Everything You Should Know Before Moving to La Crosse, WI
Thinking of moving to La Crosse, WI? With a population of about 51,800, La Crosse offers affordable living, with median home prices around $211,000 and average rents near $930. The city enjoys a short average commute of 15.7 minutes and provides access to two major hospitals and reputable schools, including the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. Residents enjoy four-season weather with 53% sunny days and a vibrant community atmosphere, making it a great fit for those seeking a balance of affordability, education, and Midwestern charm.
Demographics - La Crosse, WI
Demographics - La Crosse, WI
La Crosse, Wisconsin is home to approximately 51,800 residents, with a youthful median age of 29.5. The city is predominantly White, but also features notable Asian and Black communities, and about 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diverse demographic mix contributes to La Crosse’s welcoming and dynamic community atmosphere.
Population:
51,800
Density:
2,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.5
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.7%
Black:
3.2%
Asian:
6.5%
Others:
4.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in La Crosse, WI?
La Crosse boasts an affordable cost of living, with a median home value around $211,000 and average rents at $930, both below national averages. Utility and grocery costs are also relatively low, making the city an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers. State taxes range from 3.54% to 7.65%, and the overall cost of living index sits at 89.5.
Median House Value:
$211,000
Gross Rent:
$930
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$98
Auto Insurance:
$1,010
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,285
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$495
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
94.3
Housing:
80.1
Utilities:
93.7
Transportation:
86.2
Health Care:
97.5
Miscellaneous:
91.8
Crime
Is La Crosse, WI a safe place to live?
The city maintains a moderate crime rate, with a 1 in 298 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 48 chance of property crime. While these rates are slightly above the national average, La Crosse’s active community and public safety measures help foster a sense of security for residents. Families and newcomers should still exercise standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
335
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,085
Crime Index:
2,420
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 298
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in La Crosse, WI year-round?
La Crosse experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows near 10°F and warm summers reaching highs around 83°F. The city receives about 32.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 53% of the year. Residents can look forward to vibrant seasonal changes and a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
La Crosse’s neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $49,400 and a family income of $66,800, with a poverty rate of 19.3%. Most adults have completed high school, and over a third hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commutes are convenient, averaging just under 16 minutes, fostering a close-knit and accessible community.
Median Income:
$25,700
Household Income:
$49,400
Family Income:
$66,800
Per Capita Income:
$28,600
Income Male:
$33,200
Income Female:
$27,300
Poverty Rate:
19.3%
Non English Speakers:
7.1%
Rent:
$930
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
2.9%
Commute Time:
15.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
35.4%
Education
How are the schools in La Crosse, WI?
La Crosse provides strong educational opportunities, including reputable public and private schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, such as Central High School and Aquinas Catholic Schools. Higher education is anchored by the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and Western Technical College, both located within the city. This robust educational environment supports learners of all ages and backgrounds.
Public Schools
Name:
Central High School
Street:
1801 Losey Blvd S
Phone:
608-789-7900
Students:
1,160
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Summit Environmental School
Street:
1800 Lakeshore Dr
Phone:
608-789-7980
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
Aquinas Catholic Schools
Street:
315 11th St S
Phone:
608-784-8585
Students:
375
Colleges
Name:
University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
City:
La Crosse
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
10,500
Name:
Western Technical College
City:
La Crosse
State:
WI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Residents of La Crosse benefit from excellent healthcare access, served by major hospitals like Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 96% health insurance coverage, the city ensures that quality medical care is readily available. Emergency services and a strong healthcare infrastructure provide peace of mind for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Gundersen Health System
Address:
1900 South Ave, La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone:
(608) 782-7300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mayo Clinic Health System - Franciscan Healthcare
Address:
700 West Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone:
(608) 785-0940
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.8%
Health Care Index:
77.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in La Crosse, WI?
La Crosse offers an accessible housing market, with a median home price of $211,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $930. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a healthy 7.2% appreciation in home values over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates make it a stable environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$211,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$930
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
La Crosse is served locally by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles, located at 711 Rose St. Residents can conveniently access vehicle registration, licensing, and other DMV services both in person and online. The office ensures efficient support for all motor vehicle needs in the area.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
711 Rose St, La Crosse, WI 54603
Phone:
1-608-264-7447
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.