Is Viroqua Safe, Pros and cons of living in Viroqua

Is it Safe to Live in Viroqua?

Viroqua presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with overall crime rates lower than the national average. The city experiences an average of 0.2 daily crimes, which includes a low number of violent incidents (as reported by Viroqua crime statistics). Violent crimes in Viroqua are reported to be 24% lower than the national average (according to Viroqua crime statistics).

When considering personal safety, the violent crime rate in Viroqua is approximately 2.564 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest (as noted by CrimeGrade.org). Your likelihood of being a victim of violent crime varies by neighborhood, with eastern neighborhoods having a higher chance than the northwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs in Viroqua

The housing market in Viroqua offers a median home price of $209,900 (as reported by Data USA). This median home value is lower than the Wisconsin state average of $220,185 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). Rental costs in Viroqua are also competitive, with a median gross rent of $815 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). This is significantly lower than the national average rent of $1,413 per month (as reported by Niche).

For those considering homeownership, the homeownership rate in Viroqua is 65.7% (as reported by Data USA). The median property value is $209,900 (as reported by Data USA). The cost of living in Viroqua is approximately 7% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly affordable, coming in 23% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Job Market and Economy

Viroqua’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with the largest sectors including Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade (as reported by Workforce Connections). The highest paying industries in Vernon County, where Viroqua is located, are Utilities, Mining, Quarrying, Oil & Gas Extraction, and Public Administration (as reported by Workforce Connections). The unemployment rate in Viroqua stands at a low 2.9% (as reported by Point2Homes).

The median household income in Viroqua is $67,438 (as reported by Point2Homes). For renters, the median household income is $35,104, with rent consuming approximately 27.9% of their earnings (as reported by Point2Homes). The average annual household income in Viroqua was $93,766 in 2024, showing a significant increase from the previous year (as reported by Point2Homes).

Major employers in the Viroqua area include large retail chains like Walmart and McDonald’s, as well as the United States Postal Service and Tractor Supply (as listed by Indeed.com). Cummins Inc., a global power solutions technology leader, also has a presence in the region (as noted by Indeed.com). The city has a history of supporting local businesses, famously earning the nickname “The Town That Beat Walmart” for its successful efforts in revitalizing its downtown and supporting independent shops (as reported by The Counter).

Climate and Weather

Viroqua experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The annual temperature range in Viroqua is typically from 5°F in January to 80°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city receives an average of 38 inches of precipitation annually, including about 47 inches of snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summer in Viroqua generally runs from May to September, with average daily high temperatures around 71°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs of 82°F and lows of 61°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The cold season typically spans from November to March, with average daily high temperatures below 37°F. January is the coldest month, with average highs of 26°F and lows of 11°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

The amount of rainfall varies throughout the year, with June being the wettest month, averaging 4.2 inches of precipitation. Conversely, January is the driest month, with an average of only 0.2 inches of rain (as reported by Weather Spark). Viroqua experiences around 141 days per year with comfortable weather, generally between mid-May and September (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education in Viroqua

The Viroqua Area School District is recognized for its performance, receiving a four out of five-star rating on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction report card, indicating it “exceeds expectations” overall (as reported by VernonReporter). The district achieved an overall score of 72.7 on a 100-point scale for the 2024-2025 school year (as reported by VernonReporter). This rating reflects strong performance in achievement, growth, and target group outcomes (as reported by VernonReporter).

Individual schools within the district also received high marks. Viroqua Elementary School, Viroqua Area Montessori School, Viroqua Middle School, and Laurel High School all earned a four-star rating (as reported by VernonReporter). Viroqua High School received a three-star rating, meeting expectations (as reported by VernonReporter).

Educational attainment in Viroqua shows a well-educated populace. Approximately 35.4% of the population has a high school education, while 22.1% pursued college studies (as reported by Point2Homes). Further education is common, with 11.2% holding an associate degree, 17.5% a bachelor’s degree, and 11.9% a master’s or doctorate degree (as reported by Point2Homes).

Demographics of Viroqua

Viroqua is home to a population of approximately 4,471 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Viroqua is 46.4 years, with a slightly higher proportion of older residents compared to younger ones (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is composed of about 50.9% males and 49.1% females (as reported by Point2Homes).

The racial composition of Viroqua is predominantly White, making up 92.51% of the population (as reported by Data USA). Other racial groups are present in smaller percentages, with multiracial individuals constituting about 6.78% (as reported by Data USA). Ethnically, the population is largely non-Hispanic White, with Hispanic or Latino individuals representing about 2.2% of the population (as reported by Wikipedia).

Household composition in Viroqua includes about 2,100 households, with an average of two members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). Approximately 51.5% of these households are families, while the remaining 48.5% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Viroqua is 7.74%, which is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Viroqua

One of the significant advantages of living in Viroqua is its affordability. The overall cost of living is 7% lower than the national average, with housing costs being particularly attractive at 23% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This economic advantage is coupled with a low unemployment rate of 2.9% (as reported by Point2Homes), suggesting a stable job market. The community is also known for its strong sense of local business support and a robust organic farming industry, contributing to a unique and resilient local economy (as reported by The Counter, Workforce Connections).

However, Viroqua experiences distinct seasonal weather patterns, including cold, snowy winters, which may be a drawback for some (as reported by Weather Spark). While crime rates are generally lower than the national average, certain neighborhoods may present a higher risk of crime (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The median household income, while showing recent growth, remains below some larger metropolitan areas, which could impact purchasing power for some residents (as reported by Point2Homes).

The Viroqua Area School District is highly regarded, consistently exceeding expectations on state report cards (as reported by VernonReporter). This strong educational system is a significant draw for families. The community’s culture is often described as quirky and livable, with a focus on outdoor activities and a conservative leaning among residents (as reported by Niche).