Louisiana / County

Moving to Lake Charles, LA

Thinking of making a move to Lake Charles, 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 Lake Charles, LA

Considering a move to Lake Charles, LA? This welcoming community of 78,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $215,000 and average rents near $1,030. 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 (62% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Lake Charles's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Lake Charles, LA

Lake Charles has a population of 78,000 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 52% White, 37% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
78,000
Density
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age
36.4
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
52.0%
Black
36.5%
Asian
2.2%
Others
9.3%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Lake Charles, LA?

The cost of living in Lake Charles is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.4. Median home values are around $215,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,030. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$215,000
Gross Rent
$1,030
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 2.0%| High: 6.0%
Cost Of Living Index
90.4
Grocery
94.0
Housing
72.5
Utilities
104.8
Transportation
92.1
Health Care
96.2
Miscellaneous
89.7

Crime

Is Lake Charles, LA a safe place to live?

Lake Charles is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 720 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 25. 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
720
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,950
Crime Index
4,670
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 139
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 25

Weather

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

Lake Charles experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 43°F. The area receives about 57 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
43°F
Max
63°F

Summer

Min
74°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
58°F
Max
80°F

Fall

Min
56°F
Max
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches
57.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
62%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $65,500 and a low poverty rate of 18.4%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$44,000
Household Income
$65,500
Family Income
$78,000
Per Capita Income
$28,500
Income Male
$46,000
Income Female
$35,000
Poverty Rate
18.4%
Non English Speakers
11.2%
Rent
$1,030
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
1.8%
Commute Time
21.7 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
86.9%
Bachelors or More
21.5%

Education

How are the schools in Lake Charles, LA?

Lake Charles offers quality education options, with public schools like Barbe High School and A. M. Barbe High School Ninth Grade Center known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including McNeese State University and SOWELA Technical Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Barbe High School
Street
2200 W McNeese St
Phone
337-217-4960
Students
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5
Name
A. M. Barbe High School Ninth Grade Center
Street
2200 W McNeese St
Phone
337-217-4960
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
16.8

Private Schools

Name
St. Louis Catholic High School
Street
1620 Bank St
Phone
337-436-7275
Students
250

Colleges

Name
McNeese State University
City
Lake Charles
State
LA
Distance
3 miles
Students
7,500
Name
SOWELA Technical Community College
City
Lake Charles
State
LA
Distance
4 miles
Students
4,000

Healthcare

Lake Charles residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Christus Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 89.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
89.4%
Health Care Index
68.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Lake Charles, LA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $215,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 56%. The market has seen a 3.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Lake Charles offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$215,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,030
Owner Occupied Rate
55.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.4%
New Construction Rate
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles, LA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Lake Charles, review the core fields on this page: population 78,000, median home value $215,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,030, commute time 21.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 62%.

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