Gravel driveway cost in Lafayette, LA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (1,000 sq ft)
- $2,200 – $9,000
- Per sq ft
- $2.20 – $8.80
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −12%
- US $6,350
- Rank of 300 metros
- #269
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a gravel driveway in the Lafayette area: $2,200 to $9,000 for 1,000 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 12% lower than the US figure. Construction laborers earn a median of $18.57 an hour in the Lafayette area, 18% below the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 1,000 sq ft in Lafayette, LA, standard level
$4,250 to $6,950
About $4.20 to $6.85 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 47% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,200 | $3,600 |
| Labor | $2,000 | $3,200 |
| Permits and fees | $50 | $120 |
| Total | $4,250 | $6,950 |
Cost breakdown for 1,000 sq ft in Lafayette, LA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,100 | $2,900 | $4,700 | 52% |
| Labor | $1,050 | $2,600 | $4,150 | 47% |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $85 | $170 | 2% |
| Total | $2,200 | $5,600 | $9,000 | 100% |
What is behind the Lafayette number
Labor is 47% of the midpoint bill here, against 50% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is construction laborers (50%), operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (50%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Lafayette the blended ratio comes out at 0.83.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Lafayette is at 93.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $3,100 nationally becomes $2,900 here (midpoint, 1,000 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 87.2: $0 to $170.
Who does the work: Lafayette trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 2 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Lafayette the blend is 0.83.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 50%) the local median is $18.57 an hour, which is 18% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $16.31 and $22.95 an hour. BLS counts 1,780 of them working in the area, 99.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 50% of the weighting: a median of $23.94 an hour, 17% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $22.27 and $29.10 an hour. About 370 work in the metro. That is 20.6 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (construction laborers) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $300 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $160. That is a swing of roughly 2.8% to 5.4% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Lafayette has 179,570 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 129th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 50% | $16.31 | $18.57 | $22.95 | $22.66 | 0.82 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 50% | $22.27 | $23.94 | $29.10 | $28.78 | 0.83 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.83 | |||||
Is Lafayette cheap or dear? The local comparison
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 1,000 sq ft range from $5,400 to $5,950 across Lafayette and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette, LAthis page | $2,200 – $9,000 | $5,600 | |
| Lake Charles, LA65 miles | $2,300 – $9,300 | $5,800 | +4% |
| Baton Rouge, LA70 miles | $2,300 – $9,350 | $5,800 | +4% |
| Houma, LA90 miles | $2,150 – $8,850 | $5,500 | −1% |
| Alexandria, LA95 miles | $2,100 – $8,700 | $5,400 | −3% |
| Beaumont, TX125 miles | $2,350 – $9,600 | $5,950 | +7% |
| Louisiana (statewide) | $2,200 – $9,050 | $5,650 | +1% |
| United States | $2,500 – $10,200 | $6,350 | +14% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Lafayette ranks #269 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Lafayette is 1% below the Louisiana figure.
Elsewhere in Louisiana
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA | 445,550 jobs | $2,300 – $9,400 | $5,850 | +5% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 409,690 jobs | $2,300 – $9,350 | $5,800 | +4% |
| Shreveport, LA | 162,750 jobs | $2,200 – $9,050 | $5,600 | level |
| Lake Charles, LA | 101,690 jobs | $2,300 – $9,300 | $5,800 | +4% |
| Slidell, LA | 98,240 jobs | $2,200 – $9,000 | $5,600 | level |
| Monroe, LA | 87,500 jobs | $2,100 – $8,700 | $5,400 | −3% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Lafayette against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA | 180,450 jobs | $2,600 – $10,500 | $6,550 | +17% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 178,590 jobs | $2,450 – $10,000 | $6,200 | +11% |
| Asheville, NC | 180,620 jobs | $2,350 – $9,550 | $5,950 | +6% |
| Anchorage, AK | 177,050 jobs | $2,900 – $11,800 | $7,300 | +31% |
Related projects, priced for Lafayette
Jobs that often go together with gravel driveway are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Lafayette wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, concrete slab comes out highest (−9%) and sod installation lowest (−14%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $2,750 – $6,650 | −10% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,300 – $8,250 | −10% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $530 – $1,850 | −11% |
| Sod installation | 1,500 sq ft | $1,300 – $2,850 | −14% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,200 – $4,750 | −9% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,650 – $4,750 | −12% |
Cost by quality level and size in Lafayette
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Lafayette. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from single car (500 sq ft) to long rural (2,000 sq ft).
