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Lake Charles

Learn about the people, housing, costs and businesses in Lake Charles

Median Home$212,259
Median Rent$1,121/month
Population244,027
Leading IndustriesWholesale Trade · Manufacturing · Agriculture & Mining10% wholesale trade
Home Value Growth+3.1% over 2 years
Family-Friendly25% of residentsabove average nationally
Homeowners74% of occupied units
Lake Charles

Frequently Asked Questions

What are today's mortgage rates in Lake Charles?

Mortgage rates for Lake Charles are updated daily on Safe Rate using live investor pricing. Rates depend on your credit score, loan type (Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo), and down payment. A 30-year fixed rate is the most common product for home purchases.

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What is the median home price in Lake Charles?

The median home value in Lake Charles is $212k. The median monthly rent is $1,121. Annual property taxes average $1k. Home values are based on U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates.

Are home values rising in Lake Charles?

Home values in Lake Charles have increased 3.1% over the past two years. This represents moderate growth. This data is sourced from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index.

How much income do you need to buy a home in Lake Charles?

Based on a typical all-in ownership cost of $973/month (mortgage, taxes, insurance), you'd generally need a household income of approximately $42k/year to keep housing costs at or below 28% of gross income — a common lender guideline. The median household income in Lake Charles is $72k/year.

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What industries drive the economy in Lake Charles?

The largest employment sectors in Lake Charles are public administration (25%) and wholesale trade (10%) of the local workforce. Industry data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey.