Median Income
$59,462
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$198,200
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
198/100K
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.8%
20% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$983
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.0%
94% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.0%
52% lower than US avg
How French Island Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,235
Median Age47.3 yrs
Density2,097/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$59,462
Per Capita$36,385
Unemployment7.0%
Poverty6.0%
County GDP$9,934M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$198,200
Rent$983
Ownership76.6%
Zillow$273,344
Housing Units2,083
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent198/100K
Property2,952/100K
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking16.2%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation653 ft (199 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.8%
High School+97.8%
Graduate+9.9%
School Score6.11
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 54%
Commute16 min
Broadband92.4%
EV Stations19
Libraries8
Is French Island a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, French Island receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. French Island offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in French Island is $59,462, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in French Island is $198,200, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $983 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in French Island is below the national average at 198 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,952 per 100,000, 51% above the national average.
Education
26.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
French Island experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.2 inches, including 46.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
French Island has a population of 4,235 with a density of 2,097 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 47.3 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%), with 1.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 85.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.3yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
French Island vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
Social Characteristics
French Island vs U.S. Average
The median household income in French Island is $59,462, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,385. The average weekly wage is $1,124, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,551 business establishments, including 350 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: French Island vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,462 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,385 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,124 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,484 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.0% |
| 94% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.0% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,551 |
| County GDP | $9,934M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 350 |
| Healthcare | 350 |
| Retail | 392 |
| Manufacturing | 148 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,845 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.7% |
The median home value in French Island is $198,200, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,344, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $983 (15% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,083 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $6,845 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $198,200 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $273,344 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $983 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,083 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,845 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.45% |
In French Island, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 27.8% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:717. The dentist ratio is 1:978. 82.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: French Island vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.8% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:717 |
| Dentists | 1:978 |
| Mental Health | 1:255 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,575/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 350 |
French Island has a violent crime rate of 198 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,952 per 100,000, 51% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, French Island receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: French Island vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 197.8/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,951.7/100K |
| 51% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
French Island experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.2 inches. The area receives 46.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 653 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 48.8°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 653 ft (199 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,097/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8587°N, 91.2608°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | La Crosse County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE) 1 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.2"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0478 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
308 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 176 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1999 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG BURN (3,154 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
93 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
93 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
67 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
88 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
91 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
93 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
90 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
OS 23 |
571 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
569 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
French Island has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 19°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in French Island. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,269 |
| Toddler | $1,120 |
| Preschool | $1,120 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $953 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $866 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About French Island
What is the population of French Island?
French Island has a population of 4,235 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 2,097 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is French Island expensive to live in?
French Island is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $59,462, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $198,200 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $983 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is French Island safe?
French Island is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 198 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,952 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, French Island receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in French Island?
French Island has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.2 inches, with 46.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in French Island?
The unemployment rate in French Island is 7.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,124. There are 3,551 business establishments in the area, including 350 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 9.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in French Island?
The median home value in French Island is $198,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,344. For renters, the median monthly rent is $983. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,845.
How are the schools in French Island?
Schools in French Island score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.8% of adults in French Island hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.8% have completed high school. 9.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is French Island?
The obesity rate in French Island is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 27.8% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 82.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:717.
What is transportation like in French Island?
The average commute in French Island is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of French Island?
The racial and ethnic makeup of French Island is 94.3% White, 1.2% Black or African American. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 8.6% of residents have a disability. 85.0% have health insurance coverage.