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Lake Charles, Louisiana

Last updated: 2024 BLS data · Page refreshed:

City Profile — Demographics, Income, Education & Housing
Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 5-Year Estimates
81,143
Population
$59,235
Median Income
$214,300
Home Value
36.6
Median Age

Demographics

Lake Charles has a population of 81,143 with a median age of 36.6. Here is the racial and ethnic breakdown of the population:

White
46.1%
Black
42.4%
Hispanic
5.7%
Other
3.1%
Asian
2.7%
Demographic Value
Total Population81,143
Median Age36.6
White46.1%
Black or African American42.4%
Asian2.7%
Hispanic or Latino5.7%
Other / Two or More Races3.1%
Lake Charles, Louisiana — racial composition (Census ACS 2024)Donut chart of 5 segments totaling 100.White: 46.1%Black: 42.4%Hispanic/Latino: 5.7%Other: 3.1%Asian: 2.7%81,143PopulationWhiteWhite46.1%BlackBlack42.4%Hispanic/LatinoHispanic/Latino5.7%OtherOther3.1%AsianAsian2.7%

Income & Economy

The median household income in Lake Charles is $59,235, which is 26.5% below the national median of $80,610. The per capita income is $35,860. The poverty rate is 23.3%.

$59,235
Median Household Income
$35,860
Per Capita Income
23.3%
Poverty Rate

Employment

The unemployment rate in Lake Charles is 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.1%.

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Education

In Lake Charles, 90.5% of residents age 25+ have a high school diploma or higher, and 29.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher (10.9% with a graduate or professional degree).

HS Diploma+
90.5%
Bachelor's+
29.1%
Graduate+
10.9%
Education Level % of Adults (25+)
High School Diploma or Higher90.5%
Bachelor's Degree or Higher29.1%
Graduate or Professional Degree10.9%

Housing

The median home value in Lake Charles is $214,300, below the national median of $303,400. The median monthly rent is $1,109. The homeownership rate is 60.9%.

$214,300
Median Home Value
$1,109/mo
Median Rent
60.9%
Homeownership Rate
Housing Metric Value
Median Home Value$214,300
Median Monthly Rent$1,109
Homeownership Rate60.9%
Vacancy Rate21.3%

Salaries in Louisiana

Explore salary data for popular occupations in Louisiana:

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Other Cities in Louisiana

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Lake Charles, Louisiana?
The population of Lake Charles, Louisiana is 81,143 according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lake Charles, Louisiana?
The median household income in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $59,235. This is 26.5% below the national median of $80,610.
What is the median home value in Lake Charles, Louisiana?
The median home value in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $214,300. The median monthly rent is $1,109.
What percentage of people in Lake Charles have a college degree?
In Lake Charles, Louisiana, 29.1% of adults age 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.5% 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 3.6x (median home value $214,300 vs. median income $59,235), making it relatively affordable by that measure. A ratio under 4.0 is generally considered affordable.

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