Independence, MO 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.
Independence
73.6
#702 nationally
Lake Charles
76.2
#371 nationally
Lake Charles leads in average commute (18 min vs 23.9 min). Lake Charles leads in walk score (37 vs 28). Independence leads in crime level (15.6 vs 16.8).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Independence, MO | Lake Charles, LA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.6 (#702) | 76.2 (#371) |
| Population | 120,922 | 79,633 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $214,173 | $206,355 |
| Median Household Income | $57,415 | $54,761 |
| Average Commute | 23.9 min | 18 min |
| Walk Score | 28 | 37 |
| Crime Level | 15.6 | 16.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 94 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+19.3 | R+39.6 |
C
73.6 Score
Independence, MO
Mid-size Missouri city with community character
Median Home
$214,173
Population
120,922
Crime
High
Walk Score
28
Midwest
View Independence, MO →
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
Swap Independence for: