Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Onalaska, WI
Considering a move to Onalaska, WI? With a welcoming population of nearly 20,000, Onalaska offers affordable living—median home prices near $309,000 and average rents around $1,140. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (98 per 100k), short commutes averaging 16 minutes, and strong schools with high graduation rates. The city features beautiful riverfronts, 57% sunny days each year, and easy access to major healthcare. Explore Onalaska’s small-town charm, outdoor recreation, and quality of life to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Demographics - Onalaska, WI
Demographics - Onalaska, WI
Onalaska is home to nearly 20,000 residents, with a median age of 41, reflecting a balanced mix of families and professionals. The city is predominantly White (92%), but also includes Asian, Black, and other communities, creating a welcoming atmosphere. With a moderate population density and a small percentage of non-English speakers, Onalaska offers a friendly and accessible environment for newcomers.
Population:
19,891
Density:
2,050 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.0
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.1%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
3.5%
Others:
3.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Onalaska, WI?
Living in Onalaska is affordable, with a median home value of $309,000 and average rent of $1,140, both below national averages. Utilities and transportation costs remain reasonable, and the overall cost of living index sits at 96.7, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families. State taxes range from 3.54% to 7.65%, offering a manageable tax burden.
Median House Value:
$309,000
Gross Rent:
$1,140
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,170
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,740
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
96.7
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
93.8
Utilities:
95.5
Transportation:
99.2
Health Care:
99.8
Miscellaneous:
98.1
Crime
Is Onalaska, WI a safe place to live?
Onalaska boasts a low violent crime rate of 98 per 100,000 residents, making it a safe community for families and individuals. Property crime is also moderate, with a 1 in 80 chance, and the city's overall crime index is well below many urban areas. Residents benefit from a strong sense of security and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
98
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,250
Crime Index:
1,348
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,020
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 80
Weather
What is the weather like in Onalaska, WI year-round?
Onalaska experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 9°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The area sees about 33.8 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 57% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate varied weather and outdoor activities. Spring and fall offer mild, comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring local parks and riverfronts.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
59°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Residents of Onalaska enjoy a median household income of $78,500 and a low unemployment rate of 2.7%, contributing to a stable local economy. The area is highly educated, with nearly 97% holding a high school diploma or higher and 38% possessing a bachelor’s degree, while the average commute is a convenient 16 minutes. With a low poverty rate of 7.8%, the community maintains a high quality of life.
Median Income:
$39,700
Household Income:
$78,500
Family Income:
$89,000
Per Capita Income:
$38,200
Income Male:
$49,800
Income Female:
$40,900
Poverty Rate:
7.8%
Non English Speakers:
6.1%
Rent:
$1,140
Unemployment Rate:
2.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
16.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.7%
Bachelors or More:
38.2%
Education
How are the schools in Onalaska, WI?
Onalaska offers quality education through its public and private schools, with strong student-teacher ratios and high graduation rates. The city is also near higher education institutions like the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, just six miles away, providing further opportunities for students and adult learners. Families can expect a supportive learning environment with a range of educational options.
Public Schools
Name:
Onalaska High School
Street:
700 Hilltopper Place
Phone:
608-783-4561
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Eagle Bluff Elementary School
Street:
200 Eagle Bluff Ct
Phone:
608-783-3156
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6
Private Schools
Name:
St. Patrick School
Street:
127 11th Ave N
Phone:
608-783-5483
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
City:
La Crosse
State:
WI
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
10,300
Name:
Western Technical College
City:
La Crosse
State:
WI
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
4,000
Healthcare
Onalaska benefits from excellent healthcare access, with two major hospitals just minutes away in La Crosse and a high health insurance coverage rate of 96%. There are 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, ensuring timely and quality medical care. The area’s healthcare index of 78.9 reflects strong local resources for families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center
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:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.0%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Onalaska, WI?
The housing market in Onalaska is stable, with a median home price of $309,000 and owner-occupancy at 65%. Rental options are available, with a 4.1% vacancy rate and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,140. The market has seen steady appreciation, with a 5.1% increase in home values over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$309,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,140
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Onalaska residents are served by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles located on Hwy 16, providing convenient access to vehicle registration, licensing, and other essential services. The local DMV offers both in-person and online services, making it easy for newcomers to get settled. For additional information, residents can visit the state DMV website or call the Onalaska branch directly.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
9477 Hwy 16, Onalaska, WI 54650
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.