Is La Crosse Safe, Pros and cons of living in La Crosse
La Crosse, Wisconsin, offers a unique blend of Midwestern charm and natural beauty, nestled along the Mississippi River. This city appeals to those seeking a balance between urban amenities and outdoor recreation. Its location provides access to stunning bluffs and a vibrant downtown area, making it a distinct destination within the state.
The city’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with healthcare and education playing significant roles. La Crosse is home to major healthcare systems and educational institutions, contributing to its status as a regional hub. This economic foundation provides a stable environment for residents and businesses alike.
Is it Safe to Live in La Crosse?
La Crosse presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with overall crime rates that are higher than the national average. The city’s crime rate is approximately 4103 per 100,000 residents, which is about 94% higher than the national average (according to NeighborhoodScout). While the overall crime rate is elevated, violent crime rates in La Crosse are very close to the national average (according to NeighborhoodScout). There were a total of 391 violent crimes reported, compared to the national average of 359 (according to NeighborhoodScout).
However, property crime rates are notably higher than the national average. La Crosse experiences a property crime rate of 3712 per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average and places it among the worst 10% of cities reporting crime (according to NeighborhoodScout). Residents generally consider the eastern parts of the city to be safer, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime compared to western neighborhoods (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Cost of Living and Housing in La Crosse
The cost of living in La Crosse is generally considered more affordable than the national average. One report indicates that La Crosse is 6% less expensive than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This is further supported by data showing that the median home value in La Crosse is $210,100 (as reported by Data USA), and the median home price is $258,000 (as reported by Redfin in March 2026).
Rental costs in La Crosse are also notably lower than the national average. The average rent for an apartment in La Crosse is around $1,095 per month (according to Zillow in April 2026), which is 43% lower than the national average rent of $1,910 per month (as reported by Trulia in April 2026). This affordability extends to various apartment sizes, with studios averaging about $695 and two-bedroom apartments around $1,095 per month (as reported by Zillow in April 2026).
Job Market and Economy in La Crosse
La Crosse boasts a diverse economy with major employers spanning healthcare, education, and retail. Key employers include Gundersen Health System, Mayo Clinic Health System, Kwik Trip, and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (as reported by Indeed.com and La Crosse County Popular Annual Financial Report). The healthcare industry is a significant contributor, making up about 20% of the area’s workforce (as reported by La Crosse County Popular Annual Financial Report).
The average salary in La Crosse is approximately $51,241 annually, which equates to about $24.64 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter in April 2026). This salary range is generally considered sufficient to support the cost of living, especially with lower-than-average rental costs. The unemployment rate in La Crosse County was 3.50% as of the latest data, which is lower than the long-term average (as reported by YCharts).
Climate and Weather in La Crosse
La Crosse experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm, with average high temperatures reaching around 80°F, while winters are cold with average high temperatures in the low 30s°F. The city receives a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of about 34 inches and snowfall averaging around 42 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
The climate offers a variety of seasonal activities, from summer outdoor events along the river to winter sports in the surrounding areas. The weather can be variable, with a wide range of temperatures from day to day and season to season. This climate pattern is typical for the Upper Midwest region.
Education and Schools in La Crosse
La Crosse is served by the La Crosse School District, which is rated as an above-average public school district. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1, and according to state test scores, 30% of students are proficient in math and 35% in reading (as reported by Niche). The district offers a range of educational opportunities from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
Higher education is also a strong component of La Crosse’s landscape, with institutions like the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Viterbo University, and Western Technical College serving a significant student population. These institutions contribute to the city’s role as a regional educational hub and offer diverse academic programs for students pursuing various career paths.
Demographics of La Crosse
La Crosse has an estimated population of around 51,356 residents, with a slight decrease noted since the 2020 census (as reported by Data USA and Census Dots). The city’s population is predominantly White, making up about 86.6% of residents, followed by Asian (4.4%) and Hispanic (3.4%) populations (as reported by Census Dots). This demographic makeup is slightly less diverse than the state of Wisconsin overall.
The median age in La Crosse is 30.5 years, indicating a relatively young population (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in La Crosse is approximately 46.1% (as reported by Data USA), suggesting a significant portion of residents rent their homes. The median household income is reported at $55,866, with a poverty rate of 21.4% (as reported by Data USA).