Lafayette, IN
Population 70,650 · Indiana
About Lafayette, IN
Lafayette is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 70,650 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,946 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lafayette features a median home value of $157,600, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lafayette in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,039, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 33,911 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (15,246 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (16,797 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lafayette shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lafayette have an average one-way commute time of 16.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.1% of Lafayette residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 10.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 9.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lafayette Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in Lafayette, IN
Compared to national averages, Lafayette has a median household income of $52,946 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $157,600, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,039 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Lafayette's income is 24% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 4% below the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Lafayette, IN?
Lafayette offers affordable housing with a median home value of $157,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,039/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,946) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Lafayette provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Lafayette has a population of 70,650 with a median age of 33.7 years. Compare Lafayette with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Lafayette
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noblesville | 71,940 | $102,319 | $321,800 | Compare |
| Gary | 68,604 | $37,380 | $85,300 | Compare |
| Muncie | 64,739 | $43,395 | $92,000 | Compare |
| Greenwood | 64,237 | $78,765 | $248,700 | Compare |
| Hammond | 77,098 | $53,950 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Bloomington | 78,791 | $48,918 | $289,700 | Compare |
| Kokomo | 59,375 | $54,195 | $126,500 | Compare |
| Terre Haute | 58,491 | $41,960 | $109,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Lafayette With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lafayette
What is the population of Lafayette, IN?
The population of Lafayette, IN is 70,650 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Lafayette?
The median household income in Lafayette, IN is $52,946 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lafayette?
The median home value in Lafayette, IN is $157,600, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Lafayette?
The median monthly rent in Lafayette, IN is $1,039, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lafayette?
The unemployment rate in Lafayette, IN is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lafayette, IN a good place to live?
Lafayette offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 70,650 and a median age of 33.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lafayette, IN?
28.1% of residents in Lafayette aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lafayette, IN: median home value is $157,600 (36% below national), median rent is $1,039/month, and median household income is $52,946. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lafayette?
The poverty rate in Lafayette, IN is 17.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Lafayette, IN?
Lafayette's population is 10.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 8.9% two or more races. 9.9% of residents are foreign-born.