IndianaPop. 71,159Smaller cities
Is Lafayette a Good Place to Live? Lafayette, Indiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lafayette ranks #524 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #239 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.4 min, #21 of 524) and affordable homes ($172,800, #44 of 524), and trails on low household income ($53,716, #488 of 524) and high poverty (17.8%, #429 of 524).
Lafayette by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lafayette's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Lafayette?
Lafayette's cost of living index is 93.4, 7% below the US level of 100 and #395 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,079/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $269,022, 3% above the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
| Measure | Lafayette | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 93.4#395 of 1,308 | 93.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $269,022#295 of 1,187 | $260,095 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,296/mo#161 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $172,800#149 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,079/mo#300 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.1%#911 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Lafayette housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Lafayette is in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN metro.
Indiana housing market →Is Lafayette safe?
Lafayette recorded 396 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 21% above the US rate of 328 and 56% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #710 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #315 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lafayette Police Department. Property crime runs 1,668 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lafayette | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 396#710 of 1,085 | 254 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,668#562 of 1,085 | 1,052 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Lafayette?
The median household in Lafayette earns $53,716, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 17.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lafayette | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $53,716#1174 of 1,312 | $71,959 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 17.8%#1029 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lafayette?
The median resident of Lafayette is 33 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 27.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #878 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lafayette | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 27.9%#878 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 46.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lafayette's schools and health?
Lafayette's 15 public schools graduate 93.3% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $14,442 spent per pupil. 31.9% of adults are obese and 12% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Lafayette | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93.3%#162 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.8#428 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,442#653 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31.9%#535 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12%#794 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.9%#764 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,001 students are enrolled in Lafayette's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lafayette?
The average commute in Lafayette is 16.4 minutes (Indiana 24.6); 2.2% of workers take transit and 8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lafayette scores 13.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #260 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.2°F and winters 28.8°F, with 37 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lafayette | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 16.4 min#109 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3%#191 of 1,312 | 6.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 79.6% | 76.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.2% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.8% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 8% | 9.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.4#260 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33.4 | 18.2 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 38 | 21.4 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 49.5 | 30.4 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 61.9 | 40.3 | 3.8 |
| May | 72.5 | 50.7 | 4 |
| Jun | 81.2 | 60.1 | 4.6 |
| Jul | 83.8 | 63.4 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 82.7 | 61.7 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 77.2 | 53.9 | 2.6 |
| Oct | 64.5 | 43 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 50 | 32.6 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 38.2 | 23.8 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lafayette Purdue Univ Airport.
| Measure | Lafayette | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 28.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 37 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lafayette Purdue Univ Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lafayette?
Tippecanoe County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Tippecanoe County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
| Measure | Lafayette | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.07%#41 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Tippecanoe County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Tippecanoe County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0056% | 73% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.004% | 60% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0046% | 36% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.05% | 11% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Lafayette compare with similar-size cities?
Lafayette is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #239 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 71,159.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #524 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 | 16.4 min |
| Jacksonville, NCPop. 71,279 | #794 | 53.4 | $57,697 | $1,321/mo | 228 | 15 min |
| St. Joseph, MOPop. 71,236 | #1106 | 47.8 | $57,956 | $898/mo | 500 | 17 min |
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #197 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 | 21.3 min |
| Maple Grove, MNPop. 71,173 | #75 | 69.2 | $132,731 | $1,868/mo | 112 | 24 min |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #151 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 | 18.3 min |
| Dale City, VAPop. 71,016 | #555 | 57.2 | $111,994 | $1,876/mo | no data | 37.4 min |
| Tulare, CAPop. 70,945 | #1164 | 46.3 | $72,410 | $1,435/mo | 477 | 22.8 min |
| San Marcos, TXPop. 70,897 | #919 | 51.4 | $51,281 | $1,322/mo | 422 | 24 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Lafayette compare with the rest of Indiana?
Lafayette ranks #8 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 57.7 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 25% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 56% above the statewide rate. Homes are 3% above the typical Indiana home.
| City | Rank in IN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel, INPop. 101,651 | #1 | 73.1 | $141,505 | $1,712/mo | 51 |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #2 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 |
| Fishers, INPop. 102,337 | #3 | 70.7 | $130,203 | $1,611/mo | 78 |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #4 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 |
| Greenwood, INPop. 66,029 | #5 | 60.4 | $83,608 | $1,312/mo | 142 |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #6 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #7 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #8 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 |
| Jeffersonville, INPop. 51,043 | #9 | 57.2 | $70,930 | $1,148/mo | 330 |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #10 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 |
| Mishawaka, INPop. 51,021 | #11 | 53.7 | $54,291 | $1,070/mo | 306 |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #12 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #13 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #14 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #15 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #16 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #17 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 |
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #18 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #19 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #20 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #21 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 |
All 21 Indiana cities we track, by overall score. Indiana statewide: median income $71,959, violent crime 254.4 per 100,000.
How is Lafayette's score calculated?
Lafayette scores 57.7 out of 100, #524 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Indiana's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Lafayette. Similar-size median 55.5.
45.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lafayette's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
69.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lafayette. Similar-size median 58.9.
52.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lafayette's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
65.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lafayette's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
81.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lafayette. Similar-size median 56.1.
30.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lafayette. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lafayette. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lafayette's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
65.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
79.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lafayette's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lafayette has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Lafayette
Is Lafayette, IN a good place to live?
Lafayette ranks #524 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #239 of 524 smaller cities and #8 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.4 min, #21 of 524) and affordable homes ($172,800, #44 of 524), and trails on low household income ($53,716, #488 of 524) and high poverty (17.8%, #429 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Lafayette?
Lafayette's cost of living index is 93.4, 7% below the US level of 100 and #395 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,079/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $269,022, 3% above the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
What is the crime rate in Lafayette?
Lafayette recorded 396 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 21% above the US rate of 328 and 56% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #710 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #315 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lafayette Police Department. Property crime runs 1,668 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lafayette?
The median household in Lafayette earns $53,716, 35% below the US figure of $83,163 and 25% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 17.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lafayette?
Median rent in Lafayette is $1,079/mo (Census), #300 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,296/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lafayette?
The typical home value in Lafayette is $269,022, up 2.8% in a year, against $260,095 for Indiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $172,800.
How are the public schools in Lafayette?
Lafayette's 15 public schools graduate 93.3% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $14,442 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lafayette?
The average commute is 16.4 minutes, #109 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Indiana. 3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lafayette?
Lafayette averages 51.4°F over the year, 72.2°F in summer and 28.8°F in winter, with 37 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lafayette walkable?
Lafayette scores 13.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #260 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Lafayette at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Tippecanoe County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, earthquake, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.07% of building value, lower than 98% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lafayette?
Tippecanoe County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Lafayette?
Lafayette has 71,159 residents. The median resident of Lafayette is 33 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 27.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #878 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lafayette compare with the rest of Indiana?
Lafayette ranks #8 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 57.7 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 25% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 56% above the statewide rate. Homes are 3% above the typical Indiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Lafayette?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lafayette's population of 71,159 are Jacksonville, NC (#794 overall), St. Joseph, MO (#1106 overall), Waukesha, WI (#197 overall), Maple Grove, MN (#75 overall), and West Des Moines, IA (#151 overall). Lafayette is #524.