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West Lafayette, IN

Frequently asked questions

West Lafayette, IN

West Lafayette is a city in Wabash Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana, United States, about 65 miles (105 km) northwest of the state capital of Indianapolis and 113 miles (182 km) southeast of Chicago. West Lafayette is directly across the Wabash River from its sister city, Lafayette. As of the 2020 census, its population was 44,595. A college town, it is the most densely populated city in Indiana and is home to Purdue University it is a college town and the most densely populated city in Indiana.

West Lafayette lies in central Tippecanoe County and overlooks the Wabash River, which borders the city on the east and south. Most of the city lies in eastern Wabash Township, though a small portion on the northeast side extends into Tippecanoe Township. Elevations range from slightly over 500 feet (150 m) near the river to more than 720 feet (220 m) in northern parts of the city near U.S. Route 52.

According to the 2010 census, West Lafayette has a total area of 7.63 square miles (19.76 km²), of which 7.62 square miles (19.74 km²) (or 99.87%) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km²) (or 0.13%) is water.

Augustus Wylie laid out a town in 1836 in the Wabash River floodplain south of the present Levee. Due to regular flooding of the site, Wylie's town was never built. The present city was formed in 1888 by the merger of the adjacent suburban towns of Chauncey, Oakwood, and Kingston, located on a bluff across the Wabash River from Lafayette, Indiana. The three towns had been small suburban villages that were directly adjacent to one another. Kingston was laid out in 1855 by Jesse B. Lutz. Chauncey was platted in 1860 by the Chauncey family of Philadelphia, wealthy land speculators. Chauncey and Kingston formed a municipal government in 1866 which selected the name "Chauncey".

West Lafayette focuses on health and wellness. The city is committed to public health, with local healthcare facilities like IU Health Arnett Hospital serving the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the West Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Orangetheory Gym, Faith West Fitness Center, and Parkwest Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around West Lafayette, such as the Martell Forest Loop and Celery Bog Nature Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in West Lafayette, IN are Samara House, Haan Museum, and Happy Hollow Park.

Population: 44,829 (2023). Elevation: 554 feet (169 m). Area: 13.82 sq mi (35.80 km²). ZIP code: 47906. Area code: 765.

FAQs

Is West Lafayette, IN a good place to live?

West Lafayette is in Tippecanoe County and is one of the best places to live in Indiana. Living in West Lafayette offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In West Lafayette, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in West Lafayette and residents tend to lean liberal. 

Is West Lafayette, IN expensive to live in?

West Lafayette, Indiana's cost of living is 9% lower than the national average. West Lafayette's housing expenses are 2% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 2% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 8% lower than the national average.

What are the demographics of West Lafayette, IN?

West Lafayette, IN is home to a population of 44.9k people, of which 84.6% are citizens. As of 2022, 22.4% of West Lafayette, IN residents were born outside of the country (10.1k people). In 2022, there were 3.16 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (29.9k people) in West Lafayette, IN than any other race or ethnicity. There were 9.44k Asian (Non-Hispanic) and 1.62k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of West Lafayette

IU Health Arnett Hospital 

West Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department 

Orangetheory Gym

Faith West Fitness Center 

Parkwest Fitness

Martell Forest Loop 

Celery Bog Nature Trail

Samara House

Haan Museum

Happy Hollow Park

Niche

Payscale

DataUSA

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