RANK #288 / 996 · POP 120,216 · WI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.6%
La Crosse County, Wisconsin, is defined by its dramatic topography, situated in the Driftless Region with towering bluffs overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi, Black, and La Crosse Rivers. The city of La Crosse, the county seat, is approximately two hours from both Minneapolis and Madison, with Interstate 90 providing direct access. This location offers a blend of small-town atmosphere with access to larger urban centers. Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with opportunities for hiking and biking on bluff trails, kayaking and fishing on the rivers, and even downhill and cross-country skiing in winter.
Life in La Crosse County offers a balance of natural beauty and community amenities. The public school systems are generally rated above average, with institutions like the School of Technology and Arts I, Eagle Bluff Elementary, and Prairie View Elementary receiving high marks. Commute times are manageable, and public transit options like the MTU and SMRT bus systems serve the area. The economy is anchored by its role as a regional hub for education, healthcare, and manufacturing, with institutions like the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Mayo Clinic, and Gundersen Health System being significant employers. While the county has seen some job fluctuations, the healthcare and education sectors remain strong.
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.6x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
La Crosse County has a Boom Town Index score of 71/100, ranking #288 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.0% and a median household income of $68,731, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in La Crosse County is $226,600 with median rent at $984/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3033, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.0%. Home values changed +3.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.38% of La Crosse County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.