Indiana / County

Moving to West Lafayette, IN

Thinking of making a move to West Lafayette, IN? 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 West Lafayette, IN

Considering a move to West Lafayette, IN? This welcoming community of 46,727 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $295,000 and average rents near $1,125. Commute times average 17 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore West Lafayette's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - West Lafayette, IN

West Lafayette has a population of 46,727 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 23 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 65% White, 4% Black, and 20% Asian residents, and over 15% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

The cost of living in West Lafayette is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.7. Median home values are around $295,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,125. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 low violent crime rate of 99 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 89. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Indiana.

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?

West Lafayette experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
19°F
Max
36°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $36,900 and a low poverty rate of 30.0%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 67% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 17 minutes, and almost 9% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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?

West Lafayette offers quality education options, with public schools like West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School and Cumberland Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Purdue University and Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like IU Health Arnett Hospital and Franciscan Health Lafayette East nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 95.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 strong, with a median home price of $295,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 36%. The market has seen a 6.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.2%. West Lafayette offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of West Lafayette handle vehicle services through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in West 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
Indiana
Department
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address
720 W. Navajo St., West Lafayette, IN 47906
Phone
888-692-6841

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 West Lafayette, IN

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

Before moving to West Lafayette, review the core fields on this page: population 46,727, median home value $295,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,125, commute time 16.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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