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

Ruston Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Ruston, LA is a small college-town market with 51 active Airbnb listings and an average annual revenue of $20,029 per property. While average daily rates sit at $192—well below Louisiana's $301 state average—the market's 20% occupancy rate also trails the state benchmark of 34%, signaling that demand is event- and season-driven rather than consistent. Investors willing to target the right property size and time their pricing around peak months can still find workable returns, though selective deal sourcing is essential in a market this competitive.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Ruston 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 Ruston

Ruston attracts investor attention due to its relatively affordable home values and recurring university-driven demand, though competitive dynamics and low occupancy call for careful property selection.

Expert Market Assessment

"Ruston presents a competitive but nuanced opportunity for STR investors. The ROI score of 47 out of 100 reflects average revenue-to-price dynamics and supply-demand balance, tempered by below-average occupancy stability and market growth trends. Seasonality is pronounced—revenue swings from a low of $434 in January to peaks above $2,300 in March and July—so investors need to budget for significant monthly variation. Targeting three-bedroom properties, which lead the market with $27,587 in average annual revenue, offers the clearest path to stronger returns in this environment."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Ruston

Average revenue by month in Ruston

Ruston shows pronounced seasonality, with peak revenue months in March ($2,357) and July ($2,339) and a dramatic dip in January ($434)—a nearly 5.4x swing between the highest and lowest months. Investors should plan for substantial revenue variability and build reserves during peak months to cover the slower winter period.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Ruston

Supply is evenly split across one-, two-, and three-bedroom listings at 14 each, with four-bedroom properties accounting for just 7 listings. The relatively thin four-bedroom inventory could represent a niche opportunity, especially since larger properties tend to command higher ADR and RevPAN in this market.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Ruston

ADR scales meaningfully with size, climbing from $151 for one-bedroom units to $246 for four-bedroom properties—a 63% premium. Three-bedroom listings at $230 per night hit a strong middle ground, offering near-top pricing without the added acquisition and maintenance costs of a larger home.

Average RevPAN by property size in Ruston

Four-bedroom properties deliver the highest RevPAN at $53, followed closely by three-bedroom units at $48, while one- and two-bedroom listings trail at $32 and $29, respectively. This spread suggests that larger properties generate substantially more revenue per available night, even after factoring in the market's modest occupancy rates.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Ruston

Occupancy rates are tightly clustered across all property sizes, ranging from 18% for two-bedroom units to 22% for four-bedroom listings. The narrow spread indicates that occupancy challenges are market-wide rather than size-specific, reinforcing the importance of ADR optimization and targeted event-based pricing.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Ruston

Three-bedroom properties lead monthly revenue at $2,298, outpacing four-bedroom listings ($1,817) and smaller units ($1,317–$1,468). The gap between three- and four-bedroom monthly revenue is notable, suggesting three-bedroom homes may offer the best balance of earning power and manageable operating costs.

Average annual revenue by property size in Ruston

At $27,587 in average annual revenue, three-bedroom properties outperform all other sizes, earning 60% more than the $17,620 generated by two-bedroom units. Four-bedroom listings bring in $21,804 annually, while one-bedrooms trail at $15,813, making the three-bedroom configuration the clear frontrunner for return potential in Ruston.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Ruston

Parking is offered by 100% of listings—an absolute must-have in this market—while self check-in (94%) and a kitchen (88%) round out the top three. The prevalence of washer/dryer, backyards, and outdoor spaces signals that guests expect a comfortable home-like experience, and adding amenities like a pool (only 6% of listings) or pet-friendliness (33%) could help a listing stand out.

Understanding Ruston's ROI Score: 47/100

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

Ruston's ROI score of 47 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning the market has real demand but requires disciplined deal sourcing to generate attractive returns. The revenue-to-price ratio and supply-demand balance both rate as average, while occupancy stability and market growth trend fall below average—reflecting the seasonal demand patterns and rapid listing growth that characterize this college-town market. Pairing this data with thorough local regulatory research and a focus on three-bedroom properties can help investors identify the deals most likely to perform.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Ruston

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

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Ruston, Louisiana may be required to obtain a business license or STR permit before listing a property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Ruston and Lincoln Parish authorities, as local regulations can change.

