| ZIP Code | 70601 |
|---|---|
| City | Lake Charles |
| State | Louisiana (LA) |
| County | Calcasieu County |
| Area Code | 337 |
| Elevation | 9 ft |
| Latitude | 30.226792 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -93.215443 |
| Timezone | Chicago (DST) |
| FIPS | 22019 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 38.2 yrs ↑ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.46 |
| Below Poverty | 27.1% ▲ 171% above avg |
| College Grads | 34.6% ▼ 11% below avg |
| Unemployment | 7.0% ▲ 42% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 405 (2%) |
| HS Graduate | 6,931 (34%) |
| Some College | 2,175 (10.7%) |
| Associates | 3,806 (18.7%) |
| Bachelors | 1,869 (9.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 5,186 (25.5%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $49,545 ▼ 35% below avg ↑ 55% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $164,300 ▼ 41% below avg ↑ 32% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.3x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $938/mo ↑ 26% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 16,811 |
| Vacant Units | 4,079 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.46 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 16,811 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 4,079 |
| Owner Occupied | 60.4% |
| Renter Occupied | 39.6% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.46 |
ZIP code 70601 is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, within Calcasieu County. With a population of 31,843, this is a moderately populated ZIP code with a middle-aged community — the median age is 38.2 years. Economically, 70601 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $49,545 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 70601 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $164,300 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $938 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 60.4% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 32% since 2019.
The population of 70601 is majority Black (59.42%). Residents are moderately educated — 34.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 27.1%. Household income has grown by 55% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 70601 stands at 7.0%, which is above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 80%.
Overall, ZIP code 70601 in Lake Charles, LA is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, a middle-aged community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 31,843 residents, a median household income of $49,545, and a median home value of $164,300, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Louisiana.