Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Cost Of Living
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Nothing Found
None of the categories scored poorly, resulting in no identified cons for this area.
Located in the state of Indiana, West Lafayette is a moderately-sized city with a population of 49,668 residents. West Lafayette has a population density of 3,655 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 69%, the majority of the West Lafayette population is White; this is followed by 22% Asian and 4% Black. With an average age of 22 years old, West Lafayette could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. West Lafayette is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 25% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, West Lafayette is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in West Lafayette could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Indiana if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like commute, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in West Lafayette and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare West Lafayette to Indiana and the national average.
With a livability score of 89/100, West Lafayette is ranked #53 in the United States and #1 in Indiana. Clearly, West Lafayette is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. West Lafayette also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we examine each of the categories individually, we see that West Lafayette ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A) and education (A-). There are some categories that West Lafayette scores poorly for, including: employment (D-) and housing (D-). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
If you're living in West Lafayette, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making West Lafayette an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Here are some of the more popular things to do in West Lafayette: Samara House, Neon Cactus, and Lilly Nature Center.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 102 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that West Lafayette boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
The unemployment rate in West Lafayette has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.95%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in West Lafayette is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in West Lafayette come in at $235,300, which is 86% higher than the Indiana average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In West Lafayette, the home price to income ratio is 7.5, which is 200% higher than the Indiana average.
| Statistic | West Lafayette | Indiana | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 56.1% | 83.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.5% | 8.9% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 6.1% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.9% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 22.0% | 2.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.7% | 3.5% | 4.6% |
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