Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Lake Charles

Affordability in Lake Charles

According to Census ACS 5-Year data (2024), the median monthly rent in Lake Charles is $1,109 and the median household income is $59,235 annually. About 39% of residents rent their homes, reflecting a substantial renter presence in the city.

Lease Lantern tracks 12 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Lake Charles, offering a combined 1,092 units as lower-cost alternatives for income-qualifying renters.

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Lake Charles Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 617 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and local definitions.

Getting Around Lake Charles

According to Walk Score, the area around assisted properties in Lake Charles rates 57 (Somewhat Walkable) for walking and 67 for biking. No Transit Score is available for this area.

• Walk Score: 57 - Somewhat Walkable
• Bike Score: 67

Scores reflect the walkability and bikeability of locations near HUD-assisted properties in Lake Charles, as reported by Walk Score.

Schools

According to the NCES Common Core of Data, 34 public schools across 5 districts serve Lake Charles, including 23 elementary, 5 middle, and 6 high schools. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before applying.

Cost of Renting in Lake Charles

The median household income in Lake Charles is $59,235 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. The median monthly rent across all rentals in the city is $1,109, according to the same source.

Income-restricted housing in Lake Charles spans 12 properties and 1,092 units, giving renters who qualify a meaningful alternative to market-rate prices.

• Median household income: $59,235/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $1,109/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Share of households that rent: 39% (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Affordable housing units tracked: 1,092 across 12 properties

Flood and Environmental Exposure

All 12 HUD-assisted properties in Lake Charles have been mapped for flood risk. Of those, 1 property falls within a high-risk flood zone. Lake Charles is a Gulf Coast city with well-documented flood exposure, so prospective renters should ask property managers about flood insurance requirements and any history of flood damage before signing a lease.