Onalaska, WI
Population 18,909 · Wisconsin
About Onalaska, WI
Onalaska is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 18,909 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $84,898 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Onalaska features a median home value of $279,100, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Onalaska in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,096, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,676 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (5,361 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (3,148 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Onalaska shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Onalaska have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.4% of Onalaska 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 0.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Onalaska With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Onalaska
What is the population of Onalaska, WI?
The population of Onalaska, WI is 18,909 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 Onalaska?
The median household income in Onalaska, WI is $84,898 per year, which is 13% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Onalaska?
The median home value in Onalaska, WI is $279,100, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Onalaska?
The median monthly rent in Onalaska, WI is $1,096, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Onalaska?
The unemployment rate in Onalaska, WI is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Onalaska, WI a good place to live?
Onalaska offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 18,909 and a median age of 40.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Onalaska, WI?
41.4% of residents in Onalaska 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 Onalaska?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Onalaska, WI: median home value is $279,100 (14% above national), median rent is $1,096/month, and median household income is $84,898. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Onalaska?
The poverty rate in Onalaska, WI is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Onalaska, WI?
Onalaska's population is 0.7% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.