Median Income
$63,500
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,000
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
397/100K
5% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,047
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.7%
6% lower than US avg
How La Crosse Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population640
Median Age36.1 yrs
Density1,123/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$63,500
Per Capita$24,973
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty11.7%
County GDP$690M
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,000
Rent$1,047
Ownership84.5%
Zillow$214,555
Housing Units232
Rent Burden32.5%
Crime
F
Violent397/100K
Property3,121/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking22.3%
Depression28.7%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation676 ft (206 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+85.4%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.33
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute34 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is La Crosse a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Crosse receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. La Crosse offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in La Crosse is $63,500, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in La Crosse is $125,000, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,047 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 397 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,121 per 100,000, 59% above the national average.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
La Crosse experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches, including 33.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
La Crosse has a population of 640 with a density of 1,123 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 36.1 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (92%), with 4.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.3% of residents, while 15.7% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 9.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 81.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.1yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
La Crosse vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
84.3%
7% above US avg
Spanish
15.7%
17% above US avg
Social Characteristics
La Crosse vs U.S. Average
The median household income in La Crosse is $63,500, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,973 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $849, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 337 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: La Crosse vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,500 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,973 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $849 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,879 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 337 |
| County GDP | $690M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,765 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in La Crosse is $125,000, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,555, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,047 (10% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 232 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1941. The average annual property tax is $2,765 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,555 |
| Median List Price | $216,459 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $216,459 |
| $/Sq Ft | $95 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,047 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.5% |
| Housing Units | 232 |
| Median Year Built | 1941 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,765 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.21% |
In La Crosse, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 38.2% have high blood pressure. 22.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.5% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,791. The dentist ratio is 1:4,652. 67.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: La Crosse vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.2% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 10.1% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.3% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 28.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.9% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,791 |
| Dentists | 1:4,652 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,901 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Dental Visits | 51.0% |
| Premature Death | 12,710/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 67.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
La Crosse has a violent crime rate of 397 per 100,000 residents, 5% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,121 per 100,000, 59% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 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 | 397.3/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,121.5/100K |
| 59% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
La Crosse experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. The area receives 33.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 676 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 676 ft (206 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,123/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3178°N, 86.8898°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Starke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Porter County Regional (VPZ)
11 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.5"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 41.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
95 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
120 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
554 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 137 fatalities, 1,929 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
93 km |
18 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
88 km |
33 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
65 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
31 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
43 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,602 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,602 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
96 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
42 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
42 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
41 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
La Crosse has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 23°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.5").
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) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About La Crosse
What is the population of La Crosse?
La Crosse has a population of 640 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,123 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is La Crosse expensive to live in?
La Crosse is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,500, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,000 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,047 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is La Crosse safe?
The violent crime rate in La Crosse is 397 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,121 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.5 inches, with 33.6 inches of snow. 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 is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $849. There are 337 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in La Crosse?
The median home value in La Crosse is $125,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,555. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,047. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,765.
How are the schools in La Crosse?
Schools in La Crosse score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in La Crosse hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.4% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Crosse?
The obesity rate in La Crosse is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.3% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 28.7% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 67.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,791.
What is transportation like in La Crosse?
The average commute in La Crosse is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of La Crosse?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Crosse is 92% White, 4.7% Black or African American. 84.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.7% speak Spanish. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.5% of residents have a disability. 81.9% have health insurance coverage.
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