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Is La Crosse a Good Place to Live? La Crosse, Wisconsin: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
La Crosse ranks #557 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #251 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.9 min, #13 of 524) and low unemployment (3%, #30 of 476), and trails on high poverty (21.4%, #472 of 524) and low household income ($55,866, #471 of 524).
La Crosse by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with La Crosse's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in La Crosse?
La Crosse's cost of living index is 91.8, 8% below the US level of 100 and #307 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,010/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $287,924, 15% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
| Measure | La Crosse | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 91.8#307 of 1,308 | 94.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $287,924#345 of 1,187 | $339,699 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,080/mo#49 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $210,100#257 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,010/mo#229 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.7%#647 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
La Crosse housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. La Crosse is in the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN metro.
Wisconsin housing market →Is La Crosse safe?
La Crosse recorded 428 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 31% above the US rate of 328 and 78% above Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #759 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #338 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by La Crosse Police Department. Property crime runs 3,486 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | La Crosse | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 428#759 of 1,085 | 240 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,486#1009 of 1,085 | 1,017 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in La Crosse?
The median household in La Crosse earns $55,866, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | La Crosse | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $55,866#1130 of 1,312 | $77,488 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3%#98 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 21.4%#1161 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.5%#952 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in La Crosse?
The median resident of La Crosse is 30.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #615 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | La Crosse | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 30.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 34.9%#615 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 46.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are La Crosse's schools and health?
La Crosse's 17 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 10.8 students per teacher and $15,989 spent per pupil. 38.7% of adults are obese and 9.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | La Crosse | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 90.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 10.8#25 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,989#479 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 38.7%#1053 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.3%#265 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.6%#1122 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.4%#432 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,413 students are enrolled in La Crosse's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in La Crosse?
The average commute in La Crosse is 15.9 minutes (Wisconsin 22.7); 1.8% of workers take transit and 11.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index La Crosse scores 14.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.9°F and winters 22.4°F, with 35.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | La Crosse | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 15.9 min#93 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 68.9% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.8% | 1.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 6.6% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.7% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 11.9% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.6#72 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27.4 | 10.5 | 1.3 |
| Feb | 32.5 | 14.2 | 1.2 |
| Mar | 45.6 | 26 | 2 |
| Apr | 59.6 | 38.4 | 3.8 |
| May | 72 | 50.1 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 81.7 | 60.4 | 5.1 |
| Jul | 85.4 | 64.5 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 83.2 | 62.3 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 75.5 | 54.1 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 61.6 | 41.9 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 45.8 | 29.5 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 32.6 | 17.6 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at La Crosse Muni Airport.
| Measure | La Crosse | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 48.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 22.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 35.2 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at La Crosse Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in La Crosse?
La Crosse County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 93% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts La Crosse County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
| Measure | La Crosse | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#232 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for La Crosse County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, La Crosse County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.012% | 88% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.01% | 55% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.067% | 31% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does La Crosse compare with similar-size cities?
La Crosse is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #251 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 51,356.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Crosse, WIPop. 51,356 | #557 | 57.2 | $55,866 | $1,010/mo | 428 | 15.9 min |
| Collierville, TNPop. 51,515 | #120 | 67.6 | $138,598 | $1,691/mo | 175 | 25.1 min |
| Burien, WAPop. 51,513 | #670 | 55.6 | $91,318 | $1,782/mo | 342 | 26.7 min |
| Harrisonburg, VAPop. 51,392 | #436 | 59.4 | $62,254 | $1,184/mo | 211 | 17.1 min |
| East Honolulu, HIPop. 51,360 | #97 | 68.5 | $159,518 | $3,313/mo | no data | 30.9 min |
| Country Club, FLPop. 51,296 | #1146 | 46.8 | $75,212 | $1,899/mo | no data | 35.6 min |
| Hoffman Estates, ILPop. 51,175 | #112 | 68.0 | $106,806 | $1,734/mo | 75 | 28.5 min |
| Grapevine, TXPop. 51,139 | #368 | 60.6 | $111,376 | $1,863/mo | 165 | 22.3 min |
| Aliso Viejo, CAPop. 51,113 | #234 | 63.6 | $142,439 | $2,854/mo | 120 | 25.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does La Crosse compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
La Crosse ranks #15 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 57.2 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 28% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 78% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Wisconsin home.
