Median Income
$52,670
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$152,100
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
71/100K
81% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.5%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$840
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.2%
34% lower than US avg
How Prairie du Chien Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,471
Median Age45.7 yrs
Density927/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,670
Per Capita$29,861
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty8.2%
County GDP$780M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,100
Rent$840
Ownership64.1%
Zillow$208,083
Housing Units2,528
Rent Burden23.0%
Crime
F
Violent71/100K
Property1,455/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault18/100K
Burglary71/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured10.1%
Smoking18.7%
Depression26.2%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation641 ft (195 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.5%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.81
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 32%
Commute15 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Prairie du Chien a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Prairie du Chien receives an overall livability score of 3.1 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. Prairie du Chien offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Prairie du Chien is $52,670, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. 8.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Prairie du Chien is $152,100, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $840 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Prairie du Chien is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 71 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,455 per 100,000, 26% below the national average.
Education
16.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Prairie du Chien experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 33.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Prairie du Chien has a population of 5,471 with a density of 927 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age is 45.7 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (92.5%), with 2.2% Hispanic, 2.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.8% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.7yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Prairie du Chien vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.8%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Prairie du Chien vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Prairie du Chien is $52,670, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,861 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $881, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 472 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Prairie du Chien vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,670 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,861 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $881 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,956 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.2% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 472 |
| County GDP | $780M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 63 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,042 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.7% |
| Public Transit | 1.6% |
| Work from Home | 3.1% |
The median home value in Prairie du Chien is $152,100, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,083, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $840 (28% 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. 64.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,528 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,042. 23.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,100 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $208,083 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $840 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.9% |
| Housing Units | 2,528 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,042 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.00% |
In Prairie du Chien, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.8% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,741. The dentist ratio is 1:2,792. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Prairie du Chien vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.1% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 26.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.1% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,741 |
| Dentists | 1:2,792 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,519 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,990/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Prairie du Chien has a violent crime rate of 71 per 100,000 residents, 81% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 17.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 53.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,455 per 100,000, 26% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,366, burglary at 71, vehicle theft at 18 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Prairie du Chien receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Prairie du Chien vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 71.0/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 53.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 17.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,454.9/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| Burglary | 71.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,366.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 17.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Prairie du Chien experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches. The area receives 33.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 641 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.7°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 641 ft (195 m) |
| Area | 6.4 sq mi (16.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 927/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0433°N, 91.1373°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Allamakee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
425 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 17 fatalities, 480 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
95 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
77 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
39 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Prairie du Chien has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Prairie du Chien. 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 | $688 |
| Toddler | $593 |
| Preschool | $593 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $452 |
| Toddler | $445 |
| Preschool | $445 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Prairie du Chien
What is the population of Prairie du Chien?
Prairie du Chien has a population of 5,471 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 927 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Prairie du Chien expensive to live in?
Prairie du Chien 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 $52,670, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,100 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $840 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Prairie du Chien safe?
Prairie du Chien is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 71 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,455 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Prairie du Chien receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Prairie du Chien?
Prairie du Chien has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 33.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Prairie du Chien?
The job market in Prairie du Chien is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $881. There are 472 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 3.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Prairie du Chien?
The median home value in Prairie du Chien is $152,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $208,083. For renters, the median monthly rent is $840. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,042.
How are the schools in Prairie du Chien?
Schools in Prairie du Chien score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.5% of adults in Prairie du Chien hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Prairie du Chien?
The obesity rate in Prairie du Chien is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 26.2% of residents report depression. 10.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,741.
What is transportation like in Prairie du Chien?
The average commute in Prairie du Chien is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.7% of workers drive alone to work, 1.6% use public transit, and 3.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Prairie du Chien?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Prairie du Chien is 92.5% White, 2.3% Black or African American, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.8% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
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