Carmel, IN 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.

Carmel

74.5

#579 nationally

vs

Lake Charles

76.2

#371 nationally

Carmel leads in median household income ($121,400 vs $54,761). Lake Charles leads in walk score (37 vs 28). Lake Charles leads in average commute (18 min vs 23.5 min).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Carmel, IN Lake Charles, LA
WhereAtHome Score 74.5 (#579) 76.2 (#371)
Population 104,776 79,633
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $580,014 $206,355
Median Household Income $121,400 $54,761
Average Commute 23.5 min 18 min
Walk Score 28 37
Crime Level Very Low 16.8
School Rating 9 N/A
Cost of Living Index 108 94
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored R+6.1 R+39.6
Carmel, IN
C
74.5 Score

Carmel, IN

Award-winning city planning meets Midwestern charm

Median Home

$580,014

Population

104,776

Crime

Very Low

Schools

A

Midwest View Carmel, IN →
Lake Charles, LA
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 →

Try a different matchup

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