Onalaska, WA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
848
29.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
365
23.3% year-over-year change

Onalaska population

How many people live in Onalaska

Onalaska is home to 848 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 58.1% of Onalaska locals are male, and 41.9% are female.

Total population
848
29.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
58.1%
493
Female
41.9%
355
Value Percent YoY change
Male 493 58.1% 43.7%
Female 355 41.9% 13.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Onalaska is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 5.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 34.9% of the population, while another 9.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 32.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
5.1%
25 to 44
34.9%
45 to 64
9.8%
Over 65
32.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 148 17.4% 0.7%
15 to 24 43 5.1% -21.8%
25 to 44 296 34.9% 55.8%
45 to 64 83 9.8% 66.0%
Over 65 278 32.8% 29.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Onalaska, 91.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 1.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.8%
Non-citizens
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 779 91.9% 31.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 49 5.8% 4.3%
Non-citizens 20 2.4% 25.0%
Racial breakdown
White
90.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.4%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
1.1%
Other
5.8%
Value Percent
White 770 90.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 20 2.4%
Two or more races 9 1.1%
Other 49 5.8%

Households in Onalaska

A peek inside Onalaska households

Onalaska has 333 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 82.3% are families, while the remaining 17.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
333
25.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
59
Family households
274
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 59 17.7% -10.6%
Family households 274 82.3% 37.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Onalaska

The housing landscape of Onalaska

Onalaska's housing consists of 365 units, with 59.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 10.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
365
23.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 218 59.7%
1 unit, attached 29 8%
2 units 49 13.4%
3 or 4 units 30 8.2%
Mobile home 39 10.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Onalaska

In Onalaska, the median construction year is 1976. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 31 8.5% -44.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 69 18.9% 19.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 131 35.9% 68.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 13 3.6% 30.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 69 18.9% 15.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 52 14.2% 67.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Onalaska occupancy rates

Out of the 333 occupied housing units in Onalaska, 57.4% are owner-occupied, while 42.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
333
25.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
142
Owner occupied
191
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 142 42.6% 17.4%
Owner occupied 191 57.4% 32.6%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Onalaska housing costs

Housing costs in Onalaska come to a median of $1,086 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $844.

Median housing costs per month
$1,086/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Onalaska
$844/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Onalaska

Onalaska education at a glance

About 33.7% of the population in Onalaska went to high school, while 43.6% pursued college studies. Another 1.3% earned an associate degree and 14.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 25 3.6% 150.0%
High school diploma 236 33.7% 40.5%
College diploma 305 43.6% 23.5%
Associate degree 9 1.3% 200.0%
Bachelor's degree 100 14.3% 63.9%
Graduate degree 25 3.6% 19.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Onalaska

How much people earn in Onalaska

The average annual household income in Onalaska was $72,323 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +18.8% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Onalaska
$72,323/year
18.8% year-over-year change

Onalaska income by age

Overall, 91.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Above poverty level
747
Below poverty level
73
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 747 91.1% 31.8%
Below poverty level 73 8.9% 10.6%

Average renter income in Onalaska

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Onalaska, their median household income was $18,861 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 53.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$18,861
Rent-to-income ratio
53.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Onalaska

Workforce and job types in Onalaska

The job market in Onalaska is powered by 301 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 59.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
301
47.5% year-over-year change
White collar
180
Blue collar
121
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 180 59.8% 55.2%
Blue collar 121 40.2% 37.5%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
77.4%
Governmental workers
22.6%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 233 77.4% 83.5%
Governmental workers 68 22.6% 44.7%
Unemployment rate
14.0%
6.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Onalaska stands at 14%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Onalaska

How people get around in Onalaska

In Onalaska, the average commute time is 32 minutes.

Commute time
32 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 240 88.6% 72.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Onalaska by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
98570 5,319 1,927 $95,795 $88,512

Explore more communities

FAQs about Onalaska demographics 

What is the total population of Onalaska?

Onalaska has a total population of 848 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +29.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Onalaska?

The gender ratio in Onalaska is as follows:
  • 58.1% males (493 residents)
  • 41.9% females (355 residents)

What is the median age in Onalaska?

The median age in Onalaska is 38.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Onalaska?

The age distribution in Onalaska is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (148 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.1% (43 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 34.9% (296 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 9.8% (83 residents)
  • Over 65: 32.8% (278 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Onalaska?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Onalaska is as follows:
  • White: 90.8% (770 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.4% (20 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.1% (9 residents)
  • Other: 5.8% (49 residents)

What percentage of the population in Onalaska are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.9% of the population in Onalaska.

How many housing units are there in Onalaska?

There are 365 housing units in Onalaska, reflecting a +23.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Onalaska and what is the average household size?

Onalaska has a total of 333 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Onalaska?

The employment rate is 86% in Onalaska, with a workforce of 301 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 59.8% (180 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40.2% (121 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 77.4% (233 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.6% (68 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% (0 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025