West Lafayette, Indiana Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of West Lafayette, Indiana is 44,802 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 23rd-largest city in Indiana. The median household income is $33,497, the median home value is $318,100, and the median age is 21.4.
The population has grown 10.2% since 2010 (42,052 → 46,338).
44,802
Population
3304
People / sq mi
$33,497
Median Income
$318,100
Median Home Value
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West Lafayette covers 13.6 sq mi of land at 3304 people per square mile.
About West Lafayette, IN
West Lafayette skews on age — the median resident is 21.4, younger than the national median. West Lafayette is a city in Indiana with a population of 44,802. It ranks #23 among cities in Indiana by population.
Household earnings sit near the bottom of the range at $33,497, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 7.2%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $318,100, with typical rent around $1,152.
West Lafayette is among the best-educated US cities: 71.2% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. Around 12.5% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.
West Lafayette city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of West Lafayette city had a population of 42,052 in 2010 and 46,338 in 2024, a 10.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 50,996 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.78%.
46,338
Population (2024)
42,052
Population (2010)
50,996
Peak (2019)
0.78%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 42,052 |
| 2011 | 42,526 |
| 2012 | 43,227 |
| 2013 | 43,666 |
| 2014 | 44,975 |
| 2015 | 46,174 |
| 2016 | 47,503 |
| 2017 | 47,504 |
| 2018 | 49,019 |
| 2019 | 50,996 |
| 2020 | 44,664 |
| 2021 | 44,943 |
| 2022 | 45,097 |
| 2023 | 45,193 |
| 2024 | 46,338 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 68.7% |
| Black or African American | 3.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$33,497
Median Household Income
$23,738
Per Capita Income
7.2%
Poverty Rate
1.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$318,100
Median Home Value
$1,152
Median Rent
30.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
97.4%
High School+
71.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
5.6%
Drive Alone
49.0%
Public Transit
12.5%
Work From Home
15.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
38.4%
Foreign Born
75.7%
Non-English at Home
1.8%
Veterans
7.9%
With Disability
97.3%
Health Insurance
97.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 47.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 13.7% |
| Manufacturing | 7.8% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.7% |
| Retail Trade | 3.1% |
| Information | 3.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.1% |
| Construction | 2.0% |
| Public Administration | 1.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.0% |
Largest cities in Indiana
Largest counties in Indiana
Part of Indiana
Metro areas in Indiana
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
West Lafayette, Indiana has a population of 44,802 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 23rd-largest city in Indiana.
The median household income in West Lafayette, Indiana is $33,497, with 7.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in West Lafayette, Indiana is $318,100, with median monthly rent at $1,152 and a homeownership rate of 30.5%.
The median age in West Lafayette, Indiana is 21.4 years. The population is 55.1% male and 44.9% female.
The population has grown 10.2% since 2010 (42,052 → 46,338).
West Lafayette city, IN Climate
West Lafayette city, IN has an average annual temperature of 10.5°C (51°F) and receives about 937 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.5°C
Avg Temp
937
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -4° / 24° | 46 mm |
| February | -2° / 28° | 41 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 72 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 94 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 98 mm |
| June | 21° / 71° | 104 mm |
| July | 24° / 74° | 92 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 101 mm |
| September | 19° / 65° | 77 mm |
| October | 12° / 54° | 65 mm |
| November | 5° / 42° | 75 mm |
| December | -1° / 30° | 72 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 West Lafayette city, IN
The most comfortable months to visit West Lafayette city, IN are typically June, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near West Lafayette
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Indiana
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.