Lake Charles Public RecordsLouisiana

Lake Charles, in Calcasieu Parish, LA, has a homeownership rate of about 55%, with median home values around $175,000 and typical rents near $1,000 per month. The housing market saw a 2%-3% annual value increase in recent years. Most homes are single-family houses, but townhomes and apartments are also present. Popular neighborhoods include Prien, Barbe, and Downtown. Property tax rates average 0.51% of home value, making them relatively low compared to national averages.

Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish, LA, has about 50 public and private schools, including 7 high schools and McNeese State University for bachelor’s degrees. The high school graduation rate is around 85%, while 22% of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree. School ratings average 5/10, reflecting statewide test scores. Adult education programs are available through Sowela Technical Community College. School safety is in focus, with security measures and a student-to-counselor ratio of 350:1. Programs in STEM, arts, and vocational training supplement core curricula.

Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish, LA, has a car-centric transportation system, with about 92% of commuters driving alone and less than 1% using public transit (ACS 2022). The city's average one-way commute time is approximately 20 minutes, below the national average. Vehicle ownership rates are high—an estimated 93% of households have at least one vehicle. Public transit is limited, provided by Lake Charles Transit, with modest ridership. Major employment hubs include petrochemical plants, casinos, and the healthcare sector, clustered along I-10 and near Downtown. Transportation infrastructure features I-10, I-210, US-171, and LA-14.

As of 2022, Lake Charles city in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, has an estimated population of about 80,000. The population is 51% female and 49% male, with a median age around 36 years. Racially, the city is 47% White, 47% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 2% other races or mixed. The city shows diversity, with substantial representation from both White and Black communities.

Lake Charles, in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, is served by major hospitals including Lake Charles Memorial Hospital (390 beds), CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital (254 beds), and West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital. The area has over 800 practicing physicians and numerous clinics. Approximately 86% of residents have health insurance, though access disparities persist in rural areas. The city’s patient demographics are 50% White, 39% Black, and 6% Hispanic. Common health issues include diabetes (13% prevalence), hypertension, and obesity (38%). Medicaid covers 35% of the population, and providers include family medicine, internal medicine, and specialty care.