Cost of Living in La Crosse County, Wisconsin
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How La Crosse County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
La Crosse County ranks #2,362 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 25%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in La Crosse County, Wisconsin
La Crosse County: affordability under strain
La Crosse County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national comfort threshold, indicating that housing demands a substantial share of household budgets. At $70,704 median household income—$4,051 below the national average—residents feel the squeeze acutely.
Second-most expensive Wisconsin market
La Crosse County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio trails only Kenosha County's 17.8% among Wisconsin counties in this comparison. Median rent of $1,023 runs 15% higher than the state average, reflecting the city's position as a regional economic hub.
Premium costs for regional center
La Crosse County's $1,023 median rent exceeds rural Iowa ($941), Jackson ($789), and Juneau ($847) counties significantly. Home values of $243,200 place it among Wisconsin's pricier markets, second only to Jefferson ($253,800) and Kenosha ($247,800) in this comparison.
La Crosse County housing pressure
Renters spend $1,023 monthly (17.4% of the $70,704 median income) while homeowners allocate $1,221 (20.7% of income). Homeownership particularly strains budgets here, pushing uncomfortably close to the 30% affordability ceiling for many households.
La Crosse County: for established professionals
La Crosse's second-highest housing costs in Wisconsin make it suitable primarily for established professionals with incomes well above the $70,704 median. If you're seeking an affordable regional hub, compare this against Jackson or Juneau counties for considerably lower housing burden.
Cost of Living Advisory: La Crosse County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in La Crosse County is affordable. The median rent is $1,023/month against a median household income of $70,704, putting rent at 17.4% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in La Crosse County pay $1,023/month on average, compared to $1,221/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 16%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,329/year. With a median household income of $70,704, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in La Crosse County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Sauk County where rent averages $970/month, La Crosse County is approximately 5% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in La Crosse County
Rent Burden
17.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,650
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.7%
of gross income
The median home in La Crosse County may be a stretch
Median home value is $243,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,942 vs. your max of $1,650.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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