City Report · IN

Lawrence

Pop. 49,517·22nd most expensive in Indiana·Rental market data updated monthly for Lawrence, IN
Median rent (all units)
$1,615/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.9%
Month-over-Month
+3.5%
vs US Median
-$350
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Lawrence · $1,615
More affordable than 68% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
47/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Lawrence's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$1,615/mo
Expected by trend
$1,592/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Lawrence's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,205
1 BR
$1,385
2 BR
$1,620
3 BR
$2,110
4 BR+
$2,560
Research median
$1,620/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
$19,380/yr
At $1,615/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 4.9% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.9% YoY, +3.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Lawrence, IN is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, 35.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
49,517
Median income
$74,022
Median age
34.3
Renters
33.9%
Age distribution
26.6%
24%
25.6%
12.4%
Under 1826.6%
18–3424%
35–5425.6%
55–6411.3%
65+12.4%
Gender
47.6%
52.4%
Male47.6%
Female52.4%
Race & ethnicity
49.1%
28.6%
18%
White49.1%
Black28.6%
Hispanic18%
Asian2%
Other2.4%
Education (25+)
26.2%
27.3%
35.6%
No HS diploma10.9%
HS diploma26.2%
Some college27.3%
Bachelor's+35.6%
Housing tenure
66.1%
33.9%
Owner66.1%
Renter33.9%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Lawrence, IN has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,125 → $1,615
up 43.6%
Income
$64,392 → $74,022
up 15.0%
Population
49,048 → 49,517
up 1.0%
Renter share
35.6% → 33.9%
-1.7 pts
Bachelor's+
34.1% → 35.6%
+1.5 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in Lawrence, IN has climbed from $1,125 to $1,615, a 43.6% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $64,392 in 2021 to $74,022 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 1.0% since 2021, moving from about 49,048 residents to roughly 49,517. Renters now make up 33.9% of households, compared with 35.6% five years ago. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Lawrence, IN market of 2021.

Community

Discussions about Lawrence

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

Can you afford rent in Lawrence on your salary?

At $1,615/mo, how Lawrence rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Lawrence rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Lawrence

About renting in Lawrence, IN

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Lawrence is $1,615/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,205/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,620/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,385/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,110/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($74,022/yr), Lawrence ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Lawrence an affordable city for renters?

Lawrence is considered affordable for renters. At $1,615/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($74,022/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Lawrence falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Lawrence?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $65,000/year (~$31/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,615/mo in Lawrence. The local median household income is $74,022/yr, meaning the typical Lawrence household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Lawrence?

Rent in Lawrence has increased 4.9% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Lawrence neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Lawrence are 46216 ($1,541/mo), and 46236 ($1,809/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Lawrence is $1,615/mo.

How does Lawrence rent compare to other cities in Indiana?

Lawrence is one of the pricier cities in Indiana for rent, ranking #22 out of 65 tracked cities at $1,615/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Lawrence?

Fortville is nearby and more affordable at $1,554/mo, which is $61 less than Lawrence.

What percentage of Lawrence residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 33.9% of Lawrence households are renters, while 66.1% are owner-occupied. Lawrence leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Lawrence rent compare to the national average?

Lawrence's median rent of $1,615/mo is $350 (18%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Indiana, it ranks #22 out of 65 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,615/mo, rent takes ~26% of Lawrence's median household income ($74,022/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Lawrence 26%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.05%
Run the Lawrence affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Lawrence
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Lawrence, IN

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