Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Westlake, LA
Thinking of moving to Westlake, LA? This friendly city of 4,600 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $146,500 and average rents around $890. Enjoy a short average commute of 19 minutes, a warm, sunny climate, and access to local schools and nearby McNeese State University. While crime rates are higher than national averages, Westlake features a close-knit community, budget-friendly costs, and convenient healthcare options—making it a practical choice for families and newcomers alike.
Demographics - Westlake, LA
Demographics - Westlake, LA
Westlake, LA is home to approximately 4,600 residents with a median age of 38, offering a suburban feel and a balanced gender mix. The community is predominantly White (81%), with Black residents making up about 14%, and a small presence of other groups. About 7.5% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, adding cultural diversity to the neighborhood.
Population:
4,636
Density:
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.2%
Black:
13.9%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Westlake, LA?
Westlake offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $146,500 and average rents around $890 per month. Overall expenses are below the national average, with a cost of living index of 85.4, making it an economical choice for families and individuals. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, keeping everyday costs manageable.
Median House Value:
$146,500
Gross Rent:
$890
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$2,185
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
6.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.4
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
62.3
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
90.0
Health Care:
95.3
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Westlake, LA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Westlake are higher than average, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 37 and violent crime at 1 in 232 annually. While these figures may be a consideration for new residents, the city maintains a strong sense of community and local law enforcement presence. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and engaged with neighborhood safety programs.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
431
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,710
Crime Index:
3,141
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 232
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 37
Weather
What is the weather like in Westlake, LA year-round?
Westlake enjoys a warm, humid climate with mild winters averaging lows of 41°F and hot summers reaching highs of 92°F. The area receives about 60 inches of annual rainfall and boasts around 65% sunny days, making it appealing for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal transitions are gentle, providing comfortable living throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
59.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Residents in Westlake have a median household income of $54,200 and a family income near $66,800, with 18% living below the poverty line. The majority of adults have at least a high school diploma, and most commute about 19 minutes to work, typically by car. The neighborhood is quiet with little public transportation use, fostering a close-knit, suburban atmosphere.
Median Income:
$26,400
Household Income:
$54,200
Family Income:
$66,800
Per Capita Income:
$23,500
Income Male:
$38,700
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
18.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$890
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.2%
Bachelors or More:
14.7%
Education
How are the schools in Westlake, LA?
Westlake provides access to quality education through local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, such as Westlake High School and Westwood Elementary. The city also features private school options and is just seven miles from McNeese State University, offering higher education opportunities close to home. Families benefit from a supportive learning environment and a range of academic choices.
Public Schools
Name:
Westlake High School
Street:
1000 Garden Dr
Phone:
337-217-4950
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Westwood Elementary School
Street:
1509 John Stine Rd
Phone:
337-217-4954
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3
Private Schools
Name:
St. John Bosco Catholic School
Street:
1301 Sampson St
Phone:
337-433-3497
Students:
220
Colleges
Name:
McNeese State University
City:
Lake Charles
State:
LA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
7,226
Healthcare
Westlake residents have access to quality healthcare with major hospitals like West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital and Lake Charles Memorial Hospital nearby. There are about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 89% have health insurance coverage. The area offers reliable emergency and general medical services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital
Address:
701 Cypress St, Sulphur, LA 70663
Phone:
(337) 527-7034
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lake Charles Memorial Hospital
Address:
1701 Oak Park Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone:
(337) 494-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.9%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Westlake, LA?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $146,500 and average two-bedroom rents at $890. A majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.9%. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, making Westlake a stable choice for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$146,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$890
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
DMV services for Westlake residents are provided by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Lake Charles. Residents can handle licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle needs at the Main Street branch or access services online through the state website. The office is easily reachable for both new and current residents.
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.