Question 1

How many Airbnb and VRBO listings are in Lake Charles?

Accepted Answer

Over the 12 months ending September 2026, the Lake Charles market averaged 930 active Airbnb and VRBO listings, up 2% from a year earlier and up 38% over two years.

Question 2

How much do Airbnbs and VRBOs make in Lake Charles?

Accepted Answer

An average Lake Charles listing earns $29K/year. High-performing listings earn $60K, while low-performing listings earn $8K.

Question 3

How much does it cost to buy an Airbnb or VRBO property in Lake Charles?

Accepted Answer

Median Lake Charles home prices by size are 2-bedroom $135K, 3-bedroom $214K, and 4+ bedroom $318K.

Question 4

What is the occupancy rate for Airbnb and VRBO in Lake Charles?

Accepted Answer

Average occupancy in Lake Charles is 41%, producing RevPAR of $54 per available night.

Question 5

Are short-term rentals legal in Lake Charles?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary across Lake Charles. Lake Charles: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under general business licensing and zoning. Minimal enforcement.
Lafayette: Lenient. Business license and sales tax registration required. No owner-occupancy rules or density limits. Light enforcement, mostly complaint-driven.
Port Arthur: Lenient. General business permit and hotel occupancy tax collection required. No STR-specific restrictions or owner-occupancy requirements. Minimal active enforcement. Verify requirements for the property's jurisdiction.

Question 6

Is the Lake Charles Airbnb and VRBO market oversaturated?

Accepted Answer

The Lake Charles Airbnb and VRBO market does not show clear signs of oversaturation. Supply has grown 2% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 10%, suggesting demand is outpacing available supply.

Question 7

When is peak season for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Lake Charles?

Accepted Answer

RevPAR is highest in June and July; it is lowest in January and December.

Question 8

Which Airbnb and VRBO amenities matter most in Lake Charles?

Accepted Answer

The most common amenities are Air Conditioning (99%), Internet (98%), Parking (97%). The strongest positive revenue associations are Washing Machine (+29%), Pool (+27%), Lake Access (+25%).

Question 9

What is the average nightly rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Lake Charles?

Accepted Answer

Average daily rate in Lake Charles is $205, up 26% year-over-year. Rates peak in August and are lowest in January.

Question 10

How far in advance do guests book Airbnb and VRBO stays in Lake Charles?

Accepted Answer

Guests in Lake Charles book an average of 24 days in advance, up 7% from last year. Booking windows range from 19 days for 1-bedroom listings to 34 days for 4+ bedroom listings.

Question 11

Which days of the week perform best for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Lake Charles?

Accepted Answer

Booking demand is highest on Saturday and lowest on Monday. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekend occupancy is 28% higher than weekday occupancy.

Question 12

How is gross yield calculated?

Accepted Answer

For each eligible home, annual room-revenue potential is divided by a ZIP- and bedroom-matched home-value estimate. Groups show the median of those yields. Cleaning income is excluded. Gross yield is before expenses and financing.

Neighborhood	Revenue (potential)	Gross yield
1.Central Lake Charles	$32.2K 73 listings	27.0% 73 listings
2.Nederland and Port Neches	$39.4K 37 listings	18.1% 37 listings
3.Sulphur	$35.5K 25 listings	17.9% 25 listings
4.South Lake Charles and Prien	$35.4K 78 listings	17.8% 78 listings
5.West Beaumont	$31.4K 37 listings	16.6% 37 listings
6.Southeast Lake Charles and Grand Lake	$33.3K 42 listings	15.7% 42 listings
7.Hackberry	$41.1K 27 listings	11.3% 27 listings