Lake Charles, LA, US
Southwest Louisiana city with casinos, the Creole Nature Trail, and a petrochemical industry.
Overview
Lake Charles is a city in LA with a population of 78,000. Southwest Louisiana city with casinos, the Creole Nature Trail, and a petrochemical industry. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Lake Charles vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.0%
- Sales Tax: 9.5%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $52,000
- Unemployment: 4.0%
- Population: 78,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 215/year
- Summer High: 92°F
- Winter Low: 42°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: $200,000
- 1BR Rent: $950/mo
Cost of Living
Lake Charles's cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100).
| Category | Lake Charles | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $200,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $950/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,188/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $133 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Lake Charles:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $79 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $29 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $13 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $45 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $256 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Lake Charles scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Lake Charles has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62°F | 42°F | 2.5" |
| April | 77°F | 57°F | 2.8" |
| July | 92°F | 67°F | 1.5" |
| October | 72°F | 60°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Lake Charles faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat.
Gulf Coast affected by hurricanes.
Coastal flooding.
Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4%
- Sales Tax: 9.5%
- Property Tax: ~0.56% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of Lake Charles is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA, US?
The cost of living index in Lake Charles is 88, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Lake Charles?
The median home price in Lake Charles is $200,000. The housing index is 90.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Lake Charles is approximately $950/mo.
Does Lake Charles, LA have income tax?
Lake Charles is in LA, which has an income tax rate of 4%.
What is the climate like in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles enjoys approximately 215 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 92°F, while winter lows can drop to around 42°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.