Lafayette, LA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lafayette Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lafayette, LA offers an accessible entry point for short-term rental investors, with average home values around $365,520 and an average daily rate of $141 — well below Louisiana's $301 state average. The market currently hosts 207 active Airbnb listings and generates an average annual revenue of $16,674 per listing, though occupancy sits at 29% compared to 34% statewide. With 152% year-over-year listing growth signaling rising investor interest, Lafayette demands careful deal sourcing to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lafayette short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026.

Why Investors Consider Lafayette

Lafayette's relatively affordable home prices and cultural tourism appeal attract investor interest, though rising competition and modest occupancy require disciplined property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lafayette presents a competitive opportunity where selective deal sourcing matters more than broad-market momentum. Revenue peaks in March ($1,878) and April ($1,809) reflect the city's strong spring event calendar, while the softest months — September ($1,036) and January ($1,064) — highlight meaningful seasonality that investors should plan around. With occupancy at 29% and supply growing rapidly, the market rewards operators who target underserved property sizes or deliver standout guest experiences rather than those relying on passive demand alone."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lafayette

Average revenue by month in Lafayette

Lafayette's revenue peaks sharply in March ($1,878) and April ($1,809), likely driven by spring festival season, then tapers to lows in September ($1,036) and January ($1,064). The roughly $840 spread between peak and trough months signals meaningful seasonality that investors should build into their cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lafayette

One-bedroom units dominate Lafayette's supply at 82 listings, followed by 2-bedrooms (55) and 3-bedrooms (45), while 4- and 5-bedroom properties account for just 21 listings combined. The thin supply of larger homes, paired with their significantly higher revenue potential, may represent an underserved niche worth targeting.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lafayette

ADR climbs steadily from $97 for 1-bedroom listings to $386 for 5-bedroom properties, nearly a 4x premium. The sharpest rate jump occurs between 3-bedroom ($161) and 4-bedroom ($245) units, suggesting that the move to larger group-friendly configurations commands a substantial nightly rate increase.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lafayette

Revenue per available night scales dramatically with size, from $30 for 1-bedroom units to $111 for 5-bedroom properties — more than triple the market-wide average of $41. This indicates that larger properties generate meaningfully better revenue efficiency even after accounting for their slightly lower occupancy rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lafayette

Occupancy rates are relatively flat across property sizes, ranging from 26% for 4-bedroom listings to 31% for 1-bedrooms, with most sizes clustering around 27–31%. This narrow spread means larger properties aren't penalized much on fill rates while commanding far higher nightly rates, favoring bigger units on a total-revenue basis.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lafayette

Monthly revenue rises substantially with size: 1-bedroom units average $877 per month while 5-bedroom properties bring in $3,364 — nearly four times as much. Even the step from 2-bedroom ($1,466) to 3-bedroom ($1,823) represents a meaningful jump, making mid-size and larger homes the primary revenue drivers in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lafayette

Five-bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $40,379, followed by 4-bedrooms at $36,117, while 1-bedroom listings generate just $10,531 per year. For investors weighing acquisition cost against income potential, 3-bedroom units at $21,879 annually may offer the most balanced entry point given their moderate purchase price and solid revenue.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lafayette

Parking (97%), kitchen (93%), and self check-in (83%) are near-universal in Lafayette's listings, establishing them as baseline guest expectations rather than differentiators. Amenities like pools (3%) and EV chargers (3%) are extremely rare, presenting potential ways to stand out — though their low prevalence may also reflect limited demand or property constraints in this market.

Understanding Lafayette's ROI Score: 40/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Lafayette's ROI Score of 40 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning investor interest is strong but returns require more deliberate strategy. The revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability are both average, while market growth trend and supply/demand balance score below average — reflecting the rapid 152% supply increase that's intensifying competition. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and targeting higher-revenue property configurations will be key to making the numbers work.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lafayette

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Lafayette. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Lafayette, Louisiana may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or register their property with the city before listing on platforms like Airbnb. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Louisiana Department of Revenue before beginning operations.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Lafayette can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking mandates. HOA covenants may impose additional limitations or outright prohibitions on short-term rentals, so reviewing deed restrictions is essential before purchasing an investment property.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Louisiana are typically subject to state and local occupancy taxes, as well as applicable sales taxes. Many booking platforms collect and remit a portion of these taxes automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with local and state tax authorities to remain compliant.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Lafayette can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lafayette's STR market will likely face continued supply pressure given the 152% year-over-year listing growth, which could keep occupancy rates in the 27–31% range unless demand accelerates proportionally. Seasonal spikes in March and April — driven by events like Festival International and Cajun culture tourism — should continue to anchor spring as the revenue peak, with ADR potentially inching up 1–3% for well-positioned properties. Investors who differentiate through larger properties and premium amenities may outperform the market average, but overall growth trends and supply-demand balance remain below average, suggesting tempered expectations are warranted."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lafayette, LA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lafayette?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lafayette is currently 29%, which falls below the Louisiana state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 1-bedroom units leading at 31% and 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom listings at the lower end around 26–27%. Investors should factor this moderate occupancy into revenue projections and consider strategies like competitive pricing and premium amenities to outperform the market average.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lafayette?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Lafayette earn approximately $1,389 per month or $16,674 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue scales significantly with property size — 1-bedroom listings average $10,531 annually, while 5-bedroom properties generate around $40,379 per year. These figures represent market-wide historical averages, and individual host results will vary based on location, property quality, and pricing strategy.

Is Lafayette a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lafayette carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 40 out of 100, categorized as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' The market's revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability are average, but market growth trend and supply/demand balance are below average due to rapid listing growth (152% year-over-year). Investors who source deals selectively — particularly larger properties that command higher nightly rates — can find viable opportunities, but the market rewards strategic operators rather than passive investors.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lafayette?

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Lafayette is $141, significantly lower than the Louisiana state average of $301. ADR scales with property size: 1-bedroom units average $97 per night, while 5-bedroom properties command $386 per night. This pricing structure suggests that larger homes offer the strongest rate premiums relative to their additional operating costs.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lafayette?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Lafayette, though operators may need to obtain local permits or register with the Lafayette Consolidated Government. Regulations can evolve, so prospective hosts should check directly with local authorities and review any applicable HOA restrictions before listing a property. Compliance with Louisiana state tax requirements is also necessary.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lafayette?

Peak season for Airbnb in Lafayette runs through March and April, when average monthly revenues reach $1,878 and $1,809 respectively — likely driven by spring festivals and cultural events. October also sees a notable bump to $1,580. The slowest months are September ($1,036) and January ($1,064), so investors should budget for seasonal revenue fluctuations.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lafayette?

As of April 2026, there are 207 active Airbnb listings in Lafayette. The supply is weighted toward smaller units, with 82 one-bedroom and 55 two-bedroom listings making up the majority. Larger properties (4–5 bedrooms) represent a much smaller share of inventory with only 21 combined listings, which may present an opportunity for investors targeting higher-revenue configurations.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lafayette?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lafayette are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remaining data up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance window. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Lafayette market
• Average daily rate, occupancy, and RevPAN metrics benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue breakdowns by property size based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings to inform property setup decisions
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment analysis

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Mar, 17 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages and current snapshots as of April 2026; market conditions may have shifted since collection. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements vary and should be independently verified before making investment decisions.