countyscore
42.2
County Score
Health 90Lawn Care 77.5Schools 77.4

County Report Card

About La Crosse County, Wisconsin

Lower National Percentile

La Crosse County earns a composite score of 42.2, trailing the national median of 50.0. While health scores are elite, other factors drag the overall average down.

Below the Wisconsin Average

The county's 42.2 score sits well below the Wisconsin state average of 50.3. This is largely due to challenges in safety and property tax burdens compared to state peers.

Exceptional Health and Education

The county features an outstanding health score of 90.0 and a strong school score of 77.4. These high-performing public sectors provide significant value to the local community.

Safety and Risk Obstacles

Significant challenges exist in safety (19.2) and environmental risk (19.5). Additionally, the tax score of 8.9 is very low, driven by a 1.629% effective tax rate.

Suits Health-Conscious Academics

This county is a great fit for individuals who prioritize top-tier medical facilities and education over safety and low taxes. It appeals most to those working in the healthcare or university sectors.

204060801008.921.719.29077.468.219.561.551.9Tax8.9Cost21.7Safety19.2Health90Schools77.4Income68.2Risk19.5Water61.5Weather51.942.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

La Crosse County DNA

Foverall

How La Crosse County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

La Crosse County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Health (90/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (8.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
8.9-43.1
Cost
21.7-26.3
Safety
19.2-35.8
Health
90+40
Schools
77.4+23.400000000000006
Income
68.2+17.200000000000003
Risk
19.5-27.5
Water
61.5
Weather
51.9
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in La Crosse County?

Many homeowners in La Crosse County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$243,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,023/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$243,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $70,704/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

40.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Trempealeau County
Wisconsin
56
Houston County
Minnesota
59.8
Winona County
Minnesota
48
Monroe County
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41.9
Vernon County
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Jackson County
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Buffalo County
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Allamakee County
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60.2

Deep Dives

La Crosse County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in La Crosse County

via TaxByCounty

La Crosse County taxes rank high nationally

La Crosse County's effective tax rate of 1.629% places it in the top 30% of all U.S. counties, well above the national median of 1.290%. Only about three in ten American counties impose higher property tax rates.

Third-highest rate in Wisconsin

La Crosse County ranks 3rd statewide with an effective rate of 1.629%, notably above Wisconsin's 1.436% average. The median tax bill of $3,963 exceeds the state median by $882, representing a substantial annual burden.

Among the highest in region

La Crosse County's 1.629% rate is surpassed only by Kenosha County (1.687%) in the region, exceeding Iowa County (1.557%), Jefferson County (1.571%), and Juneau County (1.524%). It ranks second regionally for tax burden.

On a median home: $3,963 yearly

A typical $243,200 home in La Crosse County generates an annual tax bill of $3,963, roughly $330 per month. With mortgage deductions, this increases to $3,989, while homes owned free and clear pay $3,920.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Given La Crosse County's elevated tax rates, homeowners should carefully scrutinize their assessments for accuracy. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and straightforward—many overassessed properties successfully reduce their tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in La Crosse County

via CostByCounty

La Crosse County: affordability under strain

La Crosse County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national comfort threshold, indicating that housing demands a substantial share of household budgets. At $70,704 median household income—$4,051 below the national average—residents feel the squeeze acutely.

Second-most expensive Wisconsin market

La Crosse County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio trails only Kenosha County's 17.8% among Wisconsin counties in this comparison. Median rent of $1,023 runs 15% higher than the state average, reflecting the city's position as a regional economic hub.

Premium costs for regional center

La Crosse County's $1,023 median rent exceeds rural Iowa ($941), Jackson ($789), and Juneau ($847) counties significantly. Home values of $243,200 place it among Wisconsin's pricier markets, second only to Jefferson ($253,800) and Kenosha ($247,800) in this comparison.

La Crosse County housing pressure

Renters spend $1,023 monthly (17.4% of the $70,704 median income) while homeowners allocate $1,221 (20.7% of income). Homeownership particularly strains budgets here, pushing uncomfortably close to the 30% affordability ceiling for many households.

La Crosse County: for established professionals

La Crosse's second-highest housing costs in Wisconsin make it suitable primarily for established professionals with incomes well above the $70,704 median. If you're seeking an affordable regional hub, compare this against Jackson or Juneau counties for considerably lower housing burden.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in La Crosse County

via IncomeByCounty

La Crosse County below national average

At $70,704, La Crosse County's median household income falls 5.4% short of the U.S. median of $74,755. The shortfall reflects economic dependence on education, healthcare, and retail employment.

Near Wisconsin's median income level

La Crosse County's median household income of $70,704 is essentially in line with Wisconsin's state average of $71,715—nearly identical. The county represents typical Wisconsin earning patterns.

Mid-range earner in regional peer group

La Crosse County households earn $5,001 more than Jackson County ($65,508) but $12,668 less than Iowa County ($83,372). The moderate income reflects the county's regional hub status without highest-wage sectors.

Housing costs consume significant share

La Crosse County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio is elevated, reflecting strong housing demand from university and professional sectors. The median home value of $243,200 creates affordability pressure on modest household incomes.

Invest despite modest income growth

La Crosse County households earning $70,704 can build wealth by automating savings—even $100 monthly reduces housing pressure and creates retirement security. University and healthcare employer benefits often include generous retirement matching plans worth maximizing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in La Crosse County

via CrimeByCounty

La Crosse Safety Metrics and Trends

La Crosse County has a safety score of 96.7, placing it below the Wisconsin average. Its total crime rate of 2,113.7 per 100,000 residents is approaching the national average of 2,385.5.

A Busy Jurisdiction for Wisconsin

Eight reporting agencies provide data showing La Crosse County's crime rate is nearly double the state average of 1,103.1. It ranks as one of the busier jurisdictions for law enforcement in Wisconsin.

Comparing a Regional Hub to Rural Neighbors

La Crosse County's total crime rate of 2,113.7 per 100K is significantly higher than neighboring rural counties. It reflects the higher density and activity found in this regional hub.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime is the main driver of local statistics at 1,946.5 incidents per 100,000 people. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 167.2 is actually lower than the Wisconsin state average.

Prioritizing Modern Home Security

Because property crime is prevalent, La Crosse residents should prioritize high-quality home security. Monitored alarms and package theft prevention are essential for urban living in the county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in La Crosse County

via SchoolsByCounty

Dynamic Urban and Suburban Schools

La Crosse County supports a diverse population of 15,378 students across 38 public schools and five districts. The system is comprehensive, featuring 20 elementary schools and a significant secondary school network.

Leading the State in Outcomes

A stellar 94.2% graduation rate places La Crosse County well ahead of state and national benchmarks. With a school score of 59.0 and spending of $8,505 per student, the county is clearly investing in its students' future.

Strong Districts and Charter Choice

The La Crosse School District is the largest with 20 schools and 5,992 students, followed by Holmen with 3,879 students. Five charter schools are available, offering families specialized curriculum options within the public system.

Vibrant City and Suburban Environments

With 25 schools in city settings and 10 in suburbs, the county offers a faster-paced educational feel with an average school size of 405. Holmen High is the largest facