Lake Charles, LA
Full City Profile · Louisiana · Calcasieu Parish County
3.0
/5.0
B
Good
81,679
Population
1,721/sq mi density
$56,864
Median Income
$35,847 per capita
$204,000
Home Value
$206,515 Zillow
$1,090
Median Rent
33.8% income on rent
70°F
Avg Temperature
617
Violent Crime/100K
2,485 property/100K
B
Overall
3.0 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$56,864 median income, 5.5% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.7 / 5.0
$204,000 home value, $1,090/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
617 violent crimes/100K (62% above avg)
B
Education
3.4 / 5.0
29.4% bachelor's degree or higher
Lake Charles enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 59.7 inches. The area receives 0.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49.
Temperature
53°F Jan (12°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 69.7°F |
| 29% above US avg | |
| January Average | 53°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 20 ft (6 m) |
| Area | 44.8 sq mi (116.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,721/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.1990°N, 93.2108°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Calcasieu Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Chennault International (CWF) 4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 49.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 53.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 4 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0412 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 8.5 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.51 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 95.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Relatively High |
| Hurricane | Very High |
| Earthquake | Relatively Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Moderate |
| Flood | Relatively High |
| Hail | Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind | Relatively High |
| Heat Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Low |
| Lightning | Very High |
| Ice Storm | Relatively High |
| Drought | Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave | Relatively High |
| Landslide | Very Low |
| Coastal Flood | Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 53°F (12°C) | 5.9 in | Coldest |
| February | 57°F (14°C) | 3.3 in | Driest |
| March | 63°F (17°C) | 3.7 in | |
| April | 69°F (21°C) | 4.4 in | |
| May | 76°F (25°C) | 5.4 in | |
| June | 82°F (28°C) | 6.5 in | Wettest |
| July | 84°F (29°C) | 5.7 in | |
| August | 84°F (29°C) | 6.2 in | Warmest |
| September | 80°F (27°C) | 5.2 in | |
| October | 71°F (22°C) | 4.8 in | |
| November | 61°F (16°C) | 4.1 in | |
| December | 55°F (13°C) | 4.6 in |
Lake Charles has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 53°F in January to 84°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 59.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (6.5") and February the driest (3.3").