Best Small Places for Business and Careers 2019

Lafayette, IN

Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
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Lafayette, IN

Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN
gross metro product
$11.7B
population
221.8K
median household income
$53,542
median home price
$159,000
cost of living
12% below nat'l avg
college attainment
36.6%
net migration
160 (year: 2018)
unemployment
3.1%
major industries
Education, Transportation
job growth
1.9% (year: 2018)
As of October 2019
West Lafayette, near the western bank of the Wabash River, is home to Purdue University with the larger Lafayette across the river. The university has a large impact on both communities. Together, Lafayette and West Lafayette form the economic and education center within the state. Much of the economy of Lafayette and the surrounding area are centered on the academic and industrial activities of Purdue University. Other points of interest include the Jerry E. Clegg Botanic Garden, the Horticulture Gardens and the old Temple
Israel; one of the oldest synagogues in the U.S. Community events hosted by the city include The Feast of the Hunters' Moon and A Taste of Tippecanoe.
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On forbes lists
#60
In Cost of Doing Business
#55
In Job Growth
#26
In Education
By The Numbers
EmploymentHousingEducationQuality of Life
Job Growth
1.9% (year: 2018)
Projected Annual Job Growth
-0.5%
Unemployment
3.1%
Median Household Income
$53,542
Household Income Growth
3%
High-Tech Employment
1.1%
  • Data is for the metro area
  • Sources: Moody's Analytics; Sperling's BestPlaces; U.S. Census.
  • Numbers as of October 2019


  • a - Value of 100 means that a family with the median income has exactly enough income to qualify for a typical mortgage on a median-priced single-family home. An index above 100 signifies that the family has surplus income.
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