Median Income
$53,803
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$196,600
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
236/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.8%
3% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$977
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.4%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.8%
37% lower than US avg
How La Crosse Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population51,791
Median Age30.3 yrs
Density2,386/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$53,803
Per Capita$34,356
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty7.8%
County GDP$9,934M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$196,600
Rent$977
Ownership46.1%
Zillow$273,344
Housing Units24,206
Rent Burden29.9%
Crime
F
Violent236/100K
Property3,586/100K
Murder3.9/100K
Assault130/100K
Burglary438/100K
Health
Obesity41.4%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking16.2%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI37 (Good)
Rain37.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation633 ft (193 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.8%
High School+95.1%
Graduate+14.9%
School Score6.11
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 54%
Commute17 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations19
Libraries8
Is La Crosse a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, La Crosse receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, 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 $53,803, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. Only 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in La Crosse is $196,600, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $977 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in La Crosse is below the national average at 236 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,586 per 100,000, 83% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
La Crosse experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches, including 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
La Crosse has a population of 51,791 with a density of 2,386 people per square mile, spread across 22.5 square miles. The median age is 30.3 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (88.4%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.6% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.3yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
La Crosse vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.6%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
Social Characteristics
La Crosse vs U.S. Average
The median household income in La Crosse is $53,803, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,356 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,124, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.8% 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 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: La Crosse vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,803 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,356 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,124 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,484 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.8% |
| 37% 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 | 3.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.0% |
| Public Transit | 1.8% |
| Work from Home | 10.0% |
The median home value in La Crosse is $196,600, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,344, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.9% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $977 (16% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $889 for a one-bedroom to $1,166 for a two-bedroom apartment. 46.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 24,206 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $6,845 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $196,600 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $273,344 |
| Median List Price | $279,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $279,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $157 |
| Homes Sold | 32 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.9% |
| Price Drops | 28.1% |
| Inventory | 32 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $977 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,105 |
| Rent Burden | 29.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $804 |
| 1 Bedroom | $889 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,166 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,515 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,903 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 46.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.9% |
| Housing Units | 24,206 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,845 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.48% |
In La Crosse, 41.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 28.3% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% 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: La Crosse vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.4% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.3% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:717 |
| Dentists | 1:978 |
| Mental Health | 1:255 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,575/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 350 |
La Crosse has a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 129.9 per 100,000, robbery at 50.4, rape at 52.3. The murder rate is 3.9 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,586 per 100,000, 83% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,026, burglary at 438, vehicle theft at 122 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 6 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 | 236.5/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| Murder | 3.9/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rape | 52.3/100K |
| Robbery | 50.4/100K |
| Assault | 129.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,585.9/100K |
| 83% above US avg |
| Burglary | 438.1/100K |
| Theft | 3,025.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 122.1/100K |
| Arson | 1.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 69 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 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 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.5 inches. The area receives 54.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37. 96% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 633 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.6°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 633 ft (193 m) |
| Area | 22.5 sq mi (58.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,386/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.8247°N, 91.2246°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | La Crosse County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE) 4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.5"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 96.1% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
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
302 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 193 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF4 |
84 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1999 |
EF2 |
58 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 |
92 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
92 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
92 km |
| 2004 |
POOL ONE NORTH |
1,576 |
89 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
71 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
981 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
90 km |
| 1998 |
PR 17 |
896 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
875 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
867 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
657 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
589 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
91 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
87 km |
| 2003 |
OS 23 |
571 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
569 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
La Crosse has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (0.9").
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) |
$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 La Crosse
What is the population of La Crosse?
La Crosse has a population of 51,791 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 2,386 people per square mile, spread across 22.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is La Crosse expensive to live in?
La Crosse 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 $53,803, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $196,600 (30% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $977 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is La Crosse safe?
La Crosse is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,586 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 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.5 inches, with 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 37.
How is the job market in La Crosse?
The job market in La Crosse is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. 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 17 minutes, and 10.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in La Crosse?
The median home value in La Crosse is $196,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $273,344. For renters, the median monthly rent is $977. Fair market rent is $889 for a 1-bedroom and $1,166 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 46.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,845.
How are the schools in La Crosse?
Schools in La Crosse score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.8% of adults in La Crosse hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. 14.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is La Crosse?
The obesity rate in La Crosse is 41.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 28.3% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 8.2% 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 La Crosse?
The average commute in La Crosse is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68% of workers drive alone to work, 1.8% use public transit, and 10.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of La Crosse?
The racial and ethnic makeup of La Crosse is 88.4% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 94.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 12.7% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.