Indiana · Metropolitan Area
West Lafayette is a mid-size city in Indiana with a population of 44,802. Residents earn $33,497 per year, which is 55% below the national average.
Based on current data, West Lafayette receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. West Lafayette has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in West Lafayette is $33,497, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. Only 7.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in West Lafayette is $318,100, 13% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,152 per month. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.5x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
West Lafayette is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 103 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,119 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
West Lafayette is a highly educated community — 71.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
West Lafayette experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
| English Only | 74.9% |
| 5% below US avg | |
| Spanish | 25.1% |
| 87% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $33,497 |
| 55% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $23,738 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,176 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,665 |
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 7.2% |
| 42% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 4,253 |
| County GDP | $13,689M |
| Restaurants | 478 |
| Healthcare | 475 |
| Retail | 519 |
| Manufacturing | 128 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,805 |
| 9% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.20% |
| Commute Time | 15.4 min |
| Work from Home | 12.5% |
| Census Median | $318,100 |
| 13% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $357,993 |
| Median List Price | $429,500 |
| Median List Price | $429,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $172 |
| Homes Sold | 11 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.1% |
| Price Drops | 13.3% |
| Inventory | 45 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,152 |
| 1% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,909 |
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| Owner-Occupied | 30.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,805 |
| 9% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.20% |
| Obesity | 28.6% |
| 11% below US avg | |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
| Binge Drinking | 14.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.0% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Checkup Rate | 79.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,581/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 475 |
| Total Violent | 102.6/100K |
| 73% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 6.4/100K |
| Robbery | 25.7/100K |
| Assault | 70.5/100K |
| Total Property | 1,118.9/100K |
| 43% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 141.1/100K |
| Theft | 916.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 60.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 51.4°F |
| 5% below US avg | |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 37.0 inches |
| 3% below US avg |
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 735 ft (224 m) |
| Area | 13.6 sq mi (35.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,304/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.4437°N, 86.9236°W |
| County FIPS | 18157 |
Winner: Republican by 0.1 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 71.2% |
| 111% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 97.4% |
| School Test Score | 6.01 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 3,304/sq mi |
| Total Area | 13.6 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 17 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 20 |
| Public Libraries | 5 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 475 |
| Restaurants | 478 |
| Retail Stores | 519 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Avg Commute | 15.4 min |
| Work from Home | 12.5% |