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West Lafayette, Indiana

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"West Lafayette" redirects here. For the village in Ohio, see West Lafayette, Ohio.
City of West Lafayette
City
West Lafayette Public Library, with Purdue campus skyline in background
West Lafayette Public Library, with Purdue campus skyline in background
CountryUnited States
StateIndiana
CountyTippecanoe
TownshipWabash
Incorporated1888
Government
 • MayorJohn Dennis (R)
Area
[1]
 • City7.63 sq mi (19.76 km2)
 • Land7.62 sq mi (19.74 km2)
 • Water0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)
 • Metro
904.6 sq mi (2,343 km2)
Elevation
[2]
614 ft (187 m)
Population
 (2010)[3]
 • City29,596
 • Estimate 
(2012[4])
30,419
 • Density3,884.0/sq mi (1,499.6/km2)
 • Metro
182,821
Time zoneUTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
47906
Area code765
FIPS code18-82862[5]
GNIS feature ID0445775[6]
Websitehttp://www.city.west-lafayette.in.us/
Chauncey Village

West Lafayette /ˌwɛst ˌlɑːfiˈɛt/ is a city in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, United States. It is located about 65 miles (105 km) northwest of the state capital of Indianapolis and 103 miles (166 km) southeast of Chicago. West Lafayette is directly across the Wabash River from its sister city, Lafayette. As of the 2010 census, its population was 29,596.[7] It is the most densely populated city in Indiana as well as the most culturally diverse city in the Midwest and is home to Purdue University. West Lafayette is part of the Lafayette, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Wabash River from the John T. Meyers Pedestrian Bridge

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.[8] The three towns had been small suburban villages which 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".[8]

The new town of Chauncey remained a small suburban village until Purdue University opened in 1869. In 1871 Chauncey voted to be annexed by Lafayette because it was unable to provide the infrastructure (such as improved streets, waterworks, police and fire protection). Lafayette voted against annexing Chauncey because of the high cost of the many improvements that the village lacked.[9] In May 1888, the town of Chauncey voted to change its name to West Lafayette after a petition signed by 152 electors.[10] By that time, the growth of the university was fueling the growth of the little town. The address of Purdue University was given as "Lafayette, Indiana" until well into the twentieth century. West Lafayette never gained a railroad depot and lagged several years behind Lafayette in the establishment of municipal infrastructure and services. Today, West Lafayette has established itself as a separate city, with independent services and unique neighborhoods distinct from those of its sister city, Lafayette.

In November 2013, the City of West Lafayette approved an annexation that placed much of the Purdue University academic campus and residence hall system within the official boundaries of the municipality for the first time. This expansion also included a large section of the US Highway 231 corridor that was previously part of unincorporated Tippecanoe County.[11]

Sunrise over Lafayette and West Lafayette
West Lafayette Public Library at night

Geography

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 United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.63 square miles (19.76 km2), of which 7.62 square miles (19.74 km2) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km2) is water.[1]

Climate data for West Lafayette, Indiana
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 69
(21) 		73
(23) 		86
(30) 		89
(32) 		94
(34) 		105
(41) 		105
(41) 		100
(38) 		98
(37) 		92
(33) 		78
(26) 		73
(23) 		105
(41)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 34
(1) 		39
(4) 		50
(10) 		63
(17) 		73
(23) 		83
(28) 		85
(29) 		84
(29) 		78
(26) 		65
(18) 		51
(11) 		38
(3) 		62
(17)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 19
(−7) 		23
(−5) 		31
(−1) 		41
(5) 		51
(11) 		61
(16) 		64
(18) 		63
(17) 		55
(13) 		44
(7) 		34
(1) 		23
(−5) 		42
(6)
Record low °F (°C) −23
(−31) 		−20
(−29) 		−3
(−19) 		7
(−14) 		25
(−4) 		35
(2) 		43
(6) 		37
(3) 		29
(−2) 		19
(−7) 		6
(−14) 		−16
(−27) 		−23
(−31)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.86
(47) 		1.84
(47) 		2.67
(68) 		3.54
(90) 		4.19
(106) 		4.10
(104) 		3.97
(101) 		3.46
(88) 		2.66
(68) 		2.89
(73) 		2.97
(75) 		2.51
(64) 		36.66
(931)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 6.5
(17) 		4.8
(12) 		2.9
(7.4) 		0.7
(1.8) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0.3
(0.76) 		0.8
(2.0) 		5.2
(13) 		21.2
(54)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 9.6 7.7 10.2 10.9 10.6 10.4 8.9 8.4 7.6 8.3 9.8 10.1 112.5
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 5.3 3.3 1.7 0.3 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 0.9 3.5 15.1
Source 1: The Weather Channel (January record high)[12]
Source 2: NOAA: Lafayette[13]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1880717—
18901,24273.2%
19002,30285.3%
19103,86768.0%
19203,830−1.0%
19305,09533.0%
19406,27023.1%
195011,87389.4%
196012,6806.8%
197019,15751.1%
198021,24710.9%
199025,90721.9%
200028,77811.1%
201029,5962.8%
Source: US Census Bureau

