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City Report · IN

Lafayette

Pop. 71,159·43rd most expensive in Indiana·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,234/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.4%
Month-over-Month
+3.4%
vs US Median
-$731
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Lafayette · $1,234
More affordable than 91% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
46/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 2% above what Lafayette's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$1,234/mo
Expected by trend
$1,209/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Lafayette's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$810
1 BR
$948
2 BR
$1,133
3 BR
$1,365
4 BR+
$1,705
Research median
$1,133/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$14,808/yr
At $1,234/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 4.4% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.4% YoY, +3.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Lafayette, IN is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 27.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
71,159
Median income
$53,716
Median age
33
Renters
53.3%
Age distribution
23.4%
29.7%
23.3%
13.7%
Under 1823.4%
18–3429.7%
35–5423.3%
55–649.8%
65+13.7%
Gender
48.9%
51.1%
Male48.9%
Female51.1%
Race & ethnicity
72.3%
14.4%
White72.3%
Black10.4%
Hispanic14.4%
Asian2.5%
Education (25+)
34.8%
25.8%
27.9%
No HS diploma11.5%
HS diploma34.8%
Some college25.8%
Bachelor's+27.9%
Housing tenure
46.7%
53.3%
Owner46.7%
Renter53.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Lafayette, IN has changed in 5 years

Rent
$854 → $1,234
up 44.5%
Income
$47,690 → $53,716
up 12.6%
Population
70,928 → 71,159
up 0.3%
Renter share
52.4% → 53.3%
+0.9 pts
Bachelor's+
28.9% → 27.9%
-1.0 pts
Median age
32.5 → 33
+0.5 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Lafayette, IN has increased from $854 to $1,234, a 44.5% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $53,716 today, compared with $47,690 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about Lafayette

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View Lafayette rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Lafayette on your salary?

At $1,234/mo, how Lafayette rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Lafayette rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Lafayette. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Lafayette

About renting in Lafayette, IN

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Lafayette is $1,234/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $810/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,133/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $948/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,365/mo.

At 28% of local median household income ($53,716/yr), Lafayette ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Lafayette an affordable city for renters?

Lafayette is considered affordable for renters. At $1,234/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the local median household income ($53,716/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Lafayette falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Lafayette?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $49,000/year (~$24/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,234/mo in Lafayette. The local median household income is $53,716/yr, meaning the typical Lafayette household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Lafayette?

Rent in Lafayette has increased 4.4% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Lafayette neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Lafayette are 47904 ($1,064/mo), 47901 ($1,085/mo), and 47905 ($1,215/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Lafayette is $1,234/mo.

How does Lafayette rent compare to other cities in Indiana?

Lafayette is middle-of-the-pack for Indiana for rent, ranking #43 out of 65 tracked cities at $1,234/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Lafayette?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Lafayette ($1,234/mo): Frankfort ($763/mo), Crawfordsville ($954/mo), Delphi ($1,065/mo).

What percentage of Lafayette residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 53.3% of Lafayette households are renters, while 46.7% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Lafayette has a strong rental market.

How does Lafayette rent compare to the national average?

Lafayette's median rent of $1,234/mo is $731 (37%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Indiana, it ranks #43 out of 65 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
28%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,234/mo, rent takes ~28% of Lafayette's median household income ($53,716/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Lafayette 28%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.05%
Run the Lafayette affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Lafayette, IN

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