Home Values in Lake Charles, Louisiana — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Seller's Market | +3.1% YoY
The median home value in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $175,000 as of March 2026, which is below the national median of $400,000. Home values in Lake Charles have increased by 3.1% over the past year and 16.5% over the last five years. With a population of 84,032 and a median household income of $42,250, the price-to-income ratio stands at 4.1x, making Lake Charles affordable for the average household.
Lake Charles Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | Lake Charles | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $175,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +3.1% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +16.5% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $55 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 60 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 2.9 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 101.7% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 74 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.35% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in Lake Charles
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $150,215 five years ago in Lake Charles would have gained approximately $24,785 in equity, representing a 16.5% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $5,262 in home equity.
Affordability in Lake Charles, LA
With a median household income of $42,250 and a median home price of $175,000, the price-to-income ratio in Lake Charles is 4.1x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $1,236 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $911 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 0.74. In Lake Charles, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in Lake Charles
The effective property tax rate in Louisiana is 0.55%. On a home valued at $175,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $963, or approximately $80/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in Lake Charles is 85.5 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are below the national average.
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Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Lake Charles, LA?
The median home value in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $175,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +3.1% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 16.5%.
Is Lake Charles a buyer's or seller's market?
Lake Charles is currently a seller's market with 2.9 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 60 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 101.7%. Low inventory gives sellers an advantage.
Are home values going up in Lake Charles?
Yes, home values in Lake Charles have increased by 3.1% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 16.5%, meaning a home worth $150,215 five years ago is now worth $175,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in Lake Charles?
The average monthly rent in Lake Charles is $1,236, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $911. The price-to-rent ratio is 11.8. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
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Disclaimer: Home value data for Lake Charles, Louisiana is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.