West Lafayette, IN
Population 44,802 · Indiana
About West Lafayette, IN
West Lafayette is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 44,802 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,497 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.4 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 West Lafayette features a median home value of $318,100, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. This positions West Lafayette in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,152, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,309 total housing units, 31% are owner-occupied (4,434 units) and 69% are renter-occupied (10,092 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 West Lafayette shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 37.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Lafayette have an average one-way commute time of 15.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
71.2% of West Lafayette residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 21.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How West Lafayette Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in West Lafayette, IN
Compared to national averages, West Lafayette has a median household income of $33,497 (55% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $318,100, which is 30% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,152 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, West Lafayette's income is 52% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 95% above the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in West Lafayette, IN?
West Lafayette offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,152/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 71.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 15.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,497) that falls below the national average. However, West Lafayette’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Lafayette has a population of 44,802 with a median age of 21.4 years. Compare West Lafayette with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near West Lafayette
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | 49,284 | $73,455 | $220,400 | Compare |
| Jeffersonville | 50,176 | $70,157 | $208,500 | Compare |
| Mishawaka | 50,907 | $53,120 | $140,600 | Compare |
| Columbus | 51,104 | $76,856 | $231,000 | Compare |
| Westfield | 51,109 | $119,598 | $391,900 | Compare |
| Portage | 37,951 | $72,833 | $210,800 | Compare |
| New Albany | 37,589 | $54,152 | $169,600 | Compare |
| Merrillville | 36,343 | $64,791 | $194,000 | 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 West Lafayette With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Lafayette
What is the population of West Lafayette, IN?
The population of West Lafayette, IN is 44,802 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 West Lafayette?
The median household income in West Lafayette, IN is $33,497 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Lafayette?
The median home value in West Lafayette, IN is $318,100, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in West Lafayette?
The median monthly rent in West Lafayette, IN is $1,152, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Lafayette?
The unemployment rate in West Lafayette, IN is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is West Lafayette, IN a good place to live?
West Lafayette offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 44,802 and a median age of 21.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is West Lafayette, IN?
71.2% of residents in West Lafayette aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in West Lafayette?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Lafayette, IN: median home value is $318,100 (30% above national), median rent is $1,152/month, and median household income is $33,497. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in West Lafayette?
The poverty rate in West Lafayette, IN is 37.4%, 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 West Lafayette, IN?
West Lafayette's population is 1.9% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 3.7% two or more races. 21.0% of residents are foreign-born.