Onalaska, WI
Population 18,909 · Wisconsin
About Onalaska, WI
Onalaska is a mid-sized city in Wisconsin with a population of 18,909 residents. The median household income is $84,898 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Onalaska is 40.3 years.
Housing in Onalaska has a median home value of $279,100 and median monthly rent of $1,096. Of the 8,676 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 5,361 owner-occupied and 3,148 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Onalaska is 3.3% and the poverty rate is 5.9%. 41.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.9 minutes.
How Onalaska Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Onalaska, WI
Compared to national averages, Onalaska has a median household income of $84,898 (13% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $279,100, which is 14% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,096 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Onalaska's income is 17% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 36% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Onalaska, WI?
Onalaska offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $84,898, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,096/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 41.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Onalaska has a population of 18,909 with a median age of 40.3 years. Compare Onalaska with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Onalaska
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Crossing | 18,960 | $74,423 | $228,000 | Compare |
| Wisconsin Rapids | 18,756 | $54,116 | $116,600 | Compare |
| Marshfield | 18,718 | $59,294 | $169,900 | Compare |
| Oconomowoc | 18,385 | $105,833 | $367,700 | Compare |
| Menasha | 18,130 | $64,392 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Cudahy | 17,964 | $66,717 | $201,000 | Compare |
| Howard | 20,261 | $84,896 | $286,200 | Compare |
| South Milwaukee | 20,547 | $70,146 | $216,400 | 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 Onalaska
What is the population of Onalaska, WI?
The population of Onalaska, WI is 18,909 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Onalaska?
The median household income in Onalaska, WI is $84,898 per year.
What is the median home value in Onalaska?
The median home value in Onalaska, WI is $279,100.
What is the average rent in Onalaska?
The median monthly rent in Onalaska, WI is $1,096.
What is the unemployment rate in Onalaska?
The unemployment rate in Onalaska, WI is 3.3%.