Lake Charles, LA Eviction Risk Score Calcasieu Parish · Louisiana · Population 81,143

Lake Charles, LA has an eviction risk score of 3.2 out of 10, placing it in the low-risk tier for landlords operating in Calcasieu Parish and the state of Louisiana. The score combines local political climate, court disposition patterns, cost-of-eviction estimates, tenant organizing strength, and the likelihood of new tenant-protective legislation in the next legislative cycle.

Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates show median gross rent as a percentage of household income is 34.6% — a core driver of eviction filings, because households above 30% of income on rent are statistically more likely to miss a payment after any income shock. Median gross rent in Lake Charles is $1,109/month. About 39.1% of occupied units here are renter-occupied.

Economic stress: poverty rate 23.2%, unemployment 5.5%. Higher values correlate with higher eviction filing rates and longer court timelines.

Political climate: In 2020, Calcasieu Parish voted Republican by 35.2 points — classified as strongly landlord-leaning for purposes of rent-control or just-cause expansion risk.

What this score means for landlords

At 3.2/10, Lake Charles is a lower-risk environment. Standard screening, documented notices, and prompt action on non-payment typically resolve quickly. Still follow your state's specific notice and service requirements.

Nearby Cities — Eviction Risk Comparison

Landlord Guides & Research Tools

Deepen your market research with these ACS-data guides. The metrics powering this score feed directly into each ranking.

• Rent Control Cities 2026 — Full National List & Map
• Best Cities for Landlords 2026 — see where Lake Charles ranks nationally
• Most Rent-Burdened Cities in America — ACS 2023 leaderboard
• Louisiana Eviction Risk Overview — all counties & cities in Louisiana
• Calcasieu Parish — compare every city in the county