What to know when moving to Lafayette, LA
TL;DR: Lafayette at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A ZIP where 57.7% of residents rent and 38.4% live in poverty.
- The Major Draw:
- Median rent is $867, making it relatively affordable.
- The Reality Check:
- Only 2.4% of commuters use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $31,723 median household income.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Lafayette has a population of 26,956, with 57.7% of residents renting their homes. Education levels are on the lower side, with only 16.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The poverty rate is high at 38.4%, which may influence the local economy and amenities available.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a strong public transit system, as only 2.4% of residents commute via public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $867, which is manageable for many renters.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $117,200, indicating a relatively affordable housing market.
- About 57.7% of residents rent, showing a significant portion of the population is in rental housing.
- The community has a poverty rate of 38.4%, reflecting economic challenges.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
The crime data for Lafayette is based on state-level statistics for Louisiana, which shows some concerning trends.
- Violent crime rate is 466 per 100k, significantly higher than the national rate of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime rate stands at 1,879.3 per 100k, compared to the national average of 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Aggravated assault rates are at 398.1 per 100k, again above the national average.
- Notable trend: Homicide rates have decreased by 53.2% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Louisiana).
Schools & Higher Ed
Lafayette has access to 10 postsecondary institutions, providing educational opportunities in the area.
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- South Louisiana Community College
- Academy of Interactive Entertainment
- Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Lafayette
- Blue Cliff College-Lafayette
- Cosmetology Training Center
- Delta College of Arts & Technology-Lafayette Campus
- Infinity College
- Remington College-Lafayette Campus
- Unitech Training Academy-Lafayette
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Lafayette experiences an annual average of 60 inches of rain, with about 83 rainy days a year. Summer highs can reach up to 96 degrees, while winter lows can drop to 31 degrees. Snow is virtually nonexistent here.
- Girard Park - 4.6 stars (1,574 reviews)
- Vermilionville Historic Village - 4.7 stars (1,487 reviews)
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park - 4.4 stars (1,201 reviews)
- Moncus Park - 4.7 stars (752 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The local economy in Lafayette Parish has a labor force of 127,479 with an unemployment rate of 3.4%. This translates to 123,096 employed individuals in the area.
- Unemployment rate: 3.4% (December 2025)
- Labor force: 127,479
- Employed: 123,096
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.