Abilene, TX vs Lake Charles, LA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Abilene
77.5
#236 nationally
Lake Charles
76.2
#371 nationally
Abilene leads in crime level (11.6 vs 16.8). Lake Charles leads in walk score (37 vs 31). Abilene leads in average commute (15.2 min vs 18 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Abilene, TX | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.5 (#236) | 76.2 (#371) |
| Population | 129,043 | 79,633 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $222,710 | $206,355 |
| Median Household Income | $59,254 | $54,761 |
| Average Commute | 15.2 min | 18 min |
| Walk Score | 31 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 11.6 | 16.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+49.8 | R+39.6 |
C+
77.5 Score
Abilene, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$222,710
Population
129,043
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
31
Southwest
View Abilene, TX →
C
76.2 Score
Lake Charles, LA
Louisiana community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$206,355
Population
79,633
Crime
High
Walk Score
37
Southeast
View Lake Charles, LA →