West Lafayette, OH demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,857
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,261/yr
8.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,157
-3.9% year-over-year change

West Lafayette population

How many people live in West Lafayette

West Lafayette is home to 2,857 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of West Lafayette locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
2,857
3.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
1,447
Female
49.4%
1,410
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,447 50.6% 7.0%
Female 1,410 49.4% 0.2%
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 West Lafayette is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 21% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.3% of the population, while another 20.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
21%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
30.3%
45 to 64
20.7%
Over 65
15.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 600 21% 17.4%
15 to 24 351 12.3% -9.8%
25 to 44 865 30.3% 19.6%
45 to 64 592 20.7% -2.1%
Over 65 449 15.7% -15.4%
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 West Lafayette, 99.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 1.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.2%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,852 99.8% 3.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5 0.2% -16.7%
Racial breakdown
White
97%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.5%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 2,771 97%
Black or African American 16 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.1%
Two or more races 44 1.5%
Other 23 0.8%

Households in West Lafayette

A peek inside West Lafayette households

West Lafayette has 1,130 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.8% are families, while the remaining 34.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,130
-2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
387
Family households
743
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 387 34.2% -4.2%
Family households 743 65.8% -1.7%
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 West Lafayette

The housing landscape of West Lafayette

West Lafayette's housing consists of 1,157 units, with 74.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% 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 15% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,157
-3.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 864 74.7%
1 unit, attached 4 0.4%
2 units 18 1.6%
3 or 4 units 50 4.3%
5 to 9 units 27 2.3%
20 to 49 units 17 1.5%
50 or more units 3 0.3%
Mobile home 174 15%
Homes built since 2020
14
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Lafayette

In West Lafayette, the median construction year is 1960. About 26.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 311 26.9% -10.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 73 6.3% -26.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 195 16.8% -2.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 128 11.1% -10.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 209 18.1% 1.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 51 4.4% -15.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 90 7.8% 5.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 45 3.9% 25.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 41 3.5% 41.4%
Built in 2020 or later 14 1.2% N/A
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.

West Lafayette occupancy rates

Out of the 1,130 occupied housing units in West Lafayette, 74.2% are owner-occupied, while 25.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,130
-2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
292
Owner occupied
838
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 292 25.8% -2.0%
Owner occupied 838 74.2% -2.8%
Unoccupied housing units
2.3%
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.

West Lafayette housing costs

Housing costs in West Lafayette come to a median of $695 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $719.

Median housing costs per month
$695/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 West Lafayette
$719/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 West Lafayette

West Lafayette education at a glance

About 52.1% of the population in West Lafayette went to high school, while 17.8% pursued college studies. Another 11.8% earned an associate degree and 12.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 1.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 100 4.7% -3.9%
High school diploma 1,106 52.1% 3.8%
College diploma 378 17.8% -6.4%
Associate degree 250 11.8% -4.2%
Bachelor's degree 257 12.1% 8.0%
Graduate degree 33 1.6% -10.8%
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 West Lafayette

How much people earn in West Lafayette

The average annual household income in West Lafayette was $61,373 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $49,261, reflecting a +8.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Lafayette
$61,373/year
11.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Lafayette
$49,261/year
8.6% year-over-year change

West Lafayette income by age

In West Lafayette, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,477. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $57,813 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $12,813, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,568 in earnings. Overall, 68.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $12,813 N/A
25 - 44 $56,477 10.0%
45 - 64 $57,813 1.8%
Over 65 $40,568 34.5%
Above poverty level
1,898
Below poverty level
883
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,898 68.2% 2.3%
Below poverty level 883 31.8% 7.4%

Average renter income in West Lafayette

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in West Lafayette, their median household income was $34,167 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,167
Rent-to-income ratio
25.3%
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 West Lafayette

Workforce and job types in West Lafayette

The job market in West Lafayette is powered by 1,311 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.2% run their own businesses, 73% are employed by private companies, and 8.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,311
8.3% year-over-year change
White collar
912
Blue collar
399
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 912 69.6% 10.3%
Blue collar 399 30.4% 3.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.2%
Private companies
73%
Governmental workers
8.2%
Not for profit companies
11.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 95 7.2% 53.2%
Private companies 957 73% 3.7%
Governmental workers 108 8.2% -11.5%
Not for profit companies 151 11.5% 45.2%
Unemployment rate
3.2%
-20.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in West Lafayette stands at 3.2%, 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 West Lafayette

How people get around in West Lafayette

Commuting methods vary: 96.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% 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 1,250 96.1% 8.5%
Walk 19 1.5% -20.8%
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 West Lafayette by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
43845 4,787 1,983 $54,177 $65,995

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FAQs about West Lafayette demographics 

What is the total population of West Lafayette?

West Lafayette has a total population of 2,857 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 +3.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Lafayette?

The gender ratio in West Lafayette is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (1,447 residents)
  • 49.4% females (1,410 residents)

What is the median age in West Lafayette?

The median age in West Lafayette is 39.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in West Lafayette?

The age distribution in West Lafayette is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21% (600 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (351 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.3% (865 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.7% (592 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.7% (449 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Lafayette?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Lafayette is as follows:
  • White: 97% (2,771 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (16 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.5% (44 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (23 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.8% of the population in West Lafayette.

How many housing units are there in West Lafayette?

There are 1,157 housing units in West Lafayette, reflecting a -3.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West Lafayette has a total of 1,130 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Lafayette?

West Lafayette has a median household income of $49,261, representing a +8.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.8% in West Lafayette, with a workforce of 1,311 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.6% (912 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.4% (399 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.2% (95 residents)
  • Private companies: 73% (957 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.2% (108 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.5% (151 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