Indiana / Tippecanoe County

Moving to Lafayette, IN

Thinking of making a move to Lafayette, IN? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Lafayette before you move.

Moving Help for Your Lafayette, IN Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Lafayette move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lafayette, IN

Considering a move to Lafayette, IN? This welcoming community of 70,783 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $172,000 and average rents near $1,010. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (58% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Lafayette's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Lafayette, IN

Lafayette has a population of 70,783 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 33 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 80% White, 9% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

The cost of living in Lafayette is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.0. Median home values are around $172,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,020. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 347 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 40. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Indiana.

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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 58% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
19°F
Max
36°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
39°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
39.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $56,200 and a low poverty rate of 17.2%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 quality education options, with public schools like Jefferson High School and Miami Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Lafayette residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Franciscan Health Lafayette East and IU Health Arnett Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 91.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $172,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 55%. The market has seen a 7.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 9.2%. Lafayette offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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 of Lafayette handle vehicle services through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Lafayette. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Indiana
Department
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address
2200 Elmwood Ave, Suite C7, Lafayette, IN 47904
Phone
(888) 692-6841

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.

FAQs About Moving to Lafayette, IN

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Lafayette, review the core fields on this page: population 70,783, median home value $172,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,010, commute time 18.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

Ready to Move to Lafayette, IN?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes