Lake Charles, Louisiana

Louisiana community balancing growth and livability

Southeast Lake Charles, LA Metro

WhereAtHome Score

76.2

C

out of 100

Overview

Lake Charles is a Louisiana city with a population of approximately 79,633, part of the Lake Charles, LA metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $206,355. Median household income is $54,761.

Key Highlights

  • Population of approximately 79,633 (2023 Census estimate)
  • Median home value of $206,355 (Zillow ZHVI)
  • Median household income of $54,761 (Census ACS)
  • Average commute time of 18 minutes
  • Part of the Lake Charles, LA metro area

Key Metrics

Population 2023

79,633

Source: Census ACS

$206,355

Source: Zillow ZHVI

$54,761

Source: Census ACS

18 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2026

37

Source: Walk Score

94 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: AreaVibes / BLS

2024 Presidential Election

Calcasieu Parish (county-level results)

29%
69%
Democrat 23,918
Republican 56,064
Leans R+39.6

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 99.5/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 73.1/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 78.8/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 20/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 37/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 44.9/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 76.2

Location

Lake Charles, LA (30.2285, -93.1880)
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Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.