Median Income
$49,274
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$24,300
91% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,738/100K
357% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.6%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.9%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.3%
7% higher than US avg
How Lawtell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,044
Median Age53.9 yrs
Density252/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 63%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,274
Per Capita$26,254
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty13.3%
County GDP$1,177M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$24,300
Ownership92.5%
Zillow$128,078
Housing Units532
Rent Burden32.3%
Crime
F
Violent1,738/100K
Property7,135/100K
Health
Obesity39.9%
Uninsured11.2%
Smoking21.1%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain61.6 in/yr
Sunny Days313/yr
Elevation61 ft (19 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.6%
High School+79.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.78
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute24 min
Broadband48.5%
EV Stations9
Libraries6
Is Lawtell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lawtell receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lawtell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lawtell is $49,274, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 13.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lawtell is $24,300, 91% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,738 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,135 per 100,000, 264% above the national average.
Education
10.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Lawtell enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 313 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 61.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Lawtell has a population of 1,044 with a density of 252 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age is 53.9 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.4% female and 55.6% male. The city is predominantly White (63.4%), with 29.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 73.7% of residents, while 26.3% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.9yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
73.7%
6% below US avg
Spanish
26.3%
96% above US avg
The median household income in Lawtell is $49,274, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,254 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $840, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 646 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,274 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,254 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $840 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,019 |
| Gini Index | 0.489 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 646 |
| County GDP | $1,177M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 102 |
| Retail | 93 |
| Manufacturing | 16 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,271 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 9.35% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 57.9% |
| Public Transit | 9.1% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Lawtell is $24,300, 91% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,078, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 532 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $2,271 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $24,300 |
| 91% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $128,078 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.5% |
| Housing Units | 532 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,271 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 9.35% |
In Lawtell, 39.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 43.5% have high blood pressure. 21.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.1% report binge drinking. 33.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. 11.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,534. The dentist ratio is 1:2,908. 55.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lawtell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.9% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.5% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 4.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.1% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.6% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 42.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,534 |
| Dentists | 1:2,908 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,270 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.4% |
| Dental Visits | 46.4% |
| Premature Death | 13,359/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
Lawtell has a violent crime rate of 1,738 per 100,000 residents, 357% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,135 per 100,000, 264% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lawtell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lawtell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,738.1/100K |
| 357% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,134.6/100K |
| 264% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lawtell enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (20°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 313 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 61.6 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 61 feet.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 67.3°F |
| 25% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 313 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 61 ft (19 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (10.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 252/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.5126°N, 92.1832°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Evangeline Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Lafayette Regional/Paul Fournet Field (LFT)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.6"
62% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
5.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 89.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 2, 2010.
| Aug 2, 2010 |
16 km ESE of Clinton, Louisiana |
M3.0 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
22 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
160 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
133 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
117 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
211 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
102 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
295 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
204 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
277 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
36 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
138 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
249 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
170 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
248 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 3 |
58 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
264 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
46 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
228 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
215 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
229 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
648 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 37 fatalities, 634 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| May 17, 2020 |
EF3 |
10 km |
1 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1983 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1981 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
2 |
| Oct 29, 1974 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1973 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Feb 29, 1972 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Dec 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1967 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 1961 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| Nov 7, 1957 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LACASSINE POOL (16,640 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
LACASSINE POOL |
16,640 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
12,496 |
52 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
8,563 |
96 km |
| 2023 |
HWY 113 |
7,104 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
6,588 |
91 km |
| 2021 |
C-368 366 365 364 75 |
5,919 |
83 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
5,381 |
93 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
4,875 |
85 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,872 |
100 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
89 km |
| 2019 |
C-371/369/34 |
4,481 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
RX CALV C-262-265 |
4,445 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,648 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,599 |
91 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,430 |
96 km |
| 2002 |
G 1 2 3 |
3,427 |
94 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
3,338 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
C-265 |
3,336 |
94 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
3,203 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
50°F (10°C) |
6.0 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
4.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| April |
67°F (19°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| May |
74°F (24°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
5.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| December |
53°F (11°C) |
5.9 in |
|
Lawtell has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 50°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 61.9 inches, with January being the wettest month (6.0") and February the driest (4.5").
Average costs for common services in Lawtell. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132–$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176–$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706–$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132–$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353–$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132–$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528–$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353–$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851–$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441–$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410–$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764–$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706–$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176–$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882–$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65–$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21–$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21–$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65–$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53–$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71–$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058–$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529–$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441–$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176–$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353–$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410–$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132–$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $572 |
| Toddler | $572 |
| Preschool | $574 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $462 |
| Toddler | $462 |
| Preschool | $462 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawtell
What is the population of Lawtell?
Lawtell has a population of 1,044 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 252 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.4% female and 55.6% male.
Is Lawtell expensive to live in?
Lawtell is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,274, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $24,300 (91% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lawtell safe?
Public safety is a concern in Lawtell, with a violent crime rate of 1,738 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 7,135 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Lawtell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lawtell?
Lawtell enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 50°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 313 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 61.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Lawtell?
The job market in Lawtell is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $840. There are 646 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lawtell?
The median home value in Lawtell is $24,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $128,078. The homeownership rate is 92.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,271.
How are the schools in Lawtell?
Schools in Lawtell have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.6% of adults in Lawtell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lawtell?
The obesity rate in Lawtell is 39.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.1% of adults are smokers. 33.6% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 11.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 55.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,534.
What is transportation like in Lawtell?
The average commute in Lawtell is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 57.9% of workers drive alone to work, 9.1% use public transit, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lawtell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lawtell is 63.4% White, 29.1% Black or African American. 73.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 26.3% speak Spanish. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 23.7% of residents have a disability. 92.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
