Median Age
32 Years
Largest Age Group
20-29 Years
Approximately 26% of Residents
Under 20
21%
Over 65
16%
Avg Rent
$1,035
Population
51,928
Renter Mix
53% Rent
Located along the Mississippi River, La Crosse combines natural beauty with a welcoming community atmosphere. This riverside city of approximately 52,680 residents is home to three higher education institutions: the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Viterbo University, and Western Technical College. The city's rental market shows steady growth, with average one-bedroom apartments renting for $975, reflecting a 4.4% increase over the past year. Housing options span from apartments to historic homes in established neighborhoods like Powell-Poage-Hamilton and the Historic Cass & King district.
La Crosse's landscape features 500-foot bluffs, including Grandad Bluff, offering views across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. The city's parks system includes Riverside Park along the Mississippi, where the La Crosse Queen paddlewheeler offers sightseeing cruises. Winter brings the popular Rotary Lights display, while summer features Riverfest celebrations. The historic City Brewing Company facility maintains the area's brewing traditions. Downtown La Crosse features local shops and restaurants, while the recently renovated La Crosse Center hosts conventions and entertainment events. The city's Green Complete Streets program has expanded walking paths and bike trails throughout the community, connecting neighborhoods to downtown and recreational areas.
Median Household Income
$46,507
Average: $64,648
Education
15,069
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
27,100
Workers Employed
Median Age
32 Years
Largest Age Group
20-29 Years
Approximately 26% of Residents
Under 20
21%
Over 65
16%
Housing Distribution
La Crosse has more renters than homeowners.
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
As of April 2026, the average apartment rent in La Crosse, WI is $757 for a studio, $1,034 for one bedroom, $1,335 for two bedrooms, and $1,647 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in La Crosse has decreased by -1.1% in the past year.
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly La Crosse, WI is for everyday living.
Somewhat Walkable
Walkability
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
Moderately Bikeable
Bikeability
Public
Grades PK-5
116 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
317 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
311 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
311 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
335 Students
School Of Technology & Arts Ii
Public
Grades 6-8
23 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
277 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
489 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
369 Students
Coulee Montessori Charter School
Public
Grades PK-8
147 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
1,008 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
754 Students
Public
Grades 6-12
120 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
43 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
5 Students
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View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.