Lake Charles, LA — Demographics & Statistics
ZIP code 70601 serves a portion of Lake Charles, Louisiana, within Calcasieu Parish. This community is home to approximately 29,538 residents, with a median age of 35.9 years. The median household income of $46,344 sits below the national median of $67,521, while median home values of $268,795 are below the national average of $301,500. The area has a renter-majority housing profile, with 43% owner-occupied and 57% renter-occupied units. Cost of living in this part of Lake Charles is lower than the national baseline, with an index of 90 (100 = national average). With a college-education rate of 51% and an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 70601 reflects the economic character of Calcasieu Parish in Louisiana.
| Category | Statistic | Value | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | Total Population | 29,538 | — |
| Population | Density (per sq mi) | 8,482 | — |
| Economics | Median Household Income | $46,344 | ↓ 31% vs nat'l avg |
| Economics | Median Home Value | $268,795 | ↓ 11% vs nat'l avg |
| Economics | Cost of Living Index | 90 | ↓ Lower than avg |
| Economics | Unemployment Rate | 4.9% | ↑ 26% vs nat'l avg |
| Economics | Below Poverty Line | 17.0% | ↑ 49% vs nat'l avg |
| Education | College Educated (25+) | 51% | ↑ 46% vs nat'l avg |
| Demographics | Median Age | 35.9 yrs | ↓ 7% vs nat'l avg |
| Housing | Owner-Occupied | 43% | — |
| Housing | Renter-Occupied | 57% | — |
| Housing | Total Housing Units | 15,064 | — |