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Lake Charles, LA

Frequently asked questions

Lake Charles, LA

Lake Charles (French: Lac Charles) is the fifth-most populous city in the U.S. state of Louisiana, and the parish seat of Calcasieu Parish, located on Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the Calcasieu River. Founded in 1861 in Calcasieu Parish, it is a major industrial, cultural, and educational center in the southwest region of the state. As of the 2020 U.S. census, Lake Charles's population was 84,872.

The city and metropolitan area of Lake Charles is considered a regionally significant center of petrochemical refining, gambling, tourism, and education, being home to McNeese State University and Sowela Technical Community College. Because of the lakes and waterways throughout the city, metropolitan Lake Charles is often called the Lake Area.

On March 7, 1861, Lake Charles was incorporated as the town of Charleston, Louisiana. Lake Charles was founded by merchant and tradesman Marco Eliche (or Marco de Élitxe) as an outpost. He was a Sephardic Jewish trader of either Basque-Spanish or Venetian-Italian origins. He had arrived in Louisiana after hitchhiking and was invited onto a Spanish vessel due to his determination and loyalty to volunteer and work freely for the Spanish Empire. Long before incorporation and even before the Louisiana Purchase, other names for Lake Charles were Porte du Lafitte (Port of Jean Lafitte) or Rivière Lafitte (River Lafitte/Lafitte's River), among many other names now lost. Eliche had also founded other outposts and towns in Louisiana prior, most notably Marksville, which is named after him. There are also urban tales he had planned to name the settlement Nouveau Cadix (New Cádiz)", after the city in Spain, but this is uncertain.

Lake Charles, located on a level plain about 30 miles (48 km) from the Gulf of Mexico, has an elevation of approximately 13 feet (4.0 m) above sea level and is located on the banks of the Calcasieu River in southwestern Louisiana. It borders both Lake Charles and Prien Lake. Contraband Bayou, Henderson Bayou, and English Bayou flow through the city. Oak trees and pine trees dot the landscape; the lumber industry was once the main economic engine of the area. The Calcasieu Ship Channel, which allows large ocean-going vessels to sail up from the Gulf, also borders the city. The 2010 census recorded Lake Charles's total land size as 48.6 sq miles was to 2023 census recorded Lake Charles being 61.35 sq miles in total size. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 44.8 square miles (116.0 km²), of which 42.0 square miles (108.9 km²) is land and 2.7 square miles (7.1 km²), or 6.12%, is water.

In terms of health and wellness, Lake Charles prioritizes the well-being of its residents. Lake Charles Memorial Health System offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. The Prien Lake Park, with its scenic walking trails and open spaces, is a popular destination for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road provides opportunities for wildlife observation, birdwatching, and outdoor recreation along a scenic driving route through marshes, prairies, and coastal habitats, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation for the natural world. The Lake Charles Civic Center hosts a range of events, conferences, and concerts throughout the year, offering entertainment and cultural enrichment for the community. Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Yoga lovers can unwind at Yoga Y'all Studio, offering classes for all levels.

Top sites in Lake Charles, LA are Sam Houston Jones State Park, Millennium Park, and Imperial Calcasieu Museum.

Population: 79,633 (2023). ZIP codes: 70601, 70602, 70605, 70606, 70607, 70609, 70615, 70616, 70629. Area code: 337. Elevation: 15 ft (5 m). Area: 48.60 sq mi (125.87 km²).

FAQs

What is Lake Charles, LA is known for?

The South’s premier casino resort destination, Lake Charles, also has an incredibly diverse offering of culture, world-famous food (including fresh Louisiana seafood), festivals, the great outdoors, and historic attractions. Whether your clients seek outdoor adventure, immersing themselves in local culture through live music and festivals, or experiencing Mardi Gras first-hand, they will discover that Lake Charles, Louisiana, offers more than just fantastic culinary delights. 

What is the crime rate in Lake Charles, LA?

With a crime rate of 36 per one thousand residents, Lake Charles has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 27. Within Louisiana, more than 86% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Lake Charles.

Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live?

Lake Charles is in Calcasieu Parish. Living in Lake Charles offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families and young professionals live in Lake Charles and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Lake Charles are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lake Charles

Visit Lake Charles

Niche

Neighborhood Scout

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Millennium Park

Imperial Calcasieu Museum

Lake Charles Memorial Health System

Prien Lake Park

Creole Nature Trail All-American Road

Lake Charles Civic Center

Planet Fitness

Yoga Y'all Studio

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.