| City | Rank in WI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookfield, WIPop. 41,273 | #1 | 71.8 | $129,548 | $1,886/mo | 63 |
| Menomonee Falls, WIPop. 39,539 | #2 | 68.6 | $100,238 | $1,313/mo | 90 |
| Wauwatosa, WIPop. 48,529 | #3 | 68.3 | $101,138 | $1,438/mo | 178 |
| New Berlin, WIPop. 40,270 | #4 | 66.1 | $101,091 | $1,426/mo | 47 |
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #5 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 |
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #6 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 |
| Appleton, WIPop. 75,023 | #7 | 63.0 | $80,483 | $1,030/mo | 189 |
| Greenfield, WIPop. 37,345 | #8 | 62.8 | $70,459 | $1,170/mo | 105 |
| West Allis, WIPop. 59,612 | #9 | 62.0 | $67,611 | $1,007/mo | 183 |
| Wausau, WIPop. 39,996 | #10 | 61.8 | $64,389 | $1,010/mo | 258 |
| Janesville, WIPop. 66,030 | #11 | 61.6 | $73,446 | $1,054/mo | 122 |
| Eau Claire, WIPop. 70,322 | #12 | 60.8 | $67,395 | $1,045/mo | 168 |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #13 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 |
| Sheboygan, WIPop. 49,645 | #14 | 58.3 | $62,927 | $924/mo | 378 |
| La Crosse, WIPop. 51,356 | #15 | 57.2 | $55,866 | $1,010/mo | 428 |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #16 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 |
| Green Bay, WIPop. 106,253 | #17 | 56.8 | $66,206 | $932/mo | 450 |
| Fond du Lac, WIPop. 44,494 | #18 | 56.5 | $62,260 | $913/mo | 403 |
| Racine, WIPop. 77,633 | #19 | 53.2 | $57,740 | $1,033/mo | 418 |
| Milwaukee, WIPop. 566,973 | #20 | 45.0 | $54,234 | $1,059/mo | 1,145 |
All 20 Wisconsin cities we track, by overall score. Wisconsin statewide: median income $77,488, violent crime 240.3 per 100,000.
How is La Crosse's score calculated?
La Crosse scores 57.2 out of 100, #557 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Wisconsin's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in La Crosse. Similar-size median 55.5.
50.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by La Crosse's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
54.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in La Crosse. Similar-size median 58.9.
47.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in La Crosse's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
73.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
La Crosse's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
81.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in La Crosse. Similar-size median 56.1.
25.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in La Crosse. Similar-size median 42.4.
39.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in La Crosse. Similar-size median 50.0.
61.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across La Crosse's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
71.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
75.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: La Crosse's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories La Crosse has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in La Crosse
Is La Crosse, WI a good place to live?
La Crosse ranks #557 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #251 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.9 min, #13 of 524) and low unemployment (3%, #30 of 476), and trails on high poverty (21.4%, #472 of 524) and low household income ($55,866, #471 of 524).
What is the cost of living in La Crosse?
La Crosse's cost of living index is 91.8, 8% below the US level of 100 and #307 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,010/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $287,924, 15% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
What is the crime rate in La Crosse?
La Crosse recorded 428 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 31% above the US rate of 328 and 78% above Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #759 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #338 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by La Crosse Police Department. Property crime runs 3,486 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in La Crosse?
The median household in La Crosse earns $55,866, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 28% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in La Crosse?
Median rent in La Crosse is $1,010/mo (Census), #229 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,080/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in La Crosse?
The typical home value in La Crosse is $287,924, up 4.4% in a year, against $339,699 for Wisconsin and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $210,100.
How are the public schools in La Crosse?
La Crosse's 17 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 10.8 students per teacher and $15,989 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in La Crosse?
The average commute is 15.9 minutes, #93 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Wisconsin. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in La Crosse?
La Crosse averages 48.8°F over the year, 72.9°F in summer and 22.4°F in winter, with 35.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is La Crosse walkable?
La Crosse scores 14.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is La Crosse at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts La Crosse County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 85% of US counties.
How is the air quality in La Crosse?
La Crosse County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 93% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in La Crosse?
La Crosse has 51,356 residents. The median resident of La Crosse is 30.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #615 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does La Crosse compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
La Crosse ranks #15 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 57.2 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 28% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 78% above the statewide rate. Homes are 15% below the typical Wisconsin home.
What cities are similar in size to La Crosse?
The tracked cities in other states closest to La Crosse's population of 51,356 are Collierville, TN (#120 overall), Burien, WA (#670 overall), Harrisonburg, VA (#436 overall), East Honolulu, HI (#97 overall), and Country Club, FL (#1146 overall). La Crosse is #557.