Lake Charles, LA home prices
Typical home $201,631 · +2.3% in a year · income needed $54,000
The Lake Charles, LA metro area ranks 631 of 894 U.S. metros for home values (U.S. typical home: $366,157). Prices changed +2.3% in a year and -6.5% over five years. With 20% down at 7.11%, the typical home costs about $1,261 a month including 0.45% property tax (Calcasieu Parish rate).
Mortgage on the typical Lake Charles home
| Down payment | Cash down | Loan | Principal + interest | PMI / MIP | Tax + insurance | Total / month | Income needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% down | $40,326 | $161,305 | $1,085 | $0 | $176 | $1,261 | $54,000 |
| 10% down | $20,163 | $181,468 | $1,221 | $76 | $176 | $1,472 | $63,100 |
| 5% down | $10,082 | $191,550 | $1,289 | $80 | $176 | $1,544 | $66,200 |
| 3.5% down (FHA) | $7,057 | $197,979 | $1,332 | $89 | $176 | $1,597 | $68,400 |
Assumes a 30-year fixed loan at 7.11%, property tax of 0.45% of the home value a year, homeowners insurance of 0.6% a year, PMI of 0.5% of the loan a year when the down payment is under 20%, and FHA mortgage insurance of 0.55% a year plus a 1.75% upfront premium added to the loan. Your rate, taxes and insurance will differ.
Counties in the Lake Charles area
| County | Typical home | 1-yr change | Tax rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calcasieu Parish, LA | $201,097 | +2.2% | 0.45% |
| Cameron Parish, LA | $229,317 | +10.2% | 0.46% |
What can you afford in Louisiana on your salary? · Louisiana home prices · Salaries in Louisiana
Frequently asked questions
How much is a house in Lake Charles?
The typical home in the Lake Charles, LA metro area is worth $201,631 (Zillow, September 2026).
What salary do you need to buy a house in Lake Charles?
About $54,000 a year for the typical home with 20% down at 7.11%.