Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Prairie Du Chien, WI
Considering a move to Prairie Du Chien, WI? With a small-town population of 5,506, this riverside city offers affordable living—median home prices are just $147,000 and average rents around $755. Residents enjoy short commute times (13.4 minutes), low violent crime rates, and access to quality schools. Prairie Du Chien features a friendly community, beautiful Mississippi River scenery, and a climate with 54% sunny days each year, making it a charming place to call home.
Demographics - Prairie Du Chien, WI
Demographics - Prairie Du Chien, WI
Prairie Du Chien is a close-knit community of 5,506 residents, with a median age of 44.2 and a population density of about 1,055 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White, and nearly 4% of locals speak a language other than English, reflecting a small but present diversity.
Population:
5,506
Density:
1,055 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.3%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Prairie Du Chien, WI?
Living in Prairie Du Chien is affordable, with a median home value of $147,000 and average rents around $755, making it accessible for both homeowners and renters. The cost of living index is 83.2, well below the national average, and utility and transportation expenses are similarly budget-friendly.
Median House Value:
$147,000
Gross Rent:
$755
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
3.54%
|
High:
7.65%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.2
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
65.2
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
88.5
Health Care:
105.3
Miscellaneous:
93.4
Crime
Is Prairie Du Chien, WI a safe place to live?
Prairie Du Chien offers a safe environment, with a low violent crime rate of 96 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 1,040 chance of experiencing such crime. Property crime is more common, but overall crime rates remain manageable for a small city.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
96
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,721
Crime Index:
1,817
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,040
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 58
Weather
What is the weather like in Prairie Du Chien, WI year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with winters dipping to 10°F, summers reaching up to 84°F, and an annual average rainfall of 34.5 inches. With 54% of days being sunny, the climate is appealing for those who enjoy a balanced mix of sunshine and changing weather.
Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The median household income stands at $55,500, and the community boasts a high school graduation rate of over 92%. With a 13.5% poverty rate and a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, Prairie Du Chien offers steady job opportunities and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Median Income:
$31,900
Household Income:
$55,500
Family Income:
$66,100
Per Capita Income:
$25,800
Income Male:
$39,200
Income Female:
$28,400
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.8%
Rent:
$755
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
13.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
19.4%
Education
How are the schools in Prairie Du Chien, WI?
Prairie Du Chien offers quality education with well-regarded public schools like Prairie du Chien High School and Bluff View Intermediate, featuring small class sizes and dedicated staff. The city also has private school options and is within easy reach of higher education through Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s nearby outreach center.
Public Schools
Name:
Prairie du Chien High School
Street:
800 E Crawford St
Phone:
608-326-3700
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Bluff View Intermediate School
Street:
1901 E Wells St
Phone:
608-326-3701
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Gabriel's Catholic School
Street:
515 N Beaumont Rd
Phone:
608-326-8624
Students:
115
Colleges
Name:
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Richland Center outreach)
City:
Richland Center
State:
WI
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Prairie Du Chien residents have access to quality healthcare, including Crossing Rivers Health, a major local hospital with emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 93% health insurance coverage, the city ensures most residents can find the care they need locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Crossing Rivers Health
Address:
37868 US-18, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
Phone:
(608) 357-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Prairie Du Chien, WI?
The housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $147,000 and two-bedroom rents averaging $755. About 67% of homes are owner-occupied, and home values have appreciated by 4.8% over the past year, offering opportunities for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$147,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$755
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.8%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
The local DMV, operated by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, is conveniently located on E. Blackhawk Ave and provides a full range of motor vehicle services. Residents can access information and online services through the state DMV website or by calling the local office.
State:
Wisconsin
Department:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
201 E. Blackhawk Ave, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
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.