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.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lafayette, IN

Considering a move to Lafayette, IN? This welcoming community of 71,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $230,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% 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 71,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 79% White, 9% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
71,000
Density
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age
31.7
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
13.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
79.0%
Black
9.0%
Asian
4.5%
Others
7.5%

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 86.5. Median home values are around $230,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$230,000
Gross Rent
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$540
State Taxes
Low: 3.15%| High: 3.15%
Cost Of Living Index
86.5
Grocery
92.0
Housing
74.0
Utilities
99.0
Transportation
88.0
Health Care
96.0
Miscellaneous
90.0

Crime

Is Lafayette, IN a safe place to live?

Lafayette is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 310 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. 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
310
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,420
Crime Index
2,730
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 323
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

What is the weather like in Lafayette, IN year-round?

Lafayette experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
19°F
Max
36°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $60,500 and a low poverty rate of 18.0%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,500
Household Income
$60,500
Family Income
$78,500
Per Capita Income
$30,500
Income Male
$48,000
Income Female
$37,500
Poverty Rate
18.0%
Non English Speakers
18.5%
Rent
$1,050
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
Public Transport Usage
3.2%
Commute Time
19.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.0%
Bachelors or More
29.0%

Education

How are the schools in Lafayette, IN?

Lafayette offers quality education options, with public schools like Jefferson High School and Lafayette Jefferson Middle 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
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio
15.0
Name
Lafayette Jefferson Middle School
Street
4540 Scott St
Phone
765-771-6090
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
14.2

Private Schools

Name
St. Lawrence School
Street
1916 Scott St
Phone
765-742-1314
Students
280

Colleges

Name
Purdue University
City
West Lafayette
State
IN
Distance
3 miles
Students
50,000
Name
Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette
City
Lafayette
State
IN
Distance
2 miles
Students
4,500

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
68.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Lafayette, IN?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $230,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 57%. The market has seen a 4.0% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.0%. Lafayette offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$230,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate
57.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.0%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Lafayette handle vehicle services through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Indianapolis. 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
100 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone
1-888-692-6841

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 71,000, median home value $230,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,050, commute time 19.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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