Louisiana / Lafayette County

Moving to Lafayette, LA

Thinking of making a move to Lafayette, LA? 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, LA

Considering a move to Lafayette, LA? This welcoming community of 126,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $235,000 and average rents near $1,080. Commute times average 22 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, LA

Lafayette has a population of 126,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 56% White, 33% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
126,000
Density
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age
36.1
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
56.0%
Black
32.5%
Asian
4.2%
Others
7.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Lafayette, LA?

The cost of living in Lafayette is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 91.8. Median home values are around $235,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,080. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$235,000
Gross Rent
$1,080
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$2,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,720
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 1.85%| High: 4.25%
Cost Of Living Index
91.8
Grocery
94.5
Housing
77.2
Utilities
108.8
Transportation
96.4
Health Care
96.9
Miscellaneous
93.7

Crime

Is Lafayette, LA a safe place to live?

Lafayette is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 420 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 34. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Louisiana.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
420
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,920
Crime Index
3,340
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 34

Weather

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

Lafayette experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 43°F. The area receives about 63 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
43°F
Max
62°F

Summer

Min
74°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
58°F
Max
81°F

Fall

Min
57°F
Max
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches
62.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
58%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $59,800 and a low poverty rate of 17.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 32% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$31,500
Household Income
$59,800
Family Income
$74,500
Per Capita Income
$32,900
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$33,500
Poverty Rate
17.8%
Non English Speakers
16.2%
Rent
$1,080
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
3.4%
Commute Time
21.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.6%
Bachelors or More
32.4%

Education

How are the schools in Lafayette, LA?

Lafayette offers quality education options, with public schools like Lafayette High School and Comeaux High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Louisiana at Lafayette and South Louisiana Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lafayette High School
Street
3000 W Congress St
Phone
337-521-7970
Students
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio
18.1
Name
Comeaux High School
Street
1000 W Bluebird Dr
Phone
337-521-7970
Students
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio
17.6

Private Schools

Name
Episcopal School of Acadiana
Street
7522 E Ambassador Caffery Pkwy
Phone
337-233-4475
Students
620
Name
St. Thomas More Catholic High School
Street
450 E Farrel Rd
Phone
337-235-0558
Students
900

Colleges

Name
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
City
Lafayette
State
LA
Distance
0 miles
Students
17,500
Name
South Louisiana Community College
City
Lafayette
State
LA
Distance
3 miles
Students
7,500

Healthcare

Lafayette residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 89.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center
Address
1214 Coolidge Blvd, 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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
89.4%
Health Care Index
67.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Lafayette, LA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $235,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 58%. The market has seen a 3.9% 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
$235,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,080
Owner Occupied Rate
57.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.9%
New Construction Rate
2.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Lafayette handle vehicle services through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Baton Rouge. 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
Louisiana
Department
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address
7979 Independence Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone
1-225-925-6146

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, LA

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 126,000, median home value $235,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,080, commute time 21.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 58%.

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