Lake Charles
Lake Charles, Louisiana scores 44.2/100 (D grade), ranking #6 of 20 cities in Louisiana. Median income: $55,420. Crime rate: 638.8/100K.
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Lake Charles, Louisiana Overview
With a composite score of 44.2/100 and a D grade, Lake Charles ranks #6 of 20 cities in Louisiana. Its strongest showing is in Affordability (84/100), while Outdoor Access (10/100) represents its largest gap.
Income & Employment in Lake Charles
The median household income in Lake Charles is $55,420, in line with the statewide median of $55,416. The local unemployment rate of 4.7% is higher than the state’s 4.3%. Population grew 1.5% recently.
Safety in Lake Charles
With a violent crime rate of 638.8 per 100,000, Lake Charles exceeds the Louisiana average of 520. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 2946.6 per 100,000.
Cost of Living in Lake Charles
With a cost of living index of 86.7, Lake Charles is well below the national average of 100, offering meaningful savings on everyday expenses. The median home value is $204,000. Median monthly rent is $1,090. Renters spend 23.6% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.
Health & Wellness in Lake Charles
The adult obesity rate in Lake Charles is 45.6%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 16.2%. Residents report an average of 19.7 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Louisiana ranks #50 nationally for overall health.
Education & Schools in Lake Charles
Lake Charles’s high school graduation rate of 94.9% is well above average, reflecting strong local school performance. The student-teacher ratio of 13.4:1 indicates smaller class sizes. Local districts invest $17,714 per student, well above the national median. The city has 34 public schools serving 19,436 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.
Climate & Commute in Lake Charles
Summers in Lake Charles are hot, averaging 85.3°F. Summers average 85.3°F. Winters average 57.7°F. Annual precipitation is 45.5 inches. The average commute of 17.2 minutes is notably short.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall score for Lake Charles, Louisiana?
Lake Charles has an overall score of 44.2 out of 100, earning a D grade and ranking #6 among 20 cities in Louisiana.
What is the median income in Lake Charles?
The median household income in Lake Charles is $55,420, based on Census ACS data.
Is Lake Charles safe?
Lake Charles has a violent crime rate of 638.8 per 100,000 residents.
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles has a cost of living index of 86.7 (100 = national average). It is more affordable than the national average.
How are the public schools in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles has 34 public schools with a 94.9% graduation rate. The student-teacher ratio is 13.4:1.