Lake Charles, LA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lake Charles Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lake Charles, LA offers an accessible entry point for short-term rental investors, with average home values around $319,936 and an average daily rate of $176—well below the $301 state average. The market hosts 201 active Airbnb listings and has seen explosive 135% year-over-year listing growth, signaling rising investor interest. With an average annual revenue of $18,822 and occupancy tracking slightly above the Louisiana state average at 35%, the market rewards selective deal sourcing and larger property configurations that can command premium nightly rates.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles

Lake Charles draws investor attention for its relatively low home prices, proximity to Gulf Coast attractions, and a growing industrial and gaming corridor that generates consistent visitor traffic.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lake Charles presents a competitive opportunity that favors investors willing to be selective about property type and pricing strategy. Revenue peaks in July ($1,888) and October ($1,834), while the winter months of January ($1,132) and February ($1,172) represent the softest periods—a roughly $750 monthly swing that investors should plan for in their cash-flow models. The supply-demand balance currently rates below average, meaning the rapid influx of new listings is outpacing demand growth, and standing out will require differentiation through amenities, property size, or niche positioning. That said, the market's affordable home prices and average-rated revenue-to-price ratio still leave room for well-capitalized operators to carve out attractive returns, especially with larger multi-bedroom properties."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lake Charles

Average revenue by month in Lake Charles

Revenue in Lake Charles follows a clear seasonal arc, peaking in July at $1,888 and October at $1,834, while January ($1,132) and February ($1,172) mark the slowest months. The roughly $756 spread between peak and trough months signals moderate seasonality that investors should account for in monthly cash-flow planning.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lake Charles

Three-bedroom properties dominate supply with 64 listings, closely followed by 1-bedroom (47) and 2-bedroom (46) units. The 5-bedroom (7 listings) and 6+ bedroom (5 listings) segments are notably underserved, which may present an opportunity for investors willing to acquire larger properties in a less crowded niche.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lake Charles

ADR scales dramatically with property size in Lake Charles, rising from $80 for 1-bedroom units to $643 for 6+ bedroom properties—an 8x premium. The steepest jumps occur between 4-bedroom ($253) and 5-bedroom ($413) listings, suggesting that investors targeting larger configurations can capture significantly higher nightly rates.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lake Charles

Five-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $146 per available night, outperforming even 6+ bedroom listings ($141) which suffer from lower occupancy. At the smaller end, 1-bedroom units generate just $28 in RevPAN, making mid-to-large properties the clear winners for revenue efficiency after factoring in fill rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lake Charles

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 40%, making them the most consistently booked property type in Lake Charles. Occupancy drops off sharply for 6+ bedroom units at just 22%, indicating that while these large properties command high nightly rates, they sit empty more often—a trade-off investors should weigh against total revenue.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lake Charles

Monthly revenue scales steadily with size, from $726 for 1-bedroom units up to $5,850 for 6+ bedroom properties. The 4-bedroom sweet spot at $2,698 per month offers a strong balance between revenue and the more manageable operational demands compared to the largest listings.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lake Charles

Six-plus bedroom properties lead annual revenue at $70,204—nearly double the $37,730 earned by 5-bedroom units—though they represent just 5 of the market's 201 listings. For investors seeking the best return potential relative to competition, 4-bedroom properties averaging $32,378 annually occupy an attractive middle ground with only 29 competing listings.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lake Charles

Kitchens (99%), parking (97%), and laundry facilities (92% washer, 88% dryer) are virtually standard across Lake Charles listings, meaning these are baseline expectations rather than differentiators. With only 6% of listings offering a pool and 14% providing lake access, investors who can add these premium amenities may gain a meaningful competitive edge in attracting guests.

