La Crosse, WI
Population 51,791 · Wisconsin
About La Crosse, WI
La Crosse is a mid-sized city in Wisconsin with a population of 51,791 residents. The median household income is $53,803 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in La Crosse is 30.3 years.
Housing in La Crosse has a median home value of $196,600 and median monthly rent of $977. Of the 24,274 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 10,476 owner-occupied and 12,259 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in La Crosse is 3.5% and the poverty rate is 21.6%. 34.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 16.5 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in La Crosse?
The median household income in La Crosse, WI is $53,803 per year.
What is the median home value in La Crosse?
The median home value in La Crosse, WI is $196,600.
What is the average rent in La Crosse?
The median monthly rent in La Crosse, WI is $977.
What is the unemployment rate in La Crosse?
The unemployment rate in La Crosse, WI is 3.5%.