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
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.
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
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.