2010 census

As of the census[3] of 2010, there were 29,596 people, 11,945 households, and 4,072 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,884.0 inhabitants per square mile (1,499.6/km2). There were 12,591 housing units at an average density of 1,652.4 per square mile (638.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 70.6% White, 4.4% African American, 0.1% Native American, 17.3% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.6% of the population.

There were 11,945 households of which 16.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 27.2% were married couples living together, 4.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 65.9% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the city was 22.8 years. 11.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 49.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.4% were from 25 to 44; 11.7% were from 45 to 64; and 8.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 54.2% male and 45.8% female.

2000 census

As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 28,778 people, 10,462 households, and 3,588 families residing in the city. The population density was 5,219.6 people per square mile (2,016.6/km2). There were 10,819 housing units at an average density of 1,962.3 per square mile (758.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 83.3% White, 11.3% Asian, 2.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population.[14]

There were 10,462 households out of which 14.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 27.6% were married couples living together, 4.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 65.7% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city the population was spread out with 10.4% under the age of 18, 54.6% from 18 to 24, 16.9% from 25 to 44, 10.3% from 45 to 64, and 7.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 22 years. For every 100 females there were 133.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 137.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $24,869, and the median income for a family was $71,510. Males had a median income of $46,787 versus $30,218 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,337. About 9.5% of families and 38.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.

Government

The city's elected officials consist of the mayor, the clerk-treasurer, and a seven-member Common Council. The mayor is the city's chief executive officer and chairs the Common Council and the Board of Public Works and Safety. The clerk-treasurer serves as the finance officer of the city, the clerk of the city, and the court clerk.

The seven-member Common Council holds the city's legislative authority and makes the laws through ordinances, orders, resolutions and motions. The city is divided into 5 districts, and the Common Council consists of one council member from each district, plus two at-large council members. Elected by the council members, the president of the Common Council is first in the line of succession should the mayor not finish his or her term of office. He or she also presides over the council in the mayor's absence.

In October 2014, the Common Council completed an annexation of additional territory including the campus of Purdue University. The annexation of the Purdue campus has expanded the city population to an estimated 41,950 residents.[15] As a result of the expanded population, the city has petitioned to be reclassified as a class two city.[16] The 2015 elections will include two additional common council seats, forming a nine member body, chaired by the President of the Common Council.

All city elected officials have term of office of four years with no limit on the number of terms. Regular elections for all offices are held at the same time in the odd year preceding the presidential election year.[17]

Education

Class of 1939 Water Sculpture

West Lafayette is the home of Purdue University's main campus, with an enrollment of nearly 40,000 students.[18]

Loeb Fountain on Purdue's campus

The West Lafayette Community School Corporation administers three schools. The school district is not coterminous with the municipality; areas annexed by the city after 2000 continue to be served by county schools. Students attend Cumberland Elementary School through third grade, while students in grades 4–6 attend Happy Hollow Elementary School. Students in the 7th grade and above attend West Lafayette Junior-Senior High School.[19]

The Seventh-day Adventist Church operates Pleasantview SDA School which offers courses for grades K–8, and the Montessori School of Greater Lafayette teaches K–6. There are other schools, both public and private, that have a West Lafayette address, but these are actually located outside the city limits.

Approximately 77% of West Lafayette's population age 25 or older hold a bachelor's degree or higher according to the U.S. Census 2005–2007 American Community Survey. The city ranks sixth highest on this measure among U.S. municipalities between 20,000 and 65,000 population.[20]

In addition, the Tippecanoe School Corporation and Lafayette School Corporation operate public schools outside the West Lafayette city limits. There are also a variety of private schools in Lafayette, and an Ivy Tech Community College branch.

