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Lake Charles, Louisiana

city · Calcasieu Parish

At a glance

81,143
Population
$214,300
Median home value (all homes)
29% below U.S. median
$206,355
Typical market value
Zillow, 2026-07
$1,109/mo
Median rent
18% below U.S. median
$59,235
Median household income
25% below U.S. median
17 min
Average commute
85.4%
Homes with broadband
72.07%
Locations with fiber available
6.6%
Unemployment

Cost of living (Clay Affordability Index)

CAI 93 — 7% below the national average. how it's computed

Housing12% below
Goods & services5% below
Utilities1% below
Taxes19% below
Insurance43% above
Commute cost44% below
For business: Louisiana is CBII band 2/5 · time to build band 1/5. See state page for the breakdown.

Living here

Colleges in town:
McNeese State University Graduate degrees
SOWELA Technical Community College 2-year
Avery James School of Cosmetology Certificates
Stage One-The Hair School Certificates
Unitech Training Academy-Lake Charles Certificates
Vista College - Lake Charles Non-degree
Nearest 4-year college3 mi
Nearest community college3 mi
Nearest technical college0 mi
High school graduates90.5%
College graduates29.1%

Doing business here

Economic development contacts, most local first:

city SWLA Chamber-Economic Alliance
The Chamber Southwest Louisiana and its foundation form the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance, a regional economic development organization that uses its resources to strengthen business recruiting and retention for Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis Parishes.
state Acadiana Economic Development Council
state America Electric Power Economic Development
American Electric Power's Economic Development page outlines the company's site selection services, energy solutions, and resources to help businesses locate and grow within AEP's service territory across 11 states.
state Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development
Industrial, Agricultural & Commercial Development for Jeff Davis Parish, Louisiana.
state Louisiana Association of Planning and Development Districts
State sales taxYes
State income taxYes
Right-to-work stateYes

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