Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sulphur, LA
Considering a move to Sulphur, LA? With a friendly small-town vibe and a population of about 21,800, Sulphur offers affordable living, with median home prices near $154,000 and average rents around $925. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 21.5 minutes, warm sunny weather, and convenient access to local schools and healthcare. While property crime rates are higher than average, Sulphur is known for its welcoming community, reasonable cost of living, and easy access to the amenities of nearby Lake Charles.
Demographics - Sulphur, LA
Demographics - Sulphur, LA
Sulphur, Louisiana is home to approximately 21,800 residents, with a median age of 36.4 and a population density of 1,400 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with smaller Black, Asian, and other minority populations, and about 7.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city maintains a near-balanced gender ratio, fostering a diverse and welcoming small-town environment.
Population:
21,809
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.4
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.2%
Black:
7.5%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
7.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sulphur, LA?
Living in Sulphur is affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average at 86.4. Median home values are around $154,000, and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $925, making housing especially budget-friendly. Daily expenses for groceries, utilities, and transportation also tend to be lower than in many other U.S. cities, providing excellent value for residents.
Median House Value:
$154,000
Gross Rent:
$925
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,140
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,160
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.4
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
94.5
Transportation:
88.2
Health Care:
93.1
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Sulphur, LA a safe place to live?
Sulphur experiences higher-than-average property crime rates, with about 3,011 property crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 33 chance of falling victim. Violent crime is less common, with a 1 in 208 chance, but it's still above national averages. While the overall crime index is elevated, many residents find the community spirit and affordable lifestyle appealing.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
482
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,011
Crime Index:
3,493
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 208
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Sulphur, LA year-round?
Sulphur enjoys a warm, humid climate, featuring mild winters with lows in the 40s and hot summers reaching into the low 90s. The city sees about 60 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from 67% sunny days, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are moderate, making the area comfortable for year-round living.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
57°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
73°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
60 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
The typical household in Sulphur earns around $61,000, with a family median income of $70,500, though nearly 19% of residents live below the poverty line. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, and unemployment remains relatively low at 4.9%. The community is largely car-dependent, as very few residents use public transportation, and the average commute is just over 21 minutes.
Median Income:
$29,800
Household Income:
$61,000
Family Income:
$70,500
Per Capita Income:
$29,800
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
18.7%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$925
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
21.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.9%
Bachelors or More:
14.8%
Education
How are the schools in Sulphur, LA?
Sulphur provides a range of educational options, including public schools like Sulphur High School and W.W. Lewis Middle School, both known for strong community involvement and reasonable student-teacher ratios. Families also have local private and parochial school choices, while higher education is accessible at McNeese State University just 12 miles away in Lake Charles. The majority of adults hold at least a high school diploma, reflecting the city's solid educational foundation.
Public Schools
Name:
Sulphur High School
Street:
100 Sycamore St
Phone:
337-217-4430
Students:
1,950
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
W.W. Lewis Middle School
Street:
1752 Cypress St
Phone:
337-217-4700
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady's Catholic School
Street:
1111 Cypress St
Phone:
337-527-7828
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
McNeese State University
City:
Lake Charles
State:
LA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
7,300
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, anchored by West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, which provides emergency and general medical services. The city offers about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 people, and 88.2% of residents are covered by health insurance. Healthcare costs are moderate and generally accessible for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital
Address:
701 Cypress St, Sulphur, LA 70663
Phone:
(337) 527-7034
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.2%
Health Care Index:
69.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sulphur, LA?
Sulphur offers a stable housing market, with a median home price of $154,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 67.4%. Rental vacancies are somewhat higher than average, giving renters a fair selection of options, while home values have appreciated steadily at 4.1% over the past year. The area sees limited new construction but remains attractive for both buyers and renters seeking affordability.
Median Home Price:
$154,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$925
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles serves Sulphur residents from a nearby location in Lake Charles. Services such as driver's licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers are available both in person and online through the state's ExpressLane website. Residents find DMV access convenient, with most essential functions handled locally.
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.