Top 19 Airbnb Markets in Louisiana

From lively jazz clubs in New Orleans to the tranquil bass-fishing waters of Toledo Bend, Louisiana’s tourism scene is as diverse as its cuisine. This cultural richness translates into a variety of high-performing short-term rental (STR) locations. Whether you’re chasing premium nightly rates on the coast or stable, lower-cost inland returns, these are Louisiana’s top Airbnb markets according to AirDNA’s proprietary data.

What Is AirDNA’s Market Score?

Market Score is a proprietary metric that ranks how attractive a location is for short-term rental investment. Each score is calculated based on the following five metrics:

• Investability
• Rental Demand
• Revenue Growth
• Seasonality
• Regulation

Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating stronger overall market health. In addition to an overall Market Score, each of the five metrics gets its own score on the same scale within the AirDNA app. This level of granularity is useful for Airbnb stakeholders interested in a particular aspect of market behavior.

Understanding Markets vs. Submarkets

This list includes a mix of the largest markets and submarkets, which are defined as:

• Markets refer to well-defined, often larger geographic areas like cities or metro regions.
• Submarkets are more granular locations, such as smaller towns, neighborhoods, or fishing communities within those larger regions.

Including both allows investors to spot opportunities that may be overlooked when focusing solely on large-scale market data. A market with a middling score might contain submarkets with excellent performance.

Airbnb Market Overview in Louisiana

Louisiana’s STR landscape is anchored by tourism powerhouses like New Orleans, but inland hubs such as Lafayette and Alexandria are proving equally compelling thanks to diversified economies and universities. Coastal retreats like Grand Isle and Venice deliver sky-high average daily rates (ADRs) during fishing season, while north-Louisiana cities like Shreveport and Monroe see reliable business and medical travel. Overall, the Bayou State presents a balanced mix of high-yield coastal units and affordable inland options.

Top 19 Airbnb Markets in Louisiana (Ranked by Market Score)

19. Toledo Bend

Market Score: 30.00

Average Annual Revenue: $26,319

Straddling the Louisiana-Texas border, Toledo Bend is a bass-fishing mecca that attracts anglers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Low property prices and steady weekend demand sustain respectable cash-on-cash returns despite the submarket’s modest overall score.

18. Houma

Market Score: 37.74

Average Annual Revenue: $21,904

Houma serves offshore oil, gas, and ecotourism traffic alike. Investors willing to navigate cyclical energy-sector demand may find value buys and room for future appreciation.

17. Baton Rouge

Market Score: 51.49

Average Annual Revenue: $24,201

Louisiana’s capital city combines government travel, LSU sports weekends, and a growing tech scene. While regulations require diligence, occupancy remains solid throughout the school year.

16. Winnsboro

Market Score: 54.35

Average Annual Revenue: $21,898

Winnsboro is a small-town submarket benefiting from regional festivals and hunting season traffic. Limited inventory creates room for outsized performance for well-run properties.

15. Gonzales

Market Score: 54.41

Average Annual Revenue: $23,325

Located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Gonzales captures overflow demand from both metros as well as visitors to nearby industrial plants. Affordable housing costs keep barrier-to-entry low.

14. Ruston

Market Score: 55.29

Average Annual Revenue: $23,717

Home to Louisiana Tech University, Ruston enjoys steady student- and sports-related bookings. Investors can capitalize on game-day surges while benefiting from modest seasonality.

13. Venice

Market Score: 60.83

Average Annual Revenue: $48,818

Renowned for world-class sport fishing, Venice commands premium ADRs during peak charters. High operating costs and storm risk warrant careful underwriting but the revenue potential is significant.

12. Opelousas

Market Score: 69.43

Average Annual Revenue: $14,918

Opelousas is an affordable entry point into the Cajun heartland. While nightly rates remain low, investors benefit from minimal competition and consistent regional travel.

11. Hammond

Market Score: 69.76

Average Annual Revenue: $24,378

Hammond’s location along the I-12 corridor drives a mix of leisure, business, and university stays (thanks to Southeastern Louisiana University). Moderate ADRs and healthy occupancy underpin stable income.

10. Lake Charles

Market Score: 73.89

Average Annual Revenue: $22,109

Casino resorts, petrochemical plants, and outdoor recreation fuel Lake Charles demand. Post-hurricane rebuilding has tightened inventory, supporting stronger pricing power for existing hosts.

9. Slidell

Market Score: 74.48

Average Annual Revenue: $29,642

Sitting on Lake Pontchartrain’s northeast shore, Slidell pulls both commuter and vacation traffic. Proximity to New Orleans without the big-city regulations enhances its STR appeal.

8. Grand Isle

Market Score: 78.88

Average Annual Revenue: $60,272

Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island is a prime destination for anglers and beachgoers. High seasonality means large summer paydays balanced by quieter winters.

7. Covington / Mandeville

Market Score: 81.29

Average Annual Revenue: $29,861

The Northshore communities of Covington and Mandeville mix historic downtowns with easy New Orleans access. Strong household incomes and weekend tourism buoy nightly rates.

6. Monroe

Market Score: 81.99

Average Annual Revenue: $22,167

Monroe hosts corporate and medical travelers alongside outdoor enthusiasts drawn to the Ouachita River. Limited STR saturation presents a first-mover advantage.

5. New Orleans

Market Score: 87.11

Average Annual Revenue: $45,036

Despite tighter regulations, the Big Easy remains a bucket-list destination, driving some of the state’s highest ADRs. Success hinges on compliance, location, and stand-out guest experiences.

4. Shreveport

Market Score: 97.25

Average Annual Revenue: $27,953

Shreveport benefits from convention business, riverboat casinos, and a growing film industry presence. Low home prices and healthy occupancy lock in attractive gross yields.

3. Alexandria

Market Score: 98.00

Average Annual Revenue: $22,463

Situated in the state’s geographic center, Alexandria captures military, healthcare, and leisure traffic. Consistent demand, combined with mid-tier ADRs, delivers reliable cash flow.

2. New Iberia

Market Score: 98.09

Average Annual Revenue: $21,117

Known for its bayou tours and Tabasco factory, New Iberia draws steady heritage tourism. Low acquisition costs create compelling cash-on-cash returns despite moderate revenues.

1. Lafayette

Market Score: 99.21

Average Annual Revenue: $22,778

Lafayette tops the list thanks to a diversified economy, vibrant Cajun culture, and year-round events. Strong occupancy, business travel, and relatively light regulation combine to make it Louisiana’s most attractive STR market today.

Should You Invest in Louisiana?

Louisiana offers a compelling mix of high-octane tourism hotspots and affordable secondary cities. Investors eyeing premium nightly rates should consider Grand Isle, Venice, and New Orleans—while staying mindful of seasonality and regulation. Those prioritizing lower entry costs and consistent, year-round occupancy may find better fits in Lafayette, Alexandria, and Shreveport.

A favorable tax climate, improving infrastructure, and strong cultural draw underpin long-term STR viability across the state. When paired with diligent market-level research through AirDNA, Louisiana stands out as a dynamic, opportunity-rich environment for both new and seasoned Airbnb investors.