Key Restrictions

Common restrictions in similar Louisiana markets include occupancy limits, noise and nuisance ordinances, parking requirements, and potential HOA restrictions that may prohibit or limit short-term rentals in certain neighborhoods. Some areas also impose minimum-stay requirements or cap the number of active STR permits.

Tax Obligations

STR operators in Louisiana are typically subject to state and local sales taxes, as well as parish occupancy or tourism taxes. Platforms like Airbnb often collect and remit some of these taxes automatically, but hosts should confirm their full obligations with a local tax advisor.

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

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Ruston's STR market is likely to remain heavily influenced by seasonal demand patterns tied to Louisiana Tech University events, football weekends, and summer travel. With listing growth surging 212% year-over-year, new supply could put further pressure on occupancy unless demand keeps pace. We estimate ADR may stay in the $185–$200 range, with occupancy hovering around 18–22% market-wide. Investors should plan conservatively and build cash reserves for softer months like January, when revenue can dip below $500."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Ruston, LA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ruston?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Ruston is currently 20%, which sits below the Louisiana state average of 34%. Occupancy is relatively consistent across property sizes, ranging from 18% for two-bedroom units to 22% for four-bedroom properties. This lower occupancy reflects the event-driven nature of Ruston's demand, so hosts should anticipate periods of vacancy between peak booking windows.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Ruston?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Ruston earn approximately $1,669 per month or $20,029 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. Revenue varies significantly by property size: three-bedroom listings lead with roughly $2,298 per month ($27,587 annually), while one-bedroom properties average about $1,317 per month ($15,813 annually). Seasonal peaks in months like March and July can push monthly revenue above $2,300, while January tends to be the slowest period.

Is Ruston a good market for Airbnb investment?

Ruston carries an ROI score of 47 out of 100, which Rabbu classifies as a 'Competitive Opportunity.' This means investor interest and demand exist, but tighter competition and below-average occupancy require careful deal sourcing. The market's strengths include affordable home values averaging $369,825 and recurring university-related demand. Investors who target three-bedroom properties and price strategically around peak event weekends are best positioned to generate meaningful returns.

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

The average daily rate for Airbnb listings in Ruston is $192, compared to the Louisiana state average of $301. ADR scales with property size, starting at $151 for one-bedroom units and climbing to $246 for four-bedroom listings. While rates are below the state benchmark, the lower entry cost of properties in Ruston can still support workable margins for well-managed listings.

Are short-term rentals legal in Ruston?

Short-term rentals generally operate in Ruston, LA, but investors should verify current permit, licensing, and zoning requirements directly with the City of Ruston and Lincoln Parish. Local regulations may include business license requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, and HOA restrictions. It's always advisable to consult local authorities and, if needed, a real estate attorney before purchasing an investment property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Ruston?

Based on trailing 12-month revenue data, Ruston's strongest months are March ($2,357), July ($2,339), November ($2,148), and May ($2,070). These peaks likely align with Louisiana Tech University events, football season, graduation periods, and summer travel. January is the slowest month by a wide margin, with average revenue dropping to just $434, so hosts should plan their pricing and availability strategies accordingly.

How many Airbnbs are there in Ruston?

As of April 2026, there are 51 active Airbnb listings in Ruston. Supply is evenly distributed across smaller property sizes, with 14 listings each for one-, two-, and three-bedroom properties, and 7 four-bedroom listings. Notably, the market has seen 212% year-over-year growth in active listings, indicating a rapid increase in investor and host activity.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Ruston?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Ruston are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market—not a forward-looking projection. Rabbu averages each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, drops regional outliers, and rolls the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently rather than to forecasts, while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months because 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 for Ruston, LA
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends across property sizes
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly revenue, and annual revenue
• Popular amenity data reflecting current listing features in the market
• Home value estimates sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)

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 is current as of the dates noted and may not reflect very recent market shifts or regulatory changes. Individual property results will vary based on location, quality, pricing strategy, and management approach.