Wisconsin / County

Moving to La Crosse, WI

Thinking of making a move to La Crosse, WI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to La Crosse, WI

Considering a move to La Crosse, WI? This welcoming community of 51,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $211,000 and average rents near $930. Commute times average 16 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore La Crosse's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - La Crosse, WI

La Crosse has a population of 51,800 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 30 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 86% White, 3% Black, and 7% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban 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?

The cost of living in La Crosse is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5. Median home values are around $211,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $930. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

La Crosse is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 335 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 48. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Wisconsin.

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 four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 10°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
10°F
Max
28°F

Summer

Min
60°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
35°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
38°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
32.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $49,400 and a low poverty rate of 19.3%. Over 94% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 35% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 16 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Central High School and Summit Environmental School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and Western Technical College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

La Crosse residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System - Franciscan Healthcare nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 95.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $211,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 47%. The market has seen a 7.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.9%. La Crosse offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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

Residents of La Crosse handle vehicle services through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in La Crosse. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Wisconsin
Department
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
711 Rose St, La Crosse, WI 54603
Phone
1-608-264-7447

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.

FAQs About Moving to La Crosse, WI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to La Crosse, review the core fields on this page: population 51,800, median home value $211,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $930, commute time 15.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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