La Crosse, WI Census Data
The 12th largest city in Wisconsin by population · 12 cities ranked
La Crosse is the 12th largest city in Wisconsin by population and ranks 11th of 12 for median household income. With 51,791 residents, its poverty rate of 21.6% ranks among the higher rates in Wisconsin. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
51,791
48.9% male · 51.1% female
Median Age
30.3
8.4 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$53,803
$24,735 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
34.8%
0.2% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 95.1%
Poverty Rate
21.6%
9.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.3%
Broadband Access
92.2%
2.5% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$196,600
Median rent: $977 · 46% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
Labor force participation: 62.1%
Per Capita Income
$28,771
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.8%
Disability rate: 13.7%
How La Crosse Compares to Other Wisconsin Cities
Rankings among all 12 Wisconsin cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 12th of 12 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 11th of 12 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 11th of 12 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 5th of 12 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 7th of 12 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
La Crosse, WI Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of La Crosse, WI?
The population of La Crosse, WI is 51,791 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 30.3 years.
What is the median household income in La Crosse?
The median household income in La Crosse, WI is $53,803, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $28,771.
What is the poverty rate in La Crosse?
The poverty rate in La Crosse, WI is 21.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.3% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of La Crosse residents have a college degree?
34.8% of adults (25+) in La Crosse hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 95.1% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in La Crosse?
The median home value in La Crosse, WI is $196,600. Median rent is $977 per month, with 46% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of La Crosse?
La Crosse's population is 88.4% White, 1.8% Black, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.5% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does La Crosse rank among Wisconsin cities?
La Crosse is the 12th largest city in Wisconsin by population, the 11th highest for median household income, the 11th lowest for poverty rate, the 5th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 12 ranked Wisconsin cities.
What is the unemployment rate in La Crosse?
The unemployment rate in La Crosse, WI is 3.5%, with a labor force participation rate of 62.1%. Per capita income is $28,771.
Cities Similar to La Crosse
Other Wisconsin cities with comparable population and income levels.