Understanding Lake Charles's ROI Score: 48/100

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

Lake Charles earns an ROI Score of 48 out of 100, placing it in the Competitive Opportunity band where deals exist but require sharper analysis. Revenue-to-price ratio and occupancy stability both rate as average, while the supply-demand balance sits below average—reflecting the 135% surge in new listings that has intensified competition. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on property types with lower competition, such as 4- or 5-bedroom homes, to maximize their odds of outperforming the market average.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lake Charles

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

Permit Requirements

Lake Charles, Louisiana may require short-term rental operators to obtain a permit or business license before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Lake Charles and the State of Louisiana, as rules can change and may vary by property location or zoning district.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in markets like Lake Charles can include occupancy limits based on property size, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, off-street parking mandates, and signage rules. HOA covenants may add additional layers of restriction, so investors should review any applicable deed restrictions before purchasing a property intended for short-term rental use.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in Louisiana are typically subject to state and local occupancy taxes, sales taxes, and potentially parish-level tourism taxes. Many platforms like Airbnb collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a local tax professional to ensure compliance.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lake Charles is likely to see continued supply expansion given the 135% year-over-year listing growth, which may put modest downward pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. Seasonal patterns suggest summer months and October will remain the strongest booking periods, with ADR potentially holding steady or nudging up 1–3% as larger properties continue to attract group travelers. Investors entering now should anticipate occupancy rates ranging between 33–40% depending on property size, and should plan for softer months in January and February when revenue dips below $1,200. Pairing a well-amenitized property with competitive pricing will be critical to standing out as inventory grows."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lake Charles, LA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake Charles?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lake Charles is currently 35%, which is slightly above the Louisiana state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 2-bedroom listings leading at 40% while 6+ bedroom properties trail at 22%. Investors should factor in these differences when evaluating which property configuration best fits their cash-flow goals.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lake Charles?

Airbnb hosts in Lake Charles earn an average of $1,568 per month and approximately $18,822 per year based on trailing 12-month booking performance. Earnings vary significantly by property size—1-bedroom units average $726 monthly while 5-bedroom listings bring in around $3,144 per month. Larger 6+ bedroom properties can generate up to $5,850 per month, though these represent a very small share of the market's inventory.

Is Lake Charles a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lake Charles carries a Rabbu ROI Score of 48 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The market offers affordable entry with average home values of $319,936 and revenue-to-price ratios that rate as average. However, the supply-demand balance currently sits below average due to rapid listing growth (135% year-over-year), meaning investors will need to be strategic about property selection, pricing, and amenities to achieve strong returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Lake Charles is $176, which is significantly below the Louisiana state average of $301. ADR scales sharply with property size: 1-bedroom units average $80 per night, 3-bedroom listings command $183, and 5-bedroom properties reach $413 per night. This lower ADR relative to the state reflects the market's more affordable positioning overall.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lake Charles?

Short-term rentals operate in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with 201 active Airbnb listings currently on the market. However, local regulations, permitting requirements, and zoning restrictions may apply, and these can change over time. Investors should consult with the City of Lake Charles and review any applicable HOA rules before purchasing a property for short-term rental use.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lake Charles?

Peak season for Airbnb in Lake Charles falls during the summer months, with July generating the highest average monthly revenue at $1,888. October is another strong month at $1,834, likely driven by fall events and cooler weather attracting visitors. The slowest months are January ($1,132) and February ($1,172), so investors should budget for seasonal revenue fluctuations of roughly 40–65% between peak and off-peak periods.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lake Charles?

Lake Charles currently has 201 active Airbnb listings. The market has experienced significant growth, with a 135% year-over-year increase in active listings. Three-bedroom properties make up the largest share of supply with 64 listings, followed by 1-bedroom (47) and 2-bedroom (46) units. Larger properties with 5 or more bedrooms remain scarce, representing just 12 listings total.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lake Charles?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lake Charles 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 aggregate the results into 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. 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 by market and property size
• Average daily rates, occupancy rates, and RevPAN benchmarked against state averages
• Monthly and annual revenue trends based on trailing 12-month booking performance
• Home value data sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) for investment context
• Amenity prevalence data across active listings to inform property improvement decisions

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 market conditions as of April 2026; actual results may differ as conditions evolve. Local regulations, tax obligations, and permitting requirements are subject to change—investors should verify current rules with local authorities before purchasing.