Median Income
$88,819
18% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
349/100K
8% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.9%
8% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.5%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.8%
256% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How La Crosse Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population227
Median Age50.2 yrs
Density49/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans1.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$88,819
Per Capita$38,420
Unemployment12.8%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$20,939M
Commute18 min
Housing
Ownership83.5%
Zillow$325,246
Housing Units78
Rent Burden13.0%
Crime
F
Violent349/100K
Property2,390/100K
Health
Obesity33.5%
Uninsured13.6%
Smoking14.0%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Sunny Days319/yr
Elevation145 ft (44 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.9%
High School+98.9%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 39% / D 60%
Commute18 min
Broadband91.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries14
Is La Crosse a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Crosse receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. La Crosse has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in La Crosse is $88,819, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 12.8%, unemployment is notably high. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in La Crosse is below the national average at 349 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,390 per 100,000, 22% above the national average.
Education
30.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
La Crosse enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 319 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
La Crosse has a population of 227 with a density of 49 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age is 50.2 years, 29% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.3% female and 42.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 6.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.5% of residents, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 1.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
50.2yrs
Median Age
29% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
La Crosse vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.5%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.5%
44% below US avg
Social Characteristics
La Crosse vs U.S. Average
The median household income in La Crosse is $88,819, which is 18% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,420. The average weekly wage is $1,227, 14% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,212 business establishments, including 669 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: La Crosse vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,819 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,420 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,227 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $80,663 |
| Gini Index | 0.520 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.8% |
| 256% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,212 |
| County GDP | $20,939M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 669 |
| Healthcare | 921 |
| Retail | 918 |
| Manufacturing | 163 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,950 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $325,246. Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 78 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. The average annual property tax is $6,950 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.5% |
| Housing Units | 78 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,950 |
| 99% above US avg |
In La Crosse, 33.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 18.1% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 20.0% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 13.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:643. The dentist ratio is 1:523. 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: La Crosse vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 13.6% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:643 |
| Dentists | 1:523 |
| Mental Health | 1:144 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,032/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 921 |
La Crosse has a violent crime rate of 349 per 100,000 residents, 8% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,390 per 100,000, 22% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 49 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, La Crosse receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: La Crosse vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 349.0/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,390.0/100K |
| 22% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 49 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Crosse enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 319 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 145 feet.
Temperature
55°F Jan (13°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 69.5°F |
| 29% above US avg |
| January Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 319 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 145 ft (44 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 49/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.8501°N, 82.4026°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Alachua County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gainesville Regional (GNV) 14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
8.11"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0382 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 34.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 81.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
21 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
125 km |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 3 |
222 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
96 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
107 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 3 |
247 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
299 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
261 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
271 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
185 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
165 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
162 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
209 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
276 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
143 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
247 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
251 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
252 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
179 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
211 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
197 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
440 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 10 fatalities, 176 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 1975 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 1971 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1960 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
45 km |
1 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2004 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2001 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2001 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1998 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1998 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 1996 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1995 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
98 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
60 km |
3 |
| Mar 14, 1986 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (328,827 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX |
328,827 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
WEST MIMS |
166,737 |
90 km |
| 2011 |
HONEY PRAIRIE |
147,065 |
94 km |
| 2002 |
BLACKJACK BAY COMPLEX |
107,076 |
93 km |
| 1999 |
FRIENDLY |
75,089 |
77 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
59,179 |
64 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY LINE |
35,440 |
74 km |
| 2004 |
IMPASSABLE ONE |
29,836 |
64 km |
| 1998 |
OAK |
21,478 |
53 km |
| 1990 |
SHORTS |
21,413 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
18,577 |
55 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
16,594 |
73 km |
| 1989 |
PIN HOOK |
16,471 |
72 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
14,543 |
53 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
13,873 |
34 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
13,806 |
27 km |
| 2006 |
JUNIPER |
11,998 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
IMPASSABLE BAY |
11,889 |
63 km |
| 2020 |
CPT 3 ALBERT/CPT 119 HANCOCK |
10,724 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
JUNIPER SPRINGS |
8,363 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
55°F (13°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
57°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
6.7 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
7.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
8.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| October |
70°F (21°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
63°F (17°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
La Crosse has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 55°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (8.1") and October the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in La Crosse. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,082 |
| Toddler | $790 |
| Preschool | $693 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,018 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About La Crosse
What is the population of La Crosse?
La Crosse has a population of 227 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 49 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 50.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.3% female and 42.7% male.
Is La Crosse expensive to live in?
La Crosse has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $88,819, 18% above the national average of $75,149.
Is La Crosse safe?
La Crosse is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 349 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,390 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, La Crosse receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in La Crosse?
La Crosse enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 55°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 319 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in La Crosse?
The job market in La Crosse faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,227. There are 8,212 business establishments in the area, including 669 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in La Crosse?
Schools in La Crosse score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.9% of adults in La Crosse hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.9% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Crosse?
The obesity rate in La Crosse is 33.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 13.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 90.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:643.
What is transportation like in La Crosse?
The average commute in La Crosse is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of La Crosse?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Crosse is 90.3% White, 6.6% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 92.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 1.4% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.