LouisianaPop. 81,143Smaller cities
Is Lake Charles a Good Place to Live? Lake Charles, Louisiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lake Charles ranks #1113 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #459 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #7 of 524) and short commutes (17 min, #32 of 524), and trails on high poverty (23.3%, #487 of 524) and high violent crime (665 per 100,000, #412 of 444).
Lake Charles by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lake Charles'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 Lake Charles?
Lake Charles's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,109/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $206,515, 5% below the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
| Measure | Lake Charles | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 85.9#43 of 1,308 | 88.2 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $206,515#129 of 1,187 | $217,039 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,375/mo#235 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $214,300#275 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,109/mo#342 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 22.5%#727 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). Louisiana 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.
Lake Charles 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. Lake Charles is in the Lake Charles, LA metro.
Louisiana housing market →Is Lake Charles safe?
Lake Charles recorded 665 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 29% above Louisiana's 515. That ranks #947 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #412 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lake Charles Police Department. Property crime runs 2,424 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lake Charles | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 665#947 of 1,085 | 515 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,424#845 of 1,085 | 1,966 | 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). Louisiana 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 Lake Charles?
The median household in Lake Charles earns $59,235, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 23.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lake Charles | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $59,235#1063 of 1,312 | $60,986 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.6%#737 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 23.3%#1200 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.5%#153 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +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). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lake Charles?
The median resident of Lake Charles is 36.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #828 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lake Charles | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.6 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29.1%#828 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 60.9% | 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 Lake Charles's schools and health?
Lake Charles's 26 public schools graduate 94.9% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $17,220 spent per pupil. 45.6% of adults are obese and 16.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Lake Charles | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 94.9%#103 of 1,063 | 83.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.3#197 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,220#392 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 45.6%#1290 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 16.2%#1233 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.7%#1141 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9.6%#604 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). Louisiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,282 students are enrolled in Lake Charles's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lake Charles?
The average commute in Lake Charles is 17 minutes (Louisiana 26.2); 0.1% of workers take transit and 5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lake Charles scores 8.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.3°F and winters 55.1°F, with 59.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lake Charles | LouisianaLA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 17 min#137 of 1,312 | 26.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.1%#208 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 80.2% | 78.3% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 0.9% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.4% | 1.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 5% | 8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.2#1009 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). Louisiana 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 | 63 | 43.4 | 5.9 |
| Feb | 66.7 | 47.1 | 3.3 |
| Mar | 73.1 | 53.1 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 79 | 59.3 | 4.4 |
| May | 85.4 | 67.3 | 5.4 |
| Jun | 90.5 | 73.7 | 6.5 |
| Jul | 92.2 | 75.6 | 5.7 |
| Aug | 92.8 | 75.1 | 6.2 |
| Sep | 89.4 | 70.7 | 5.2 |
| Oct | 82.1 | 60.4 | 4.8 |
| Nov | 72.2 | 50.6 | 4.1 |
| Dec | 65.3 | 45.3 | 4.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lake Charles.
| Measure | Lake Charles | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 69.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 83.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 55.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 59.7 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 Lake Charles.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lake Charles?
Calcasieu Parish's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Calcasieu Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.33% of building value, higher than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Lake Charles | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.33%#1132 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 Calcasieu Parish: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Calcasieu Parish
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.14% | 92% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 83% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0054% | 74% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0023% | 69% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0043% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.013% | 65% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0012% | 35% 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 Lake Charles compare with similar-size cities?
Lake Charles is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #459 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 81,143.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Charles, LAPop. 81,143 | #1113 | 47.7 | $59,235 | $1,109/mo | 665 | 17 min |
| Johns Creek, GAPop. 81,988 | #16 | 73.4 | $160,093 | $2,257/mo | 40 | 30.1 min |
| Silver Spring, MDPop. 81,462 | #251 | 63.2 | $99,860 | $1,913/mo | no data | 34 min |
| Boynton Beach, FLPop. 81,435 | #572 | 57.0 | $70,074 | $2,041/mo | 176 | 26.2 min |
| Somerville, MAPop. 81,036 | #23 | 72.4 | $132,572 | $2,517/mo | 195 | 31 min |
| Alhambra, CAPop. 81,022 | #720 | 54.7 | $88,024 | $1,939/mo | 195 | 30.3 min |
| Auburn, ALPop. 80,594 | #414 | 59.8 | $63,668 | $1,098/mo | 99 | 19.9 min |
| Pharr, TXPop. 80,333 | #1197 | 45.1 | $52,814 | $1,037/mo | 214 | 21.1 min |
| Flint, MIPop. 80,175 | #1309 | 32.6 | $37,646 | $915/mo | 1,097 | 22.7 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 Lake Charles compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Lake Charles ranks #7 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 47.7 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 3% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 29% above the statewide rate. Homes are 5% below the typical Louisiana home.
