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 121,771 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $221,000 and average rents near $1,100. 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 (66% 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 121,771 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 63% White, 30% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Lafayette is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.7. Median home values are around $221,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,100. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Lafayette is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 768 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 24. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 43°F. The area receives about 60 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 66% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
43°F
Max
64°F

Summer

Min
73°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
57°F
Max
81°F

Fall

Min
59°F
Max
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches
60.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
66%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $55,800 and a low poverty rate of 19.5%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 34% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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?

Lafayette offers quality education options, with public schools like Lafayette High School and Paul Breaux Middle 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
337-521-7950
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 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 2.4 per 1,000 people and 89.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $221,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 56%. The market has seen a 2.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Lafayette offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Lafayette handle vehicle services through the Louisiana Office 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
Louisiana
Department
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address
3241 N.W. Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, LA 70507
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 121,771, median home value $221,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,100, commute time 21.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 66%.

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