Lafayette

Lafayette, Louisiana Overview

Lafayette scores 41.8/100 overall (D), ranking #9 of 20 cities in Louisiana — above the state composite of 25.9. Affordability is the city’s relative strength at 83/100, while Outdoor Access lags at 10/100.

Income & Employment in Lafayette

The median household income in Lafayette is $61,258, 11% above the statewide median of $55,416. The local unemployment rate of 3.8% is lower than the state’s 4.3%. Population grew 0.4% recently.

Safety in Lafayette

With a violent crime rate of 818.2 per 100,000, Lafayette exceeds the Louisiana average of 520. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 4602.8 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Lafayette

With a cost of living index of 87, Lafayette is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $251,300. Median monthly rent is $1,065. Renters spend 20.9% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Lafayette

The adult obesity rate in Lafayette is 34.5% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 14%. Residents report an average of 18.4 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Louisiana ranks #50 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Lafayette

Lafayette has a high school graduation rate of 85%. The student-teacher ratio is 16.4:1. Per-pupil spending is $12,366. The city has 26 public schools serving 20,267 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Lafayette

Summers in Lafayette are hot, averaging 85.7°F. Summers average 85.7°F. Winters average 57.6°F. Annual precipitation is 39.1 inches. The mean commute time is 18.7 minutes, compared to 24.4 for Louisiana overall.

Frequently Asked Questions