Lake Charles, LA
Population 81,679 · Louisiana
About Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles is a mid-sized city located in Louisiana with a population of 81,679 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,864 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lake Charles features a median home value of $204,000, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lake Charles in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,090, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 40,146 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (19,444 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (12,401 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lake Charles shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 23.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lake Charles have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.4% of Lake Charles 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 1.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 4.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lake Charles Ranks in Louisiana
Cost of Living in Lake Charles, LA
Compared to national averages, Lake Charles has a median household income of $56,864 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $204,000, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,090 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Louisiana, Lake Charles's income is 4% above the state average of $54,685, and home values are 30% above the state median of $156,619.
Why Live in Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles offers affordable housing with a median home value of $204,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,090/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,864) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Lake Charles provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Lake Charles has a population of 81,679 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Lake Charles with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Louisiana.
Similar Cities Near Lake Charles
Cities in Louisiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenner | 65,113 | $64,099 | $241,800 | Compare |
| Bossier City | 62,832 | $55,130 | $192,300 | Compare |
| Monroe | 47,241 | $36,521 | $174,800 | Compare |
| Alexandria | 44,566 | $47,357 | $182,800 | Compare |
| Lafayette | 121,537 | $61,454 | $251,300 | Compare |
| Prairieville | 35,010 | $115,610 | $302,200 | Compare |
| Houma | 32,760 | $54,637 | $207,900 | Compare |
| Marrero | 31,866 | $45,633 | $173,200 | 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 Lake Charles With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Charles
What is the population of Lake Charles, LA?
The population of Lake Charles, LA is 81,679 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Louisiana.
What is the median household income in Lake Charles?
The median household income in Lake Charles, LA is $56,864 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake Charles?
The median home value in Lake Charles, LA is $204,000, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lake Charles?
The median monthly rent in Lake Charles, LA is $1,090, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Charles?
The unemployment rate in Lake Charles, LA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live?
Lake Charles offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 81,679 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lake Charles, LA?
29.4% of residents in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake Charles, LA: median home value is $204,000 (17% below national), median rent is $1,090/month, and median household income is $56,864. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Charles?
The poverty rate in Lake Charles, LA is 23.2%, 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 Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles's population is 1.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 42.8% two or more races. 4.7% of residents are foreign-born.