Wisconsin / La Crosse County

Moving to Onalaska, WI

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

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Onalaska before you move.

Moving Help for Your Onalaska, WI Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Onalaska move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Onalaska, WI

Considering a move to Onalaska, WI? This welcoming community of 18,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $310,000 and average rents near $1,250. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Onalaska's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Onalaska, WI

Onalaska has a population of 18,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 85% White, 3% Black, and 5% Asian residents, and over 8% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
18,500
Density
1,650 per sq mi
Median Age
39.8
Gender Ratio
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
7.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
85.0%
Black
3.0%
Asian
5.0%
Others
7.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Onalaska, WI?

The cost of living in Onalaska is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 96.8. Median home values are around $310,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,250. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$310,000
Gross Rent
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$620
State Taxes
Low: 3.5%| High: 7.65%
Cost Of Living Index
96.8
Grocery
96.5
Housing
98.4
Utilities
101.2
Transportation
93.6
Health Care
98.1
Miscellaneous
95.8

Crime

Is Onalaska, WI a safe place to live?

Onalaska is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 115 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 85. 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
115
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,180
Crime Index
1,295
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 870
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 85

Weather

What is the weather like in Onalaska, WI year-round?

Onalaska 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 54% 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
38°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
32.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $76,500 and a low poverty rate of 8.2%. Over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 37% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 4% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,500
Household Income
$76,500
Family Income
$94,000
Per Capita Income
$38,800
Income Male
$50,000
Income Female
$38,500
Poverty Rate
8.2%
Non English Speakers
10.5%
Rent
$1,250
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Public Transport Usage
3.5%
Commute Time
18.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
94.5%
Bachelors or More
36.8%

Education

How are the schools in Onalaska, WI?

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

Public Schools

Name
Onalaska High School
Street
700 Hilltopper Pl
Phone
608-783-1260
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
14.5
Name
Onalaska Middle School
Street
711 Quincy St
Phone
608-783-1780
Students
700
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
Aquinas Catholic Schools
Street
1110 Beach St
Phone
608-784-7575
Students
430

Colleges

Name
Western Technical College
City
La Crosse
State
WI
Distance
6 miles
Students
5,000
Name
University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
City
La Crosse
State
WI
Distance
8 miles
Students
10,500

Healthcare

Onalaska residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare and Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 94.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare
Address
700 West Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone
(608) 782-7300
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center
Address
1910 South Ave, La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone
(608) 782-7300
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
94.8%
Health Care Index
78.9

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Onalaska, WI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $310,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 73%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Onalaska offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$310,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate
72.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Onalaska handle vehicle services through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Madison. 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 (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
Phone
(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 Onalaska, WI

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

Before moving to Onalaska, review the core fields on this page: population 18,500, median home value $310,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,250, commute time 18.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

Ready to Move to Onalaska, WI?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes