Lafayette, IN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
71,159
0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$53,716/yr
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
34,079
0.5% year-over-year change

Lafayette population

How many people live in Lafayette

Lafayette is home to 71,159 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Lafayette locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
71,159
0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
34,818
Female
51.1%
36,341
Value Percent YoY change
Male 34,818 48.9% 0.9%
Female 36,341 51.1% 0.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Lafayette is 33, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.7% are children under 15, then 15.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 31.6% of the population, while another 19.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
33
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.7%
15 to 24
15.2%
25 to 44
31.6%
45 to 64
19.8%
Over 65
13.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 13,992 19.7% 0.5%
15 to 24 10,786 15.2% 3.1%
25 to 44 22,482 31.6% 0.9%
45 to 64 14,121 19.8% -0.2%
Over 65 9,778 13.7% -0.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Lafayette, 88.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 72.3% of locals are Caucasian, 10.4% are African American and 2.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 10.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.6%
Non-citizens
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 62,837 88.3% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,532 3.6% 1.4%
Non-citizens 5,790 8.1% 15.1%
Racial breakdown
White
72.3%
Black or African American
10.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
10.7%
Other
4%
Value Percent
White 51,421 72.3%
Black or African American 7,415 10.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 72 0.1%
Asian 1,768 2.5%
Two or more races 7,614 10.7%
Other 2,869 4%

Households in Lafayette

A peek inside Lafayette households

Lafayette has 32,242 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.5% are families, while the remaining 45.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
32,242
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
14,658
Family households
17,584
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 14,658 45.5% -1.9%
Family households 17,584 54.5% 2.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Lafayette

The housing landscape of Lafayette

Lafayette's housing consists of 34,079 units, with 56.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
34,079
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 19,351 56.8%
1 unit, attached 1,159 3.4%
2 units 2,184 6.4%
3 or 4 units 2,618 7.7%
5 to 9 units 3,359 9.9%
10 to 19 units 2,695 7.9%
20 to 49 units 892 2.6%
50 or more units 1,336 3.9%
Mobile home 446 1.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 39 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
481
111.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lafayette

In Lafayette, the median construction year is 1971. About 17.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,013 17.6% -6.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,535 7.4% 2.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,442 13% 0.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,687 10.8% -3.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,321 9.8% -2.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,382 9.9% -0.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,325 12.7% -1.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,213 9.4% 6.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,680 7.9% 14.8%
Built in 2020 or later 481 1.4% 111.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Lafayette occupancy rates

Out of the 32,242 occupied housing units in Lafayette, 46.7% are owner-occupied, while 53.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
32,242
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
17,191
Owner occupied
15,051
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 17,191 53.3% 2.4%
Owner occupied 15,051 46.7% -1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
5.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Lafayette housing costs

Housing costs in Lafayette come to a median of $1,012 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,079.

Median housing costs per month
$1,012/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Lafayette
$1,079/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Lafayette

Lafayette education at a glance

About 42.5% of the population in Lafayette went to high school, while 19.1% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 18.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,482 4.6% 4.5%
High school diploma 23,176 42.5% 3.9%
College diploma 10,410 19.1% -6.1%
Associate degree 4,077 7.5% 2.5%
Bachelor's degree 10,044 18.4% 3.9%
Graduate degree 4,299 7.9% -9.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Lafayette

How much people earn in Lafayette

The average annual household income in Lafayette was $67,892 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $53,716, reflecting a +1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lafayette
$67,892/year
2.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lafayette
$53,716/year
1.4% year-over-year change

Lafayette income by age

In Lafayette, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $55,116. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $65,098 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,575, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,895 in earnings. Overall, 82.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,575 8.9%
25 - 44 $55,116 0.8%
45 - 64 $65,098 1.6%
Over 65 $41,895 4.2%
Above poverty level
56,986
Below poverty level
11,858
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 56,986 82.8% -0.1%
Below poverty level 11,858 17.2% 4.8%

Average renter income in Lafayette

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lafayette, their median household income was $38,935 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$38,935
Rent-to-income ratio
33.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Lafayette

Workforce and job types in Lafayette

The job market in Lafayette is powered by 35,821 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6% run their own businesses, 73.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
35,821
-0.2% year-over-year change
White collar
24,336
Blue collar
11,485
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 24,336 67.9% -3.2%
Blue collar 11,485 32.1% 6.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6%
Private companies
73.4%
Governmental workers
12.8%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,135 6% 7.4%
Private companies 26,308 73.4% -0.2%
Governmental workers 4,598 12.8% -2.9%
Not for profit companies 2,780 7.8% -1.1%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
7.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lafayette stands at 3.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Lafayette

How people get around in Lafayette

Commuting methods vary: 87.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 30,739 87.2% -0.1%
Taxicab 16 0% -27.3%
Bus or trolleybus 762 2.2% -13.0%
Ferryboat 13 0% -27.8%
Motorcycle 77 0.2% 102.6%
Bicycle 54 0.2% -21.7%
Walk 626 1.8% -17.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Lafayette by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
47901 4,585 2,774 $47,206 $62,083
47904 16,257 6,941 $51,687 $64,741
47905 42,219 17,755 $65,861 $87,779
47909 43,561 18,168 $68,035 $82,946

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FAQs about Lafayette demographics 

What is the total population of Lafayette?

Lafayette has a total population of 71,159 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lafayette?

The gender ratio in Lafayette is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (34,818 residents)
  • 51.1% females (36,341 residents)

What is the median age in Lafayette?

The median age in Lafayette is 33.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lafayette?

The age distribution in Lafayette is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.7% (13,992 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.2% (10,786 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 31.6% (22,482 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.8% (14,121 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.7% (9,778 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lafayette?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lafayette is as follows:
  • White: 72.3% (51,421 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.4% (7,415 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (72 residents)
  • Asian: 2.5% (1,768 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.7% (7,614 residents)
  • Other: 4% (2,869 residents)

What percentage of the population in Lafayette are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.3% of the population in Lafayette.

How many housing units are there in Lafayette?

There are 34,079 housing units in Lafayette, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Lafayette and what is the average household size?

Lafayette has a total of 32,242 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lafayette?

Lafayette has a median household income of $53,716, representing a +1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Lafayette?

The employment rate is 96.4% in Lafayette, with a workforce of 35,821 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.9% (24,336 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.1% (11,485 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6% (2,135 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.4% (26,308 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.8% (4,598 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (2,780 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025