Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lafayette, IN
Thinking of moving to Lafayette, IN? With a population of around 71,000, Lafayette offers affordable living with median home prices near $172,000 and average rents of $1,020. Commutes are short at about 19 minutes, and you'll find reputable healthcare and proximity to Purdue University. The city balances a friendly, college-town vibe with 58% sunny days, a reasonable cost of living, and a vibrant mix of amenities for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Lafayette, IN
Demographics - Lafayette, IN
Lafayette is home to approximately 70,800 residents, with a median age of 33 and a nearly even gender balance. The city’s diverse community is predominantly White (80.1%), with notable Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and about 7.4% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The moderate population density and youthful demographics contribute to Lafayette’s vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
70,783
Density:
2,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.0
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
80.1%
Black:
8.6%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
9.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lafayette, IN?
Lafayette offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a median home value of $172,000 and average rents around $1,020. Utilities and everyday expenses are affordable, making the city attractive for young professionals and families. Low state taxes and reasonable housing costs contribute to Lafayette’s overall affordability.
Median House Value:
$172,000
Gross Rent:
$1,020
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,315
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$490
State Taxes:
Low:
3.23%
|
High:
3.23%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.0
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
65.8
Utilities:
93.6
Transportation:
87.3
Health Care:
91.7
Miscellaneous:
85.1
Crime
Is Lafayette, IN a safe place to live?
Lafayette experiences a moderate crime rate, with violent crimes at 347 incidents per 100,000 people and property crimes at 2,471 per 100,000 residents. The chance of falling victim to violent crime is about 1 in 288, which is on par with similar-sized cities. Residents generally describe the community as safe, especially in family neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
347
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,471
Crime Index:
2,818
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 288
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Lafayette, IN year-round?
Lafayette enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers averaging highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The city receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 58% of the year, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes bring colorful falls and vibrant springs, appealing to those who appreciate varied weather.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Lafayette’s neighborhoods feature a mix of working professionals and families, with a median household income of $56,200 and a poverty rate of 17.2%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and commute times average a short 19 minutes. The city’s friendly, tight-knit communities are ideal for those seeking a welcoming Midwestern environment.
Median Income:
$35,200
Household Income:
$56,200
Family Income:
$74,700
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$42,600
Income Female:
$31,800
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.4%
Rent:
$1,020
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
18.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
29.2%
Education
How are the schools in Lafayette, IN?
Lafayette offers strong educational options, with public schools like Jefferson High School and Miami Elementary providing favorable student-to-teacher ratios. The city is also home to Ivy Tech Community College and is just two miles from the renowned Purdue University, making it a hub for higher education. Private and parochial schools round out the wide range of academic opportunities for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Jefferson High School
Street:
1801 S 18th St
Phone:
765-772-4700
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Miami Elementary School
Street:
2401 Beck Ln
Phone:
765-772-4800
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.8
Private Schools
Name:
Central Catholic Jr-Sr High School
Street:
2410 S 9th St
Phone:
765-474-2496
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
Purdue University
City:
West Lafayette
State:
IN
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
50,000
Name:
Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette
City:
Lafayette
State:
IN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Lafayette is comprehensive, anchored by major hospitals like Franciscan Health Lafayette East and IU Health Arnett Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and 91% health insurance coverage, residents have ready access to quality medical care. The city’s healthcare infrastructure supports both routine and advanced medical needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Franciscan Health Lafayette East
Address:
1701 S Creasy Ln, Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone:
(765) 502-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
IU Health Arnett Hospital
Address:
5165 McCarty Ln, Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone:
(765) 448-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
72.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lafayette, IN?
Lafayette’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $172,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,010. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates remain moderate, reflecting steady demand. Home values have appreciated at a healthy 7.1% over the past year, making it an appealing choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$172,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,010
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles at the local Lafayette branch on Elmwood Avenue. The office provides comprehensive DMV services, and information is easily accessible via the state’s BMV website. Support is available by phone for new residents or those with questions about Indiana licensing and registration.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2200 Elmwood Ave, Suite C7, Lafayette, IN 47904
Phone:
(888) 692-6841
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.