| City | Rank in LA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairieville, LAPop. 35,238 | #1 | 58.2 | $104,923 | $1,324/mo | no data |
| Central, LAPop. 29,783 | #2 | 54.8 | $89,554 | $1,309/mo | part year |
| Kenner, LAPop. 64,904 | #3 | 51.0 | $64,020 | $1,179/mo | 288 |
| Slidell, LAPop. 28,561 | #4 | 50.0 | $70,497 | $1,375/mo | 275 |
| Houma, LAPop. 32,392 | #5 | 48.4 | $58,194 | $1,058/mo | 489 |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #6 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year |
| Lake Charles, LAPop. 81,143 | #7 | 47.7 | $59,235 | $1,109/mo | 665 |
| Metairie, LAPop. 139,729 | #8 | 46.7 | $73,042 | $1,175/mo | no data |
| Bossier City, LAPop. 62,901 | #9 | 46.5 | $55,819 | $1,107/mo | 704 |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #10 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 |
| Laplace, LAPop. 28,343 | #11 | 44.1 | $69,030 | $1,351/mo | no data |
| Ruston, LAPop. 22,284 | #12 | 43.6 | $31,120 | $816/mo | 286 |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #13 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #14 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 |
| Chalmette, LAPop. 22,616 | #15 | 40.0 | $54,904 | $1,110/mo | no data |
| Alexandria, LAPop. 44,060 | #16 | 38.6 | $47,113 | $931/mo | 2,448 |
| New Iberia, LAPop. 27,571 | #17 | 36.8 | $47,087 | $894/mo | 1,088 |
| Terrytown, LAPop. 24,726 | #18 | 36.0 | $51,718 | $1,135/mo | no data |
| Monroe, LAPop. 47,004 | #19 | 35.9 | $40,505 | $886/mo | 1,647 |
| Marrero, LAPop. 32,540 | #20 | 32.0 | $41,402 | $1,042/mo | no data |
All 20 Louisiana cities we track, by overall score. Louisiana statewide: median income $60,986, violent crime 515.1 per 100,000.
How is Lake Charles's score calculated?
Lake Charles scores 47.7 out of 100, #1113 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Louisiana'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 Lake Charles. Similar-size median 55.5.
42.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lake Charles's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
47.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lake Charles. Similar-size median 58.9.
24.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lake Charles's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
75.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lake Charles's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
83.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lake Charles. Similar-size median 56.1.
22.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lake Charles. Similar-size median 42.4.
54.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lake Charles. Similar-size median 50.0.
44.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lake Charles's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
37.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
27.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lake Charles'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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live?
Lake Charles ranks #1113 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #459 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 20 in Louisiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.9, #7 of 524) and short commutes (17 min, #32 of 524), and trails on high poverty (23.3%, #487 of 524) and high violent crime (665 per 100,000, #412 of 444).
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles's cost of living index is 85.9, 14% below the US level of 100 and #43 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,109/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $206,515, 5% below the typical Louisiana home ($217,039).
What is the crime rate in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles recorded 665 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2 times the US rate of 328 and 29% above Louisiana's 515. That ranks #947 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #412 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lake Charles Police Department. Property crime runs 2,424 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lake Charles?
The median household in Lake Charles earns $59,235, 29% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Louisiana ($60,986). Unemployment is 4.6% (US 4.3%). 23.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lake Charles?
Median rent in Lake Charles is $1,109/mo (Census), #342 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,375/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lake Charles?
The typical home value in Lake Charles is $206,515, up 2.2% in a year, against $217,039 for Louisiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $214,300.
How are the public schools in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles's 26 public schools graduate 94.9% of students in four years (Louisiana 83.1%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $17,220 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lake Charles?
The average commute is 17 minutes, #137 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 26.2 minutes across Louisiana. 3.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles averages 69.7°F over the year, 83.3°F in summer and 55.1°F in winter, with 59.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lake Charles walkable?
Lake Charles scores 8.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1009 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 Lake Charles at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Calcasieu Parish's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.33% of building value, higher than 90% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lake Charles?
Calcasieu Parish's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles has 81,143 residents. The median resident of Lake Charles is 36.6 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #828 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lake Charles compare with the rest of Louisiana?
Lake Charles ranks #7 of the 20 Louisiana cities we track, with a score of 47.7 against Louisiana's statewide 30. Its households earn 3% below the Louisiana median. Violent crime is 29% above the statewide rate. Homes are 5% below the typical Louisiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Lake Charles?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lake Charles's population of 81,143 are Johns Creek, GA (#16 overall), Silver Spring, MD (#251 overall), Boynton Beach, FL (#572 overall), Somerville, MA (#23 overall), and Alhambra, CA (#720 overall). Lake Charles is #1113.