Lafayette, LA
Population 121,537 · Louisiana
About Lafayette, LA
Lafayette is a major city located in Louisiana with a population of 121,537 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,454 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lafayette features a median home value of $251,300, which is 3% above 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 $1,065, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 58,905 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (28,842 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (23,638 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lafayette shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lafayette have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
40.6% 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 1.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lafayette Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in Lafayette, LA
Compared to national averages, Lafayette has a median household income of $61,454 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $251,300, which is 3% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,065 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Lafayette's income is 12% above the state average of $54,685, and home values are 60% above the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Lafayette, LA?
Lafayette offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,065/month, and a well-educated community where 40.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,454) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Lafayette provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Lafayette has a population of 121,537 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare Lafayette with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near Lafayette
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metairie | 138,995 | $73,256 | $308,900 | Compare |
| Lake Charles | 81,679 | $56,864 | $204,000 | Compare |
| Kenner | 65,113 | $64,099 | $241,800 | Compare |
| Bossier City | 62,832 | $55,130 | $192,300 | Compare |
| Shreveport | 183,483 | $48,465 | $178,100 | Compare |
| Monroe | 47,241 | $36,521 | $174,800 | Compare |
| Alexandria | 44,566 | $47,357 | $182,800 | Compare |
| Prairieville | 35,010 | $115,610 | $302,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Louisiana
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, LA?
The population of Lafayette, LA is 121,537 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Louisiana.
What is the median household income in Lafayette?
The median household income in Lafayette, LA is $61,454 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lafayette?
The median home value in Lafayette, LA is $251,300, which is 3% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lafayette?
The median monthly rent in Lafayette, LA is $1,065, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lafayette?
The unemployment rate in Lafayette, LA is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live?
Lafayette offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 121,537 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lafayette, LA?
40.6% of residents in 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 Lafayette?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lafayette, LA: median home value is $251,300 (3% above national), median rent is $1,065/month, and median household income is $61,454. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lafayette?
The poverty rate in Lafayette, LA is 19.1%, 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, LA?
Lafayette's population is 1.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 28.5% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.