Cost Of Living
Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.
Housing
The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Ratings
Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.
Amenities
It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.
Crime
High crime rates per 100,000 people are reported in this area, potentially indicating that it is an unsafe place to live. These statistics consider both violent and property offenses.
La Crosse, Wisconsin is a moderately-sized city with a population of 53,074 people. At 90%, the majority of the La Crosse population is White; this is followed by 4% Asian and 2% Black. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all La Crosse residents is 29. In La Crosse, only 35% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in La Crosse will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in La Crosse is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Wisconsin, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in La Crosse and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes cost of living, commute, housing and other important metrics.
La Crosse has a livability score of 69/100 and is ranked #304 in Wisconsin and #8,138 in the USA. Based on the rankings for each individual category, La Crosse has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, La Crosse does not have favorable scores for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In La Crosse, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in La Crosse can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in La Crosse. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in La Crosse are affordable. Median real estate prices in La Crosse come in at $271,982, which is 9.7% lower than the Wisconsin average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In La Crosse, the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 5.4% higher than the Wisconsin average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | La Crosse | Wisconsin | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 74.3% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.4% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.7% | 1.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.5% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 8.4% | 3.3% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Wisconsin
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Wisconsin
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Most Dangerous States In The US