West Lafayette, IN
Population 44,802 · Indiana
About West Lafayette, IN
West Lafayette is a mid-sized city in Indiana with a population of 44,802 residents. The median household income is $33,497 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in West Lafayette is 21.4 years.
Housing in West Lafayette has a median home value of $318,100 and median monthly rent of $1,152. Of the 16,309 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 4,434 owner-occupied and 10,092 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in West Lafayette is 3.6% and the poverty rate is 37.4%. 71.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 15.4 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in West Lafayette?
The median household income in West Lafayette, IN is $33,497 per year.
What is the median home value in West Lafayette?
The median home value in West Lafayette, IN is $318,100.
What is the average rent in West Lafayette?
The median monthly rent in West Lafayette, IN is $1,152.
What is the unemployment rate in West Lafayette?
The unemployment rate in West Lafayette, IN is 3.6%.