Alexandria

As of May 2026, Alexandria, Natchitoches, Lafayette have 574 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 10% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Alexandria generates $25K per year. High-performing properties earn $48K/year, while low-performing properties earn $9K/year. This wide earnings gap, coupled with a 29% occupancy rate, highlights a bifurcated market where top-tier listings capture a disproportionate share of demand despite static two-year supply levels.

Average home prices in Alexandria vary by property size: 1-bedroom properties cost approximately $0, 2-bedroom homes average $112K, 3-bedroom properties are around $207K, and 4+ bedroom homes average $303K. These prices reflect median home values across the Alexandria, Natchitoches, Lafayette area.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Alexandria, with an average gross yield of 17% across all properties. High-performing properties achieve yields up to 32%, which is considered top for short-term rental investment. The spread suggests that yield potential is highly sensitive to operational efficiency rather than broad market growth, given the recent decline in revenue.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Alexandria is 29%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of $211, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of $48 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Alexandria, with an average gross yield of 20% and annual revenue of $21K. These properties balance purchase price ($112K), operating costs, and rental demand most effectively in the Alexandria market.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Alexandria area. Alexandria: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general business license and zoning rules. Minimal enforcement. Natchitoches: Lenient. Basic business license required, no STR-specific rules. Historic district has some restrictions. Light enforcement, many operate informally. Lafayette: Moderate. Permit required, safety inspections, occupancy tax collection mandatory. Some zoning restrictions apply. Moderate enforcement with occasional compliance checks. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Alexandria Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing increasingly competitive conditions. Supply has grown 10% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 23%. This indicates growing competition requiring strong operations. The negative correlation between supply growth and revenue highlights a saturation point where new inventory is significantly diluting earnings potential for existing hosts.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak spring season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 52% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (September-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Alexandria listings include: Air Conditioning (99%), Kitchen (92%), Washing Machine (89%), Tv (86%), Heating (75%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Lake Access, Washing Machine, Bbq, with Lake Access properties earning approximately 46% more ($46K/year vs $32K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Alexandria over the last 12 months: May: $2K, June: $2K, July: $2K, August: $1K, September: $1K, October: $2K, November: $2K, December: $1K, January: $953, February: $1K, March: $2K, April: $2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Alexandria is $211, up 22% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average $139/night, 2-bedroom properties average $165/night, 3-bedroom properties average $230/night, 4+ bedroom properties average $351/night. Rates peak in March and are lowest in September.

Guests in Alexandria book an average of 26 days in advance, down 16% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 19 days, 2-bedroom: 24 days, 3-bedroom: 27 days, 4+ bedroom: 35 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Alexandria Airbnb and VRBO market has seen supply grow 10%, revenue decrease 23%, and occupancy fall 22%, while rates rose 22%. These metrics suggest a shift toward a lower-volume, higher-price model, where decreased lead times indicate a more reactive booking environment that challenges consistent utilization.

In Alexandria, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 42% higher occupancy than weekdays.