Prairie du Chien, WI
Population 5,471 · Wisconsin
About Prairie du Chien, WI
Prairie du Chien is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 5,471 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,670 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Prairie du Chien features a median home value of $152,100, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Prairie du Chien in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $840, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,474 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (1,392 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (780 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Prairie du Chien shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Prairie du Chien have an average one-way commute time of 14.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.5% of Prairie du Chien residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.1% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Prairie du Chien, WI
Compared to national averages, Prairie du Chien has a median household income of $52,670 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,100, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $840 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Prairie du Chien's income is 27% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 26% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Prairie du Chien, WI?
Prairie du Chien offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $840/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,670) that falls below the national average. However, Prairie du Chien’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Prairie du Chien has a population of 5,471 with a median age of 45.7 years. Compare Prairie du Chien with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Prairie du Chien
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | 5,493 | $74,957 | $225,700 | Compare |
| Berlin | 5,523 | $55,216 | $143,800 | Compare |
| Rothschild | 5,532 | $87,250 | $188,000 | Compare |
| North Fond du Lac | 5,373 | $61,744 | $144,900 | Compare |
| Waterford | 5,627 | $80,380 | $312,700 | Compare |
| West Salem | 5,268 | $90,991 | $269,300 | Compare |
| Milton | 5,685 | $84,648 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Bristol | 5,196 | $109,917 | $288,800 | 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 Prairie du Chien With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Prairie du Chien
What is the population of Prairie du Chien, WI?
The population of Prairie du Chien, WI is 5,471 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Prairie du Chien?
The median household income in Prairie du Chien, WI is $52,670 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Prairie du Chien?
The median home value in Prairie du Chien, WI is $152,100, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Prairie du Chien?
The median monthly rent in Prairie du Chien, WI is $840, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Prairie du Chien?
The unemployment rate in Prairie du Chien, WI is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Prairie du Chien, WI a good place to live?
Prairie du Chien offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,471 and a median age of 45.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Prairie du Chien, WI?
16.5% of residents in Prairie du Chien aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Prairie du Chien?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Prairie du Chien, WI: median home value is $152,100 (38% below national), median rent is $840/month, and median household income is $52,670. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Prairie du Chien?
The poverty rate in Prairie du Chien, WI is 14.7%, 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 Prairie du Chien, WI?
Prairie du Chien's population is 1.1% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 2.2% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.