Lafayette, LA Census Data
The 5th largest city in Louisiana by population · 8 cities ranked
Lafayette is the 5th largest city in Louisiana by population and ranks 3rd of 8 for median household income. With 121,537 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 5 other Louisiana cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
121,537
48.5% male · 51.5% female
Median Age
37.1
1.6 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$61,454
$17,084 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
40.6%
5.6% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 90.9%
Poverty Rate
19.1%
6.7% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.5%
Broadband Access
93.6%
3.9% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$251,300
Median rent: $1,065 · 55% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Labor force participation: 59.7%
Per Capita Income
$39,273
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.9%
Disability rate: 12.9%
How Lafayette Compares to Other Louisiana Cities
Rankings among all 8 Louisiana cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 5th of 8 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 3rd of 8 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 3rd of 8 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 2nd of 8 | Top 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 3rd of 8 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Lafayette, LA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lafayette, LA?
The population of Lafayette, LA is 121,537 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 37.1 years.
What is the median household income in Lafayette?
The median household income in Lafayette, LA is $61,454, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $39,273.
What is the poverty rate in Lafayette?
The poverty rate in Lafayette, LA is 19.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Lafayette residents have a college degree?
40.6% of adults (25+) in Lafayette hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.9% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Lafayette?
The median home value in Lafayette, LA is $251,300. Median rent is $1,065 per month, with 55% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Lafayette?
Lafayette's population is 59.1% White, 28.6% Black, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.1% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Lafayette rank among Louisiana cities?
Lafayette is the 5th largest city in Louisiana by population, the 3rd highest for median household income, the 3rd lowest for poverty rate, the 2nd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 8 ranked Louisiana cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Lafayette?
The unemployment rate in Lafayette, LA is 5.1%, with a labor force participation rate of 59.7%. Per capita income is $39,273.
Cities Similar to Lafayette
Other Louisiana cities with comparable population and income levels.