Lake Charles, Louisiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Lake Charles, Louisiana is 81,679 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest city in Louisiana. The median household income is $56,864, the median home value is $204,000, and the median age is 36.2.
The population has grown 11.9% since 2010 (72,531 → 81,157).
81,679
Population
1721
People / sq mi
$56,864
Median Income
$204,000
Median Home Value
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Lake Charles covers 47.5 sq mi of land at 1721 people per square mile.
About Lake Charles, LA
Remote work is unusually rare in Lake Charles: 4.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. Lake Charles is a city in Louisiana with a population of 81,679. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Louisiana in the country, at #6 by population.
The typical household earns $56,864, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 16.2% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $204,000, with typical rent around $1,090.
29.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (4.8%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Lake Charles city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Lake Charles city had a population of 72,531 in 2010 and 81,157 in 2024, a 11.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 84,885 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.84%.
81,157
Population (2024)
72,531
Population (2010)
84,885
Peak (2020)
0.84%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 72,531 |
| 2011 | 72,873 |
| 2012 | 73,665 |
| 2013 | 73,886 |
| 2014 | 74,513 |
| 2015 | 75,685 |
| 2016 | 76,462 |
| 2017 | 77,586 |
| 2018 | 78,266 |
| 2019 | 78,396 |
| 2020 | 84,885 |
| 2021 | 80,469 |
| 2022 | 79,236 |
| 2023 | 79,937 |
| 2024 | 81,157 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 47.3% |
| Black or African American | 42.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$56,864
Median Household Income
$35,847
Per Capita Income
16.2%
Poverty Rate
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$204,000
Median Home Value
$1,090
Median Rent
61.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
90.2%
High School+
29.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.1%
Drive Alone
81.4%
Public Transit
4.8%
Work From Home
17.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
16.6%
Foreign Born
93.0%
Non-English at Home
7.8%
Veterans
15.4%
With Disability
92.2%
Health Insurance
92.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 28.3% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 12.4% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.5% |
| Manufacturing | 7.9% |
| Construction | 6.9% |
| Information | 6.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.7% |
| Public Administration | 4.5% |
| Retail Trade | 4.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.6% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.0% |
Largest cities in Louisiana
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Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Charles, Louisiana has a population of 81,679 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest city in Louisiana.
The median household income in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $56,864, with 16.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $204,000, with median monthly rent at $1,090 and a homeownership rate of 61.1%.
The median age in Lake Charles, Louisiana is 36.2 years. The population is 49.0% male and 51.0% female.
The population has grown 11.9% since 2010 (72,531 → 81,157).
Lake Charles city, LA Climate
Lake Charles city, LA has an average annual temperature of 20.1°C (68°F) and receives about 1449 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
20.1°C
Avg Temp
1449
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11° / 51° | 125 mm |
| February | 13° / 55° | 97 mm |
| March | 16° / 61° | 95 mm |
| April | 20° / 68° | 89 mm |
| May | 24° / 75° | 143 mm |
| June | 27° / 81° | 133 mm |
| July | 28° / 83° | 138 mm |
| August | 28° / 82° | 128 mm |
| September | 26° / 78° | 145 mm |
| October | 21° / 69° | 106 mm |
| November | 16° / 60° | 114 mm |
| December | 12° / 54° | 136 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Lake Charles city, LA
The most comfortable months to visit Lake Charles city, LA are typically October, April and March, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 5°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.