Median Income
$45,364
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,300
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.6%
60% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$723
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.3%
104% higher than US avg
How West Lafayette Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,759
Median Age40.0 yrs
Density3,208/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$45,364
Per Capita$23,341
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty25.3%
County GDP$1,663M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,300
Rent$723
Ownership74.3%
Zillow$183,389
Housing Units1,099
Rent Burden29.4%
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured3.3%
Smoking22.0%
Depression30.3%
Heart Disease7.3%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
Rain43.6 in/yr
Elevation806 ft (246 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.6%
High School+86.3%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute25 min
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is West Lafayette a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Lafayette receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. West Lafayette offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Lafayette is $45,364, 40% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 25.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Lafayette is $92,300, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $723 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
West Lafayette experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches, including 15.3 inches of snow.
West Lafayette has a population of 2,759 with a density of 3,208 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 40.0 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51% female and 49% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,759
Total Population
2023 Census
40.0yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Lafayette vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
West Lafayette vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Lafayette is $45,364, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,341 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $966, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 25.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 746 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Lafayette vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,364 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,341 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $966 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,302 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.3% |
| 104% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 746 |
| County GDP | $1,663M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 82 |
| Retail | 96 |
| Manufacturing | 54 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,875 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in West Lafayette is $92,300, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,389, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $80,000 with homes selling in an average of 32 days. Homes sell for 66.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $723 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,099 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,875. 29.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,300 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,389 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $80,000 |
| Median List Price | $204,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $80,000 |
| Median List Price | $204,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $76 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 32 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 66.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $723 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,099 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,875 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.20% |
In West Lafayette, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.3% of residents, above the national average. 36.4% have high blood pressure. 22.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.9% report binge drinking. 31.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.6% experience frequent mental distress. 3.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,817. The dentist ratio is 1:3,048. 44.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: West Lafayette vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 10.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.0% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.8% |
| Depression | 30.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.6% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 3.3% |
| 62% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,817 |
| Dentists | 1:3,048 |
| Mental Health | 1:922 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 54.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,619/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 82 |
West Lafayette experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.6 inches. The area receives 15.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 806 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.4°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 806 ft (246 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,208/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.2760°N, 81.7517°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Coshocton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Akron-Canton Regional (CAK)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.6"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.71"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 49.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 89.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
22 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.9 on May 9, 2025.
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
116 km |
| Nov 20, 2013 |
2 km SW of Buchtel, Ohio |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| May 24, 2017 |
1 km S of McArthur, Ohio |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| Jun 3, 2017 |
1 km WNW of Batesville, Ohio |
M3.4 |
56 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Apr 24, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
3 km SE of Lowell, Ohio |
M3.1 |
89 km |
| Apr 22, 2025 |
3 km ESE of Buffalo, Ohio |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| Apr 2, 2017 |
5 km W of Graysville, Ohio |
M3.0 |
81 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
88 km |
| May 9, 2025 |
3 km S of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.9 |
49 km |
| Aug 7, 2000 |
2 km S of Limaville, Ohio |
M2.9 |
91 km |
| Apr 29, 2025 |
1 km SE of Pleasant City, Ohio |
M2.8 |
47 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
0 km NE of Reno, Ohio |
M2.8 |
105 km |
| May 6, 2002 |
3 km SE of Racine, Ohio |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Aug 31, 2011 |
2 km NNW of Belmont, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
106 km |
| May 17, 2010 |
2 km S of Boston Heights, Ohio |
M2.7 |
109 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
104 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
3 km N of Saint Marys, West Virginia |
M2.6 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
291 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 187 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Oct 12, 1978 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 2024 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2011 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 2010 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2006 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2006 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2003 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2003 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 37-38 (1,050 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 37-38 |
1,050 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 1-12 |
1,037 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 11-19 |
936 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
LONG RIDGE RX UNIT 24 |
709 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
42°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
3.2 in |
|
West Lafayette has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 28°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in West Lafayette. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139-$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186-$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93-$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742-$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70-$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139-$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23-$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46-$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139-$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371-$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93-$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56-$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46-$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139-$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712-$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371-$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104-$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464-$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640-$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856-$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742-$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186-$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928-$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70-$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46-$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78-$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32-$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32-$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78-$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71-$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56-$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74-$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28-$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46-$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70-$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114-$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28-$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557-$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464-$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186-$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23-$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371-$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640-$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46-$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139-$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93-$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About West Lafayette
What is the population of West Lafayette?
West Lafayette has a population of 2,759 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 3,208 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.0 years. The population is 51% female and 49% male.
Is West Lafayette expensive to live in?
West Lafayette is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $45,364, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,300 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $723 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in West Lafayette?
West Lafayette has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 43.6 inches, with 15.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in West Lafayette?
West Lafayette has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $966. There are 746 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Lafayette?
The median home value in West Lafayette is $92,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,389. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $80,000, with homes typically selling within 32 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $723. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,875.
How are the schools in West Lafayette?
Schools in West Lafayette score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.6% of adults in West Lafayette hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.3% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Lafayette?
The obesity rate in West Lafayette is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.0% of adults are smokers. 31.8% are physically inactive. 30.3% of residents report depression. 3.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 44.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,817.
What is transportation like in West Lafayette?
The average commute in West Lafayette is 25 minutes. 72.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Lafayette?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Lafayette is 95.4% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 19.2% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.