Lake Charles, LA
Uniquely Cajun cuisine. A vast outdoor oasis. A vibrant downtown full of shops and restaurants. Great nightlife fueled by local breweries and casino resorts. Meet Lake Charles, nestled in the middle of stunning Southwest Louisiana.
In Lake Charles, you’ll find an outstanding way of life filled with Louisiana charm, unforgettable festivities (think Mardi Gras), great career opportunities and plenty of fun activities to fill your evenings and weekends.
You can afford to live here, too, with cost of living numbers lower than the rest of the state and the national average. The city, along with the rest of Southwest Louisiana, boasts a thriving economy and offers an outstanding transportation infrastructure helps draw major companies to the region.
Louisiana Businesses & Brands to Know
Weather in Lake Charles, LA
Average Temperatures
78 high / 58 low
Average Annual Rainfall
61 in
Average Annual Snowfall
0 in
Quick Facts about Lake Charles, Louisiana
- Median Home Value
- $213,709
- Median Property Tax
- $2,559
- Total Population
- 79,706
- Average Commute
- 15 min
- Median Household Income
- $54,871
- Median Monthly Rent
- $819
Map of Lake Charles, LA
Experiences & Adventures in Lake Charles, LA
Southwest Louisiana Enjoys Banner Performances
Program boosts Southwest Louisiana arts scene with a wide variety of year-round entertainment.
Explore and Savor the Rich History of Southwest Louisiana
The region’s unique history, geography and culture can be experienced all around Lake Charles.
Parks in Southwest Louisiana: Investing in Outdoor Fun
Improvements continue to take place within several of the region’s green spaces.
Food Scenes in Lake Charles, LA
5 Restaurants in Lake Charles, LA, Where International Flavors Shine
You don't have to board a plane to enjoy international flavors – you'll find them right here at local restaurants in Lake Charles, LA.
Healthy Places in Lake Charles, LA
How to Find Top-Notch Health Care in Southwest Louisiana
You have plenty of great options for excellent health care in Lake Charles and the surrounding communities of Southwest Louisiana.
Stronger Together in Southwest Louisiana
Colleges and communities align with health care providers in Southwest Louisiana.
Lake Charles, LA: Where to Live Now
Southwest Louisiana: A Perfect Place to Retire
Looking for a place to spend your golden years? Consider the outstanding retirement communities in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana.
Thinking About Living in Southwest Louisiana? Ask These 3 Residents
Locals share their insights on life in Lake Charles and the vibrant communities of Southwest Louisiana.
Best Places To Live in Louisiana
If you crave culture, Louisiana is your oyster. And these 6 cities are not only fun places to visit, they're also great places to live.
Education, Careers and Opportunity in Lake Charles, LA
Southwest Louisiana: Fueling the Future
McNeese State is at the forefront of the booming liquefied natural gas industry in Southwest Louisiana.
Why Do Startups in Southwest Louisiana Thrive?
Entrepreneurs enjoy stellar support from the Business Incubator of Southwest Louisiana.
Why Entrepreneurs Excel in Southwest Louisiana
Small businesses in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana thrive, thanks to stellar resources and community support.
Lake Charles, LA: Love Where You Live
7 Reasons to Move to Southwest Louisiana
Discover why this region is the perfect place for anyone to reside.
Data used on Livability.com is provided from the most recent release (November 2025) by Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS). Our LivScore is calculated in partnership with AGS. Sales tax sources: Sales Tax Clearinghouse, Tax Foundation, and State Revenue Departments. Local rates are population-weighted to account for municipal variations.
