Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Charles, LA
Thinking of moving to Lake Charles, LA? With a population of just over 80,000, Lake Charles offers affordable living, with median home prices around $168,400 and average rents near $970. The city enjoys mild winters, 64% sunny days, and short average commutes under 20 minutes. While crime rates are higher than average, Lake Charles features a vibrant culture, several hospitals, and educational opportunities including McNeese State University. Explore local schools, housing, and more below to help plan your move!
Demographics - Lake Charles, LA
Demographics - Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles is home to about 80,000 residents, with a balanced mix of White and Black communities and a median age of 36.1 years. The city has a moderate population density and nearly 8% of residents speak a language other than English, reflecting its diverse cultural background.
Population:
80,169
Density:
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.1
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
45.1%
Black:
47.0%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
6.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a median home value of $168,400 and average rent around $970. Utility and transportation costs are reasonable, making the city an attractive option for budget-conscious families and individuals.
Median House Value:
$168,400
Gross Rent:
$970
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,280
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.6
Grocery:
89.4
Housing:
66.5
Utilities:
95.1
Transportation:
92.2
Health Care:
90.8
Miscellaneous:
93.5
Crime
Is Lake Charles, LA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Lake Charles are higher than average, with a 1 in 143 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 25 chance for property crime. While these rates may be a concern, many residents appreciate the city’s welcoming community and active local initiatives focused on safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
698
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,955
Crime Index:
4,653
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 143
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 25
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake Charles, LA year-round?
Lake Charles enjoys a warm, humid climate with mild winters averaging in the 40s and 60s, and hot summers reaching up to 91°F. The city receives over 60 inches of rainfall annually and has sunshine about 64% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate a subtropical environment.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
56°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
57°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
60.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
Residents of Lake Charles experience a median household income of about $48,900, with a notable portion of the population facing economic challenges such as a 21% poverty rate. The community values education, with nearly 86% holding at least a high school diploma, and benefits from short average commutes of just over 18 minutes.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$48,900
Family Income:
$60,500
Per Capita Income:
$26,500
Income Male:
$42,100
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
21.3%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$970
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.9%
Bachelors or More:
21.8%
Education
How are the schools in Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles offers a variety of educational opportunities, from well-attended public schools like Barbe High School to private options such as St. Louis Catholic High School. Higher education is also accessible locally, with McNeese State University and SOWELA Technical Community College serving thousands of students.
Public Schools
Name:
Barbe High School
Street:
2200 W McNeese St
Phone:
337-217-4460
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.7
Name:
F.K. White Middle School
Street:
1000 E McNeese St
Phone:
337-217-4680
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Louis Catholic High School
Street:
1620 Bank St
Phone:
337-436-7275
Students:
660
Colleges
Name:
McNeese State University
City:
Lake Charles
State:
LA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,500
Name:
SOWELA Technical Community College
City:
Lake Charles
State:
LA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Lake Charles boasts access to major hospitals, including Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 87%, the city provides reliable healthcare options for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lake Charles Memorial Hospital
Address:
1701 Oak Park Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone:
(337) 494-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital
Address:
524 Dr. Michael DeBakey Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone:
(337) 436-2511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
67.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake Charles, LA?
The housing market in Lake Charles features a median home price of $168,400 and average two-bedroom rents at $970, making homeownership and renting affordable. Over half of residents own their homes, while vacancy and foreclosure rates remain relatively low, indicating a stable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$168,400
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$970
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Lake Charles are managed by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Main Street. Residents can visit the local office or use online services through the state’s official website for a range of DMV needs.
State:
Louisiana
Department:
Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
Address:
951 Main St, Lake Charles, LA 70615
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.