Is Carlyss Safe, Pros and cons of living in Carlyss
Carlyss, Louisiana, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and proximity to larger urban centers, making it an appealing location for those seeking a particular lifestyle. This community, situated within Calcasieu Parish, provides a quieter pace of life while still offering access to amenities and opportunities found in nearby Lake Charles. Understanding the various facets of life in Carlyss is key for anyone considering a move to this area.
The town’s location provides a balance between the tranquility of a smaller community and the conveniences of a more developed region. This balance is a significant draw for individuals and families looking for a place to settle. As with any locale, a comprehensive overview of its safety, cost of living, employment, climate, education, and demographics will provide a clearer picture of what Carlyss has to offer.
Is it Safe to Live in Carlyss?
Carlyss presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Carlyss is 48% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Violent crime in Carlyss is 39% lower than the national average, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime at 1 in 431 per year (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime is also lower than the national average, with a 10% decrease (as reported by DoorProfit).
Despite the overall positive safety statistics, crime severity does vary by neighborhood. Burglary rates are noted as being 15% above average in Carlyss, while robbery rates are 48% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). The community benefits from a strong local police presence, which contributes to keeping crime incidents minimal (as reported by DoorProfit).
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Market Trends
The housing market in Carlyss indicates a median listing price of $149,500 (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). The price per square foot is approximately $104, suggesting affordability relative to larger metropolitan areas (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). However, there has been a significant year-over-year decrease in the median sale price, down by 50.33% (as reported by Realtor.com® Research).
Inventory in Carlyss is currently limited, with 59 homes for sale, which is a decrease of 16.28% year-over-year (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). The rental market also shows tight conditions, with only one rental listing available (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). These factors suggest a market that may be more favorable to buyers in terms of price, but challenging for those seeking to rent or who prefer a wider selection of homes.
Cost of Living Overview
The cost of living in Louisiana is generally lower than the national average, with housing and utilities being significantly more affordable (as reported by RentCafe). While specific cost of living data for Carlyss is not as detailed as for larger cities, its proximity to Lake Charles, where the cost of living is 13% lower than the national average, suggests a similar trend for Carlyss (as reported by Redfin). Housing expenses in Lake Charles are 31% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 29% lower (as reported by Payscale).
The median household income in Carlyss is reported as $58,000 (as reported by DoorProfit), and another source indicates a median household income of $49,619 (as reported by exitrealty.com®). These figures suggest that while the cost of living may be lower, residents’ incomes are also on the lower side compared to national averages. The poverty rate in Carlyss is 16.1% for the population for whom poverty status is determined (as reported by Data USA), which is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
Job Market and Economy
Employment Landscape
The economy in Carlyss supports approximately 2,220 employees (as reported by Data USA). The primary employment sectors for Carlyss residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). In terms of job roles, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Health Diagnosing & Treating Practitioners & Other Technical Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations are the most common (as reported by Data USA).
However, employment in Carlyss has seen a decline. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Carlyss declined at a rate of -4.73% (as reported by Data USA). This trend suggests a need for careful consideration regarding job prospects within the immediate Carlyss area.
Major Employers and Salary Information
While specific major employers within Carlyss are not detailed, the broader Southwest Louisiana region, which includes Carlyss, has key sectors such as health care, manufacturing, oil refining, education, and the gaming industry (as reported by Livability.com). Major employers in the wider region include entities like Coushatta Casino Resort, L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, and Lake Charles Memorial Hospital (as reported by Livability.com). Northrop Grumman and Alcoa are also noted as major employers in the Lake Charles area (as reported by Cleco Economic Development).
The average salary in Carlyss is reported as $59,200 per year, with the 25th percentile at $40,900 and the 75th percentile at $83,000 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Popular job titles in Carlyss include customer service, warehouse, administrative assistant, marketing, and sales positions (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Weather Patterns
Carlyss experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 42°F to 92°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is August, with average highs of 92°F and lows of 74°F, while January sees the coolest temperatures, with highs around 62°F and lows of 42°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The area can feel uncomfortably humid during the summer months, from May to September (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The number of days with comfortable weather, defined by temperatures between 65°F and 86°F and low humidity, is approximately 158 days per year, with the most pleasant times to visit being mid-February to April and October to November (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Precipitation and Seasonal Conditions
Carlyss receives an average annual precipitation of 64 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). June is typically the wettest month, with an average of 7 inches of rain, while March sees the least rainfall, averaging 3.6 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The region experiences a wetter season from June to September, with a greater than 37% chance of a wet day during this period.
July usually has the most days with rain, averaging 14.2 days. The drier season extends from September to June. Rain is common throughout the year, with rain alone being the most frequent form of precipitation, particularly in the summer months (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings and Districts
Public schools serving Carlyss are part of the Calcasieu Parish Public School System (as reported by Niche). This district has an overall Niche Grade of B+ and serves approximately 29,282 students across 56 schools (as reported by Niche). In Calcasieu Parish, public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% and a reading proficiency score of 45% (as reported by Niche).
Specific schools in or near Carlyss include T.S. Cooley Elementary Magnet School, which is ranked among the best public elementary schools in Louisiana (as reported by Niche). Other schools like W.W. Lewis Middle School and Cypress Cove Elementary School also serve the area (as reported by Niche). While specific ratings for Carlyss schools are not detailed, the Calcasieu Parish Public School System is generally well-regarded within the state.
Population and Diversity
Carlyss is home to a population of approximately 4,412 people (as reported by Data USA). The population has seen a decrease from previous years, with the 2020 Census recording a higher number (as reported by Census Dots). The demographic makeup of Carlyss is primarily White, accounting for about 72.35% of the population (as reported by Census Dots).
Other racial and ethnic groups include Multiracial (9.22%), Other race (7.77%), Black or African American (5.62%), and Hispanic (5.03%) (as reported by Census Dots). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with nearly 99.8% holding citizenship (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Carlyss is 35.6 years (as reported by Census Reporter).
Pros and Cons of Living in Carlyss
Advantages of Carlyss Living
One of the primary advantages of living in Carlyss is its generally low crime rate, making it a safe place for residents (as reported by DoorProfit). The cost of living, particularly housing, is also relatively affordable compared to national averages, which can be a significant draw for individuals and families looking to manage expenses (as reported by RentCafe, Redfin). The community offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere, which appeals to those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Carlyss’s climate, while humid in the summer, offers mild winters and a significant number of comfortable weather days throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The community is also part of the larger Calcasieu Parish Public School system, which includes well-regarded schools within the state (as reported by Niche).
Challenges and Considerations
A significant challenge for Carlyss is the declining employment rate, which could impact job opportunities within the immediate area (as reported by Data USA). While the overall crime rate is low, specific concerns like burglary rates being above average warrant attention (as reported by DoorProfit). The rental market is particularly tight, with very limited availability, which could pose difficulties for renters (as reported by Realtor.com® Research).
Furthermore, the poverty rate in Carlyss is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). While the town offers a peaceful environment, its smaller size means fewer local amenities and services compared to larger cities, requiring residents to travel for certain needs, likely to nearby Lake Charles.