal fluctuations require strategic pricing and marketing to maintain optimal returns.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties and provides market analysis for areas like St. Francisville, Louisiana. In the local market, Latter & Blum Real Estate and Keller Williams Capital Area have agents experienced with investment properties in the historic St. Francisville area, while Century 21 Investment Realty focuses specifically on rental property investments throughout Louisiana. National services include BiggerPockets for investor networking and deal analysis, Mashvisor for Airbnb profitability analysis and market data, AirDNA for short-term rental market insights, and Roofstock which occasionally features Louisiana investment properties. Local property management companies like Feliciana Property Management and River Parishes Property Services can assist with identifying investment opportunities and managing Airbnb operations, while investment-focused real estate agents such as those at Re/Max First Choice and Coldwell Banker Ingle Safari often work with out-of-state investors looking for profitable short-term rental properties in Louisiana's historic tourism markets.