Lake Charles, Louisiana

City Profile — Demographics, Income, Education & Housing
Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 5-Year Estimates
82,430
Population
$54,761
Median Income
$191,200
Home Value
35.7
Median Age

Demographics

Lake Charles has a population of 82,430 with a median age of 35.7. Here is the racial and ethnic breakdown of the population:

Black
45.8%
White
45.4%
Hispanic
3.9%
Asian
2.6%
Other
2.3%
Demographic Value
Total Population82,430
Median Age35.7
White45.4%
Black or African American45.8%
Asian2.6%
Hispanic or Latino3.9%
Other / Two or More Races2.3%

Income & Economy

The median household income in Lake Charles is $54,761, which is 27.1% below the national median of $75,149. The per capita income is $34,341. The poverty rate is 22.6%.

$54,761
Median Household Income
$34,341
Per Capita Income
22.6%
Poverty Rate

Employment

The unemployment rate in Lake Charles is 5.7%, compared to the national rate of 5.4%.

Education

In Lake Charles, 89.7% of residents age 25+ have a high school diploma or higher, and 27.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher (10.1% with a graduate or professional degree).

HS Diploma+
89.7%
Bachelor's+
27.5%
Graduate+
10.1%
Education Level % of Adults (25+)
High School Diploma or Higher89.7%
Bachelor's Degree or Higher27.5%
Graduate or Professional Degree10.1%

Housing

The median home value in Lake Charles is $191,200, below the national median of $281,900. The median monthly rent is $1,007. The homeownership rate is 57.6%.

$191,200
Median Home Value
$1,007/mo
Median Rent
57.6%
Homeownership Rate
Housing Metric Value
Median Home Value$191,200
Median Monthly Rent$1,007
Homeownership Rate57.6%
Vacancy Rate18.8%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Lake Charles, Louisiana?
The population of Lake Charles, Louisiana is 82,430 according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lake Charles, Louisiana?
The median household income in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $54,761. This is 27.1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake Charles, Louisiana?
The median home value in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $191,200. The median monthly rent is $1,007.
What percentage of people in Lake Charles have a college degree?
In Lake Charles, Louisiana, 27.5% of adults age 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 89.7% have a high school diploma or higher.
Is Lake Charles, Louisiana an affordable place to live?
The home price-to-income ratio in Lake Charles, Louisiana is 3.5x (median home value $191,200 vs. median income $54,761), making it relatively affordable by that measure. A ratio under 4.0 is generally considered affordable.

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