La Crosse, WI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
51,356
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,866/yr
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
24,404
0.5% year-over-year change

LA Crosse population

How many people live in LA Crosse

LA Crosse is home to 51,356 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of LA Crosse locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
51,356
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
24,926
Female
51.5%
26,430
Value Percent YoY change
Male 24,926 48.5% -1.7%
Female 26,430 51.5% -0.1%
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 LA Crosse is 30, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.8% are children under 15, then 29.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.2% of the population, while another 17% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
30.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.8%
15 to 24
29.8%
25 to 44
24.2%
45 to 64
17%
Over 65
17.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,068 11.8% -5.4%
15 to 24 15,297 29.8% 1.1%
25 to 44 12,454 24.2% -1.3%
45 to 64 8,743 17% -3.0%
Over 65 8,794 17.1% 2.2%
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 LA Crosse, 96.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.3% of locals are Caucasian, 2.1% are African American and 4.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.8%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 49,528 96.4% -0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,427 2.8% -3.2%
Non-citizens 401 0.8% -21.5%
Racial breakdown
White
87.3%
Black or African American
2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
4.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.7%
Other
1.1%
Value Percent
White 44,843 87.3%
Black or African American 1,074 2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 210 0.4%
Asian 2,239 4.4%
Two or more races 2,432 4.7%
Other 558 1.1%

Households in LA Crosse

A peek inside LA Crosse households

LA Crosse has 22,965 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 42.1% are families, while the remaining 57.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
22,965
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
13,290
Family households
9,675
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,290 57.9% 0.6%
Family households 9,675 42.1% 1.6%
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 LA Crosse

The housing landscape of LA Crosse

LA Crosse's housing consists of 24,404 units, with 47.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.8% 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 1.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
24,404
0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 11,618 47.6%
1 unit, attached 1,664 6.8%
2 units 1,925 7.9%
3 or 4 units 1,427 5.8%
5 to 9 units 1,600 6.6%
10 to 19 units 1,848 7.6%
20 to 49 units 1,903 7.8%
50 or more units 2,103 8.6%
Mobile home 316 1.3%
Homes built since 2020
217
58.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in LA Crosse

In LA Crosse, the median construction year is 1965. About 25.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 6,317 25.9% 4.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,629 6.7% -3.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,196 13.1% 3.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,945 8% -12.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,943 12.1% -8.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,610 10.7% 3.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,012 8.2% 0.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,779 7.3% 6.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,756 7.2% 2.8%
Built in 2020 or later 217 0.9% 58.4%
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.

LA Crosse occupancy rates

Out of the 22,965 occupied housing units in LA Crosse, 46.1% are owner-occupied, while 53.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
22,965
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
12,371
Owner occupied
10,594
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 12,371 53.9% 0.9%
Owner occupied 10,594 46.1% 1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
5.9%
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.

LA Crosse housing costs

Housing costs in LA Crosse come to a median of $1,046 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,010.

Median housing costs per month
$1,046/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 LA Crosse
$1,010/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 LA Crosse

LA Crosse education at a glance

About 25.5% of the population in LA Crosse went to high school, while 35.1% pursued college studies. Another 10.7% earned an associate degree and 17.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 10.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 513 1.2% -15.3%
High school diploma 11,195 25.5% -5.5%
College diploma 15,415 35.1% 1.6%
Associate degree 4,711 10.7% 6.3%
Bachelor's degree 7,592 17.3% 1.8%
Graduate degree 4,437 10.1% -0.5%
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 LA Crosse

How much people earn in LA Crosse

The average annual household income in LA Crosse was $74,701 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,866, reflecting a +3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in LA Crosse
$74,701/year
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in LA Crosse
$55,866/year
3.8% year-over-year change

LA Crosse income by age

In LA Crosse, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,498. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,326 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,148, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,247 in earnings. Overall, 78.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,148 17.1%
25 - 44 $65,498 -0.2%
45 - 64 $72,326 3.0%
Over 65 $45,247 6.3%
Above poverty level
36,822
Below poverty level
10,081
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 36,822 78.5% -0.6%
Below poverty level 10,081 21.5% -1.8%

Average renter income in LA Crosse

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in LA Crosse, their median household income was $37,405 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,405
Rent-to-income ratio
32.4%
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 LA Crosse

Workforce and job types in LA Crosse

The job market in LA Crosse is powered by 27,929 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.3% run their own businesses, 67.6% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
27,929
-0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
21,800
Blue collar
6,129
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 21,800 78.1% -0.7%
Blue collar 6,129 21.9% 2.1%
Employer type
Self employees
6.3%
Private companies
67.6%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
13.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,771 6.3% 9.5%
Private companies 18,867 67.6% 0.5%
Governmental workers 3,452 12.4% -3.2%
Not for profit companies 3,839 13.8% -3.6%
Unemployment rate
3.7%
6.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in LA Crosse stands at 3.7%, 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 LA Crosse

How people get around in LA Crosse

Commuting methods vary: 76.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 21,256 76.9% -0.0%
Taxicab 18 0.1% -18.2%
Bus or trolleybus 465 1.7% -0.2%
Ferryboat 32 0.1% 68.4%
Motorcycle 44 0.2% 193.3%
Bicycle 477 1.7% -13.0%
Walk 1,834 6.6% -18.2%
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 LA Crosse by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
54601 50,397 21,472 $61,639 $87,538
54603 13,738 6,799 $52,012 $67,997

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FAQs about LA Crosse demographics 

What is the total population of LA Crosse?

LA Crosse has a total population of 51,356 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 -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in LA Crosse?

The gender ratio in LA Crosse is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (24,926 residents)
  • 51.5% females (26,430 residents)

What is the median age in LA Crosse?

The median age in LA Crosse is 30.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in LA Crosse?

The age distribution in LA Crosse is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.8% (6,068 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 29.8% (15,297 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.2% (12,454 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17% (8,743 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.1% (8,794 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of LA Crosse?

The racial and ethnic makeup of LA Crosse is as follows:
  • White: 87.3% (44,843 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.1% (1,074 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (210 residents)
  • Asian: 4.4% (2,239 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.7% (2,432 residents)
  • Other: 1.1% (558 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.4% of the population in LA Crosse.

How many housing units are there in LA Crosse?

There are 24,404 housing units in LA Crosse, reflecting a +0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

LA Crosse has a total of 22,965 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in LA Crosse?

LA Crosse has a median household income of $55,866, representing a +3.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for LA Crosse?

The employment rate is 96.3% in LA Crosse, with a workforce of 27,929 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.1% (21,800 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.9% (6,129 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.3% (1,771 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.6% (18,867 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (3,452 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.8% (3,839 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