Cost of Living in Lake Charles, LA
Population: 81,679 • 2026 Data
$56,864
Median Household Income
-27% vs national
$1,090
Median Monthly Rent
-19% vs national
$204,000
Median Home Value
-40% vs national
5.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Lake Charles
The median home value in Lake Charles, LA is $204,000. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,090, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $992.
Rent-to-income ratio: 23.0%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Lake Charles, LA is $56,864. The unemployment rate stands at 5.5%, with a labor force of 39,030 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.