AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Lafayette, LA — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Lafayette neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,000/mo
Median Rent
121,374
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Lafayette? What Renters Need to Know

Average rent in Lafayette is approximately $1,000 per month, with significant variation between upscale planned communities like River Ranch and older inner-city neighborhoods. Suburban communities like Youngsville and Broussard offer competitive rents with newer construction.

Quick Facts

Population 121,374
Median Rent $1,000/mo
Top Employer Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,000 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Lafayette median rent is $500 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Lafayette is Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, making the River Ranch area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Lafayette

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

River Ranch

Score: 86/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 58
Avg Rent $1,350
Schools 8/10
#2

Downtown Lafayette

Score: 75/100
Safety B
Walk Score 68
Avg Rent $1,050
Schools 6/10
#3

Broussard

Score: 80/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 28
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 8/10

Ready to find your perfect neighborhood?

Get Your Full Report — $19
#4

Youngsville

Score: 81/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 22
Avg Rent $1,150
Schools 8/10
Unlock full rankings
#5

Oil Center

Score: 78/100
Safety B
Walk Score 52
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 7/10
Unlock full rankings
#6

Freetown-Port Rico

Score: 55/100
Safety C-
Walk Score 42
Avg Rent $750
Schools 4/10
Unlock full rankings
#7

North Lafayette

Score: 58/100
Safety C
Walk Score 36
Avg Rent $780
Schools 4/10
Unlock full rankings
#8

Duson

Score: 68/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 20
Avg Rent $880
Schools 6/10
Unlock full rankings

See All 8 Lafayette Neighborhoods Ranked

Get the full report with detailed scores, rent comparisons, commute maps, and personalized recommendations.

How It Works

How ListWise Scores Lafayette Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Lafayette renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Lafayette.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Lafayette properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Lafayette

What is the average rent in Lafayette, LA?

Average rent in Lafayette is approximately $1,000 per month, with significant variation between upscale planned communities like River Ranch and older inner-city neighborhoods. Suburban communities like Youngsville and Broussard offer competitive rents with newer construction.

What is Lafayette known for?

Lafayette is the heart of Cajun and Creole culture, known for its exceptional food scene, Mardi Gras celebrations, zydeco and Cajun music, and strong French-Acadian heritage. It consistently ranks as one of the happiest cities in America.

Is Lafayette a good place for families?

Lafayette is very family-friendly, particularly in suburban areas like River Ranch, Youngsville, and Broussard, which have top-rated schools and low crime. The metro area offers good pediatric healthcare, youth sports leagues, and family-oriented community events.

How is Lafayette's economy doing?

Lafayette's economy is heavily tied to the oil and gas industry, making it cyclical. During high oil prices the job market thrives; downturns can create layoffs. Healthcare, education, and retail provide more stable employment alternatives.

What outdoor activities are available near Lafayette?

Lafayette offers access to Atchafalaya Basin swamp tours, fishing, hunting, and Cajun Prairie outdoor experiences. Lake Martin wildlife refuge is a short drive away, and the Gulf Coast beaches at Grand Isle are about two hours south.

Ready to Find Your Lafayette Apartment?

Stop scrolling 47 Zillow tabs. Tell us what matters and get a ranked list of Lafayette apartments that actually fit your life.

Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.