Basic
$2,200 to $4,900
Crusher-run spread and compacted on firm ground
Standard
$4,250 to $6,950
Excavated base plus top course, fabric, light grading
Premium
$6,250 to $9,000
Deep multi-layer build, edging, culvert or drainage
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| single car (500 sq ft) | $1,100 – $2,500 | $2,150 – $3,550 | $3,200 – $4,600 |
| two car (1,000 sq ft) | $2,200 – $4,900 | $4,250 – $6,950 | $6,250 – $9,000 |
| 100 ft x 10 ft (1,000 sq ft) | $2,200 – $4,900 | $4,250 – $6,950 | $6,250 – $9,000 |
| long rural (2,000 sq ft) | $4,400 – $9,750 | $8,400 – $13,800 | $12,400 – $17,800 |
The best months for gravel driveway in Lafayette
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Lafayette Rgnl Ap (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For digging, grading and setting material in the ground, the comfortable months in Lafayette are September through May: 9 of 12. Outside them, June, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Lafayette gets about 63 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are June, July and August (7.1 inches in June). Inside the workable window, February and March are the driest, at 4.1 and 3.7 inches. The station averages about 91 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 62 | 44 | 5.9 | Workable |
| Feb | 66 | 47 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Mar | 73 | 53 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Apr | 79 | 59 | 4.9 | Workable |
| May | 86 | 67 | 5.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 90 | 73 | 7.1 | Hot |
| Jul | 92 | 75 | 6.3 | Hot |
| Aug | 92 | 75 | 6.3 | Hot |
| Sep | 89 | 70 | 5.0 | Workable |
| Oct | 81 | 60 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 72 | 50 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Dec | 64 | 45 | 5.0 | Workable |
Optional extras in Lafayette
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.88 for Lafayette, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.83) and goods price index (0.94). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add edging (approx. 1 ft per 10 sq ft) | $440 – $1,600 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Lafayette bid
Grading and edging
Grading runs $1-$3 per sq ft. Edging to keep the stone in is $5-$18 per linear foot.
Stone is sold by weight
Stone is priced by the ton, so every extra inch of depth or foot of width adds loads of delivery.
Permit
A driveway permit is typically $50-$200 where one is needed for a new curb cut or connection; plenty of rural counties require none.
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $4,250 to $6,950 for Lafayette, LA is attached.
Detailed gravel driveway report for Lafayette, LA, $9
Multi-page report for Lafayette, LA: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Gravel driveway in Lafayette: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a gravel driveway in Lafayette?
For 1,000 sq ft, expect $2,200 to $9,000 in the Lafayette area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,250 to $6,950. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for gravel driveway in Lafayette?
About $2.20 to $8.80 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $0 to $170 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $2.50 to $10.
+Is gravel driveway cheaper in Lafayette or Lake Charles?
Lake Charles is 65 miles away. The midpoint for 1,000 sq ft there is $5,800, which is 4% more than Lafayette ($5,600). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Lafayette?
About 47% at the midpoint, or $2,600 out of $5,600. Materials are 52% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 100 ft x 10 ft (1,000 sq ft) cost in Lafayette?
$2,200 to $9,000. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does gravel driveway need a permit in Lafayette?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $0 to $170 for fees in the Lafayette area (our national range of $0 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Lafayette expensive for gravel driveway compared with the rest of Louisiana?
Lafayette is 1% below the Louisiana statewide estimate ($5,650 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in Louisiana; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Lafayette?
The BLS median is $18.57 an hour in the Lafayette area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $16.31 to $22.95.
+What do basic and premium gravel driveway work cost in Lafayette?
For 1,000 sq ft, basic work runs $2,200 to $4,900 and premium work $6,250 to $9,000. Basic means: crusher-run spread and compacted on firm ground. Premium means: deep multi-layer build, edging, culvert or drainage.
+When is the best time to install a gravel driveway in Lafayette?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through May. February and March are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add edging" add in Lafayette?
$440 to $1,600 for 1,000 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Gravel driveway near Lafayette
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Gravel Driveway Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- CalculateGravel: Gravel Driveway Cost in 2026 (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Installed range spans a basic spread-and-compact job ($2.50/sq ft low, CalculateGravel) to a full build with excavation ($10/sq ft high, HomeGuide). Materials low end is DIY stone ($1.20/sq ft, CalculateGravel); high end is half of HomeGuide's $10 because it says labor is about 50% of the project.