Lake Charles, LA local economy

Lake Charles, LA ranks in the 44th percentile of United States metros as of September 2026, with momentum flat over the past 12 months.

New business applications or registrations was 3,283 in January 2025, up 10.5% from January 2024. Dwelling units authorized by permit was 62 in July 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How does Lake Charles, LA rank among United States metros?

Lake Charles, LA ranks in the 44th percentile of United States metros as of September 2026, with momentum flat over the past 12 months.

What is the new business applications or registrations in Lake Charles, LA?

New business applications or registrations in Lake Charles, LA was 3,283 in January 2025.

What is the dwelling units authorized by permit in Lake Charles, LA?

Dwelling units authorized by permit in Lake Charles, LA was 62 in July 2026.

What is the payrolled or covered employment in Lake Charles, LA?

Payrolled or covered employment in Lake Charles, LA was 102,804 in January 2026.

Nearby and related

• United States overview
• Port St. Lucie, FL
• Auburn-Opelika, AL
• Warner Robins, GA
• Kenosha, WI
• Akron, OH
• Anchorage, AK
• Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL
• Flagstaff, AZ
• Dalton, GA
• St. Joseph, MO-KS

Sources and methodology

• U.S. Census Bureau — Business Formation Statistics (BFS)
• U.S. Census Bureau — Building Permits Survey (BPS), CBSA monthly
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), national all-industry

Method: 2026.09. Updated 2026-09-10. Coverage: 100% of weighted components available.

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