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).
Where to stay in West Lafayette
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.