Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Lafayette, IN
Considering a move to West Lafayette, IN? Home to Purdue University, this vibrant city of 46,727 offers affordable living with median homes at $295,000 and average rents around $1,125. Enjoy a youthful, diverse community, low violent crime (99 per 100k), and quick commutes averaging just 16.5 minutes. With top-rated schools, a high rate of bachelor’s degrees (66.8%), and four distinct seasons, West Lafayette is an excellent choice for families, professionals, and students alike.
Demographics - West Lafayette, IN
Demographics - West Lafayette, IN
West Lafayette is a youthful and diverse city, with a population of 46,727 and a median age of just 22.7, largely influenced by its university presence. The community includes a significant Asian population (19.6%) and over 15% of residents speak a language other than English at home, fostering a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
46,727
Density:
3,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.7
Gender Ratio:
112 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
65.2%
Black:
3.7%
Asian:
19.6%
Others:
11.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Lafayette, IN?
West Lafayette offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $295,000 and average gross rent at $1,125. The city's cost of living index is below the national average, making it attractive for both homeowners and renters, while utilities and state taxes remain moderate.
Median House Value:
$295,000
Gross Rent:
$1,125
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,510
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
3.15%
|
High:
3.23%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.7
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
81.1
Utilities:
96.2
Transportation:
88.7
Health Care:
97.3
Miscellaneous:
90.4
Crime
Is West Lafayette, IN a safe place to live?
West Lafayette is considered a safe community, with a notably low violent crime rate of 99 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime rates also below national averages. Residents enjoy peace of mind, with a 1 in 1,010 chance of experiencing violent crime.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
99
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,127
Crime Index:
1,226
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,010
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in West Lafayette, IN year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 19°F and warm summers reaching highs of 85°F. The city enjoys about 56% sunny days each year and receives approximately 38.7 inches of annual rainfall, offering a balanced climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The city features a high level of education, with nearly 67% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low unemployment rate of 3%. While the median household income is modest at $36,900—reflective of the large student population—West Lafayette offers short commute times averaging 16.5 minutes and strong community diversity.
Median Income:
$18,600
Household Income:
$36,900
Family Income:
$85,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,900
Income Male:
$23,500
Income Female:
$18,100
Poverty Rate:
30.0%
Non English Speakers:
15.3%
Rent:
$1,125
Unemployment Rate:
3.0%
Public Transport Usage:
9.1%
Commute Time:
16.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.2%
Bachelors or More:
66.8%
Education
How are the schools in West Lafayette, IN?
Education is a cornerstone of West Lafayette, home to the prestigious Purdue University and highly rated public schools such as West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School. With nearly 67% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, the city offers a strong academic environment for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
Street:
1105 N Grant St
Phone:
765-746-0400
Students:
1,070
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7
Name:
Cumberland Elementary School
Street:
600 Cumberland Ave
Phone:
765-463-1967
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. James Lutheran School
Street:
615 N 8th St
Phone:
765-447-4152
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Purdue University
City:
West Lafayette
State:
IN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
50,884
Name:
Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette
City:
Lafayette
State:
IN
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
6,200
Healthcare
West Lafayette provides excellent healthcare access, with two major hospitals nearby and 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 95% of the population has health insurance coverage, ensuring reliable medical services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
IU Health Arnett Hospital
Address:
5165 McCarty Ln, Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone:
(765) 448-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Franciscan Health Lafayette East
Address:
1701 S Creasy Ln, Lafayette, IN 47905
Phone:
(765) 502-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.1%
Health Care Index:
77.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Lafayette, IN?
The local housing market is stable and accessible, featuring a median home price of $295,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,125. With a 6.6% appreciation rate over the past year and a low foreclosure rate, the city appeals to both buyers and renters seeking long-term value.
Median Home Price:
$295,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,125
Owner Occupied Rate:
36.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.6%
New Construction Rate:
2.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
West Lafayette residents are served by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 720 W. Navajo St. The local DMV office provides essential services including licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers to area drivers.
State:
Indiana
Department:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
720 W. Navajo St., West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone:
888-692-6841
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.