Lake Charles, LA Census Data
The 6th largest city in Louisiana by population · 8 cities ranked
Lake Charles is the 6th largest city in Louisiana by population and ranks 4th of 8 for median household income. With 81,679 residents, its poverty rate of 23.2% ranks among the higher rates in Louisiana. 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
81,679
49.0% male · 51.0% female
Median Age
36.2
2.5 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$56,864
$21,674 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
29.4%
5.6% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 90.2%
Poverty Rate
23.2%
10.8% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 7.8%
Broadband Access
92.1%
2.4% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$204,000
Median rent: $1,090 · 61% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
Labor force participation: 56.4%
Per Capita Income
$35,033
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
7.8%
Disability rate: 15.4%
How Lake Charles Compares to Other Louisiana Cities
Rankings among all 8 Louisiana cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 6th of 8 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 4th of 8 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 6th of 8 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 5th of 8 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 6th of 8 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Lake Charles, LA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lake Charles, LA?
The population of Lake Charles, LA is 81,679 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.2 years.
What is the median household income in Lake Charles?
The median household income in Lake Charles, LA is $56,864, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $35,033.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Charles?
The poverty rate in Lake Charles, LA is 23.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 7.8% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Lake Charles residents have a college degree?
29.4% of adults (25+) in Lake Charles hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.2% 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 Lake Charles?
The median home value in Lake Charles, LA is $204,000. Median rent is $1,090 per month, with 61% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Lake Charles?
Lake Charles's population is 47.3% White, 42.8% Black, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.6% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Lake Charles rank among Louisiana cities?
Lake Charles is the 6th largest city in Louisiana by population, the 4th highest for median household income, the 6th lowest for poverty rate, the 5th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 8 ranked Louisiana cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Charles?
The unemployment rate in Lake Charles, LA is 5.5%, with a labor force participation rate of 56.4%. Per capita income is $35,033.
Cities Similar to Lake Charles
Other Louisiana cities with comparable population and income levels.