La Crosse, WI
Population 51,791 · Wisconsin
About La Crosse, WI
La Crosse is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 51,791 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,803 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in La Crosse features a median home value of $196,600, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions La Crosse in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $977, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 24,274 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (10,476 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (12,259 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in La Crosse shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in La Crosse have an average one-way commute time of 16.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.8% of La Crosse residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 2.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How La Crosse Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in La Crosse, WI
Compared to national averages, La Crosse has a median household income of $53,803 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $196,600, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $977 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, La Crosse's income is 26% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 4% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in La Crosse, WI?
La Crosse offers affordable housing with a median home value of $196,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $977/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 34.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 16.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,803) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, La Crosse provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
La Crosse has a population of 51,791 with a median age of 30.3 years. Compare La Crosse with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near La Crosse
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheboygan | 49,812 | $62,953 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Wauwatosa | 47,718 | $93,859 | $307,600 | Compare |
| Fond du Lac | 44,491 | $61,620 | $161,300 | Compare |
| West Allis | 59,588 | $69,685 | $191,700 | Compare |
| Brookfield | 41,592 | $124,026 | $419,300 | Compare |
| New Berlin | 40,384 | $97,414 | $343,500 | Compare |
| Wausau | 39,893 | $61,877 | $155,900 | Compare |
| Menomonee Falls | 38,963 | $98,460 | $341,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare La Crosse With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Crosse
What is the population of La Crosse, WI?
The population of La Crosse, WI is 51,791 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in La Crosse?
The median household income in La Crosse, WI is $53,803 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Crosse?
The median home value in La Crosse, WI is $196,600, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in La Crosse?
The median monthly rent in La Crosse, WI is $977, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Crosse?
The unemployment rate in La Crosse, WI is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is La Crosse, WI a good place to live?
La Crosse offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 51,791 and a median age of 30.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is La Crosse, WI?
34.8% of residents in La Crosse aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in La Crosse?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Crosse, WI: median home value is $196,600 (20% below national), median rent is $977/month, and median household income is $53,803. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in La Crosse?
The poverty rate in La Crosse, WI is 21.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is La Crosse, WI?
La Crosse's population is 2.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 2.9% of residents are foreign-born.