Living in La Crosse, Wisconsin
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of La Crosse · Census data 2020–2024
La Crosse has 51,356 residents with a median age of 30.5. The median household income is $55,866 (28% lower than the Wisconsin median), the median home value is $210,100, the median rent is $1,010/month.
La Crosse at a glance
- Population
- 51,356
- Median age
- 30.5State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $55,866State: $77,485
- Median home value
- $210,100State: $266,500
- Median rent
- $1,010/moState: $1,087
- Homeowners
- 46.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 34.9%
- Average commute
- 16 min
Is La Crosse a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 21% lower than the state median; an average commute of 16 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 28% lower than the Wisconsin median; unemployment of 3.7%; a poverty rate of 21.4%.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in La Crosse
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In La Crosse the median home value is $210,100, 37% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,010 per month, which is 28.9% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,469 a month in housing costs.
La Crosse median household income
The median household income in La Crosse is $55,866 and the income per person is $34,439. 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line (Wisconsin: 10.6%).
Housing in La Crosse: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 24,404
- Owner-occupied
- 46.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 53.9%
- Vacant
- 5.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1965
- Average household size
- 2.05
La Crosse demographics
- Population
- 51,356
- Median age
- 30.5
- Under 18
- 14.6%
- 65 and older
- 17.1%
- Households
- 22,965
- Foreign-born
- 2.7%
- Veterans
- 5.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of La Crosse ›
Education in La Crosse
34.9% of adults 25 and older in La Crosse have a bachelor's degree or higher (Wisconsin: 33.4%), and 14.6% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in La Crosse
- Unemployment rate
- 3.7%State: 3.2%
- Average commute
- 16 minState: 22 min
- Work from home
- 11.9%
- Drive alone
- 68.9%
- Public transit
- 1.8%
- Walk to work
- 6.6%
- Homes with broadband
- 88.4%
La Crosse vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Crosse | 51,356 | $55,866 | $210,100 | $1,010 |
| French Island | 4,188 | $60,202 | $207,100 | $1,030 |
| La Crescent | 5,251 | $85,368 | $272,400 | $889 |
| Onalaska | 19,348 | $85,867 | $288,900 | $1,130 |
| Dresbach | 286 | $90,250 | $343,800 | $625 |
| Hokah | 668 | $60,781 | $188,700 | $912 |
| West Salem | 5,330 | $97,019 | $277,100 | $1,283 |
| Dakota | 304 | $95,357 | $236,200 | — |
| Brice Prairie | 1,782 | $94,408 | $297,300 | $1,578 |
More for people moving to La Crosse
La Crosse ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in La Crosse: FAQ
What is the median household income in La Crosse, WI?
The median household income in La Crosse is $55,866, 28% lower than the Wisconsin median of $77,485 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in La Crosse?
The median home value in La Crosse is $210,100, compared with $266,500 in Wisconsin.
How much is rent in La Crosse?
The median gross rent in La Crosse is $1,010 per month, about 28.9% of household income.
Is La Crosse, WI a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 21% lower than the state median; an average commute of 16 minutes. Minuses: median household income 28% lower than the Wisconsin median; unemployment of 3.7%; a poverty rate of 21.4%.
What is the median age in La Crosse?
The median age in La Crosse is 30.5 years (Wisconsin: 40.2).
How long is the commute in La Crosse?
The average commute to work in La Crosse is 16 minutes; 11.9% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in La Crosse?
The unemployment rate in La Crosse is 3.7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is La Crosse?
34.9% of adults in La Crosse have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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