Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lafayette, LA
Thinking of moving to Lafayette, LA? With a population of about 122,000, Lafayette offers affordable living—median home prices are around $221,000 and average rents near $1,100. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 22 minutes and over 66% sunny days annually. While property crime is higher than average, the city features a vibrant cultural scene, reputable schools, and a mild, subtropical climate. Explore Lafayette's blend of southern hospitality, accessible education, and lively lifestyle as you plan your move.
Demographics - Lafayette, LA
Demographics - Lafayette, LA
Lafayette, Louisiana is home to approximately 122,000 residents, with a population density of 2,300 per square mile and a median age of 36. The city is predominantly White (63%), with a significant Black community (30%) and a nearly 10% population of non-English speakers, contributing to a diverse and vibrant local culture.
Population:
121,771
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.0
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.2%
Black:
29.6%
Asian:
2.9%
Others:
4.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lafayette, LA?
Lafayette offers a cost of living below the national average, with a median home value of $221,000 and typical rent around $1,100 per month. Residents benefit from affordable utilities and groceries, while state income taxes range from 2% to 6%, making daily life accessible for many families.
Median House Value:
$221,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.7
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
74.6
Utilities:
89.5
Transportation:
96.8
Health Care:
95.4
Miscellaneous:
90.1
Crime
Is Lafayette, LA a safe place to live?
The city experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a rate of 4,220 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 24 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less prevalent but still notable, at 768 per 100,000 people, so new residents may wish to stay informed about neighborhood safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
768
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,220
Crime Index:
4,988
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 130
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 24
Weather
What is the weather like in Lafayette, LA year-round?
Lafayette enjoys a mild, subtropical climate with warm summers averaging highs in the low 90s°F and mild winters rarely dipping below 43°F. The city receives about 60 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 66% sunny days, making it appealing for those who value outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
64°F
Spring
Min:
57°F
Max:
81°F
Summer
Min:
73°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
59°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
60.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
The city’s median household income is about $56,000, with a poverty rate near 20% and an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Most residents commute around 22 minutes to work, and nearly 90% have at least a high school education, reflecting a hardworking and educated community.
Median Income:
$32,100
Household Income:
$55,800
Family Income:
$74,300
Per Capita Income:
$31,700
Income Male:
$44,900
Income Female:
$36,200
Poverty Rate:
19.5%
Non English Speakers:
9.8%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
21.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.4%
Bachelors or More:
33.7%
Education
How are the schools in Lafayette, LA?
The city features a mix of public and private schools, such as Lafayette High School and St. Thomas More Catholic High School, as well as higher education options like the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. With a strong student presence and a variety of educational choices, families and students can find quality learning environments.
Public Schools
Name:
Lafayette High School
Street:
3000 W Congress St
Phone:
337-521-7950
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.4
Name:
Paul Breaux Middle School
Street:
1400 S Orange St
Phone:
337-521-7870
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Private Schools
Name:
St. Thomas More Catholic High School
Street:
450 E Farrel Rd
Phone:
337-988-3700
Students:
1,000
Colleges
Name:
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
City:
Lafayette
State:
LA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
16,400
Name:
South Louisiana Community College
City:
Lafayette
State:
LA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,200
Healthcare
Lafayette is served by multiple major hospitals, including Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, both offering emergency services. With 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, locals have good access to quality healthcare.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center
Address:
1214 Coolidge St, Lafayette, LA 70503
Phone:
(337) 289-7991
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
Address:
4801 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy, Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone:
(337) 470-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.1%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lafayette, LA?
Housing in Lafayette is relatively affordable, with a median home price of $221,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,100. Over half of residents own their homes, and the market remains stable with low foreclosure and steady appreciation rates.
Median Home Price:
$221,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Lafayette residents access vehicle services through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on N.W. Evangeline Thruway. Services and information can be found online or by phone, making it easy to handle driver's licenses and vehicle registrations.
State:
Louisiana
Department:
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3241 N.W. Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, LA 70507
Phone:
1-225-925-6146
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.