AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Lake Charles, LA — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Lake Charles 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
82,157
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Sasol Chemical
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Lake Charles? What Renters Need to Know

Lake Charles is very affordable at about 15% below the national average. Median rent is around $1,000/month.

Quick Facts

Population 82,157
Median Rent $1,000/mo
Top Employer Sasol Chemical
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,000 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

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

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Lake Charles is Sasol Chemical, making the Moss Bluff area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Lake Charles

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

#1

Moss Bluff

Score: 83/100
Safety A+
Walk Score 18
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 8/10
#2

Prien Lake

Score: 81/100
Safety A
Walk Score 28
Avg Rent $1,100
Schools 7/10
#3

Downtown Lake Charles

Score: 79/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 58
Avg Rent $950
Schools 6/10

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#4

Graywood

Score: 77/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 25
Avg Rent $1,000
Schools 7/10
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#5

Sulphur

Score: 76/100
Safety A
Walk Score 30
Avg Rent $950
Schools 7/10
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#6

Westlake

Score: 74/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 22
Avg Rent $950
Schools 7/10
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#7

Iowa

Score: 72/100
Safety A+
Walk Score 15
Avg Rent $900
Schools 7/10
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#8

DeQuincy

Score: 70/100
Safety A
Walk Score 20
Avg Rent $850
Schools 7/10
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See All 8 Lake Charles Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Lake Charles Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles.

3

Get Your Ranked List

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

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Lake Charles

What is the cost of living in Lake Charles?

Lake Charles is very affordable at about 15% below the national average. Median rent is around $1,000/month.

Is Lake Charles recovering from the 2020 hurricanes?

Yes. After Hurricanes Laura and Delta (2020), Lake Charles is rebuilding. The $10B+ Driftwood LNG project is bringing major investment and jobs.

What are the best neighborhoods?

Moss Bluff is the safest with good schools. Prien Lake is family-friendly. Sulphur offers good value. Downtown has Cajun charm.

What is there to do?

L'Auberge Casino Resort, Creole Nature Trail, Cajun food festivals, Sam Houston Jones State Park, and authentic Cajun culture.

How is the job market?

Petrochemical industry (Sasol, Citgo, Phillips 66), LNG projects, casinos, and healthcare. The Driftwood LNG project will create thousands of jobs.

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