Lake Charles Fair Market Rent 2026
HUD Fair Market Rent data for the Lake Charles metropolitan area. Median household income: $45,479/year. Vacancy rate: 6%.
2BR FMR
$735/mo
Median Income
$45,479
Vacancy Rate
6%
Rent Burden
19.4%
Fair Market Rent by Bedroom Size
Affordability Analysis
Based on the 30% rule, a household earning the median income of $45,479/year can afford up to $1,137/mo in rent.
The 2BR FMR of $735/mo represents 19.4% of median income, which is within the 30% affordability threshold.
Rental Market Conditions
The vacancy rate of 6% in Lake Charles indicates a moderate rental market. A balanced market with reasonable availability for renters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average rent in Lake Charles?
The 2026 HUD FMR for a 2-bedroom in the Lake Charles metro area is $735/month. 1BR: $592, 3BR: $930.
What is the vacancy rate in Lake Charles?
The rental vacancy rate in Lake Charles is 6%. A rate below 5% typically indicates a tight rental market.
Is Lake Charles affordable for renters?
With a median income of $45,479 and 2BR rent at $735/mo, rent takes about 19% of income in Lake Charles.
Compare with Other Metro Areas
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
2BR: $2,412/mo
New York-Newark-Jersey City
2BR: $2,293/mo
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley
2BR: $2,200/mo
Honolulu
2BR: $1,937/mo
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim
2BR: $1,888/mo
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad
2BR: $1,856/mo
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura
2BR: $1,761/mo
Santa Cruz-Watsonville
2BR: $1,760/mo
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