Economy

The economy of West Lafayette is heavily influenced by the presence of Purdue University, with an enrollment of nearly 40,000, more than the city's population. The university employs 12,000 people, most of whom live in either West Lafayette or Lafayette.

The 725-acre (2.93 km2) Purdue Research Park, established in 1961, is home to more than 140 companies of which nearly 100 are technology related. As of 2009, these companies employ more than 3,000.[21] The Park offers communications infrastructure, research facilities, a business incubation complex to help start-up firms and scenic walking trails and lakes. It is one of the largest university-affiliated research parks in the United States. The Purdue Research Park is owned by Purdue Research Foundation, the University's non-profit funding and technology licensing arm.

As of July 2006, the unemployment rate for the Lafayette Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes West Lafayette, is 4.5%.[22]

Commercial activities, however, take place mostly across the river in Lafayette. The largest commercial area in West Lafayette is the 90-acre (360,000 m2) Wabash Landing/Levee area, which has become a thriving urban-type district since the entire area was reconstructed and the Pedestrian Bridge to Lafayette replaced the old State Street bridge. The Levee features Wabash Landing, a complex containing shops, restaurants, coffee houses, a 9-screen movie theater, a Hilton Garden Inn, and the Riverside Skating Center.

News and media

West Lafayette residents use many of the news and media outlets located in its twin city of Lafayette. Media located in West Lafayette proper include:

  • The Purdue Exponent. Purdue University's daily independent student newspaper serving Purdue, West Lafayette, and Lafayette. Newsroom and offices located just off campus on Northwestern Avenue in West Lafayette.
  • WLFI-TV. Channel 18, a CBS affiliate
  • WBAA Radio. (920AM, 101.3FM), a National Public Radio affiliate with studios located on the Purdue University campus
  • WKHL Radio. (106.7FM)

Transportation

The XXX Family Restaurant, "On the hill, but on the level."
Harry's Chocolate Shop near campus

Public transportation in West Lafayette is managed by the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation.

Airports

Highways

Railroads

Bus Service

Points of interest

"Sidewinder" sculpture at Purdue's Pao Hall

Notable people

For notable residents associated with Purdue University, see List of Purdue University people.
For notable natives from the neighboring city Lafayette, Indiana, see that page.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Places: Indiana". 2010 Census Gazetteer Files. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-04-21. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  2. ^ "USGS detail on West Lafayette". Retrieved 2007-09-21.
  3. ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
  4. ^ "Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2013-06-25.
  5. ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  6. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  7. ^ "2010 Population Finder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2011-10-01.
  8. ^ a b "The History of West Lafayette". City of West Lafayette. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  9. ^ Robert Kriebel (1990). Old Lafayette volume 2: 1854-1876. Tippecanoe County Historical Association.
  10. ^ http://www.westlafayette.in.gov/egov/docs/1225677108990.htm
  11. ^ "West Lafayette council votes 6-1 for annexation plan". Lafayette Journal and Courier. Retrieved 2013-11-13.
  12. ^ "Monthly Averages for Lafayette, IN (47905)". The Weather Channel. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
  13. ^ "Climatology of the United States No. 20: LAFAYETTE 8 S, IN 1971–2000" (PDF). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved November 19, 2011.
  14. ^ "Census data for West Lafayette, Indiana". Retrieved 2006-09-09.
  15. ^ https://www.westlafayette.in.gov/egov/docs/14123497793793.pdf
  16. ^ http://www.jconline.com/story/news/2014/10/13/west-lafayette-oks-class-city-status/17225991
  17. ^ "West Lafayette City Code". Retrieved 2006-09-12.
  18. ^ "Student Enrollment and Demographics, West Lafayette Campus Fall 2011". Purdue University. Retrieved 2011-10-01.
  19. ^ "West Lafayette Community School Corporation".
  20. ^ http://www.indystar.com/article/20090108/LOCAL/901080425
  21. ^ Purdue Research Foundation. "Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette". Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  22. ^ "Preliminary State Unemployment Figures Released" (PDF). Indiana Workforce Development. August 23, 2006. Retrieved 2006-09-12.

Bibliography

External links

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