Commute
High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.
Crime
This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.
Employment
This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.
Health & Safety
Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.
Schools
A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.
Cost Of Living
Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.
Lafayette is a medium-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 25,949 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (80% White). Given that fact, Lafayette could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Lafayette entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 32 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Lafayette could be a positive experience compared to other cities in California if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Finding the best places to live in Lafayette and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, health & safety, education and other important metrics.
The livability score in Lafayette is 83/100 and the city is ranked in the 97th percentile of all cities across America. This is a terrific score, as Lafayette ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Lafayette also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Lafayette ranks very well for crime (A+) and education (A+). Unfortunately for Lafayette, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: cost of living (F).
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 100 crimes per 100,000 residents, Lafayette has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Lafayette, the unemployment rate stands at 2.71%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Lafayette, the average school test scores are an impressive 83%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Lafayette. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Lafayette are affordable. Median real estate prices in Lafayette come in at $1,557,200, which is 280.5% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Lafayette, the home price to income ratio is 8.3, which is 29.7% higher than the California average.
| Statistic | Lafayette | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 56.1% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.0% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 15.6% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.5% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 21.0% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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