Median Income
$34,375
54% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,600
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
178/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.8%
80% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
45.9%
270% higher than US avg
How Lake Lafayette Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population227
Median Age49.8 yrs
Density355/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans15.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$34,375
Per Capita$18,120
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty45.9%
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,600
Ownership96.2%
Zillow$251,371
Housing Units120
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent178/100K
Property2,045/100K
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking17.3%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.1 in/yr
Sunny Days263/yr
Elevation850 ft (259 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.8%
High School+87.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute23 min
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations4
Is Lake Lafayette a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Lafayette receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Lake Lafayette has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Lafayette is $34,375, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 45.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Lafayette is $76,600, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Lake Lafayette is below the national average at 178 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,045 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
6.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Lafayette experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 263 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Lake Lafayette has a population of 227 with a density of 355 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 49.8 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.3% female and 61.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 5.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 15.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.8yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Lafayette vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Lafayette vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Lafayette is $34,375, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,120 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 45.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Lafayette vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,375 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,120 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 45.9% |
| 270% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Lake Lafayette is $76,600, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,371, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 120 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,600 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $251,371 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.8% |
| Housing Units | 120 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
In Lake Lafayette, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.3% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.8% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Lake Lafayette vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 64.2% |
Food & Exercise
Lake Lafayette has a violent crime rate of 178 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,045 per 100,000, 4% above the U.S. average. Overall, Lake Lafayette receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lake Lafayette vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 177.8/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,044.7/100K |
| 4% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Lafayette experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 263 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.1 inches. The area receives 4.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 850 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.9°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 263 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 850 ft (259 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 355/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.9458°N, 93.9713°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sedalia Regional (DMO)
46 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.1"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.88"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
54 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
111 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
65 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
68 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
88 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
478 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 342 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
76 km |
2 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
8 km |
1 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,089 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,089 |
68 km |
| 2005 |
NR STEELE |
1,652 |
99 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,305 |
100 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
67 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
636 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
624 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Lake Lafayette has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 26°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Lake Lafayette. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Lafayette
What is the population of Lake Lafayette?
Lake Lafayette has a population of 227 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 355 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.3% female and 61.7% male.
Is Lake Lafayette expensive to live in?
Lake Lafayette is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $34,375, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $76,600 (73% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lake Lafayette safe?
Lake Lafayette is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 178 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,045 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lake Lafayette receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lake Lafayette?
Lake Lafayette has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 263 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.1 inches, with 4.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Lake Lafayette?
The job market in Lake Lafayette is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Lafayette?
The median home value in Lake Lafayette is $76,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,371. The homeownership rate is 96.2%.
How are the schools in Lake Lafayette?
Schools in Lake Lafayette score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.8% of adults in Lake Lafayette hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Lafayette?
The obesity rate in Lake Lafayette is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in Lake Lafayette?
The average commute in Lake Lafayette is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Lafayette?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Lafayette is 90.3% White, 5.3% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 15.7% of the population are military veterans. 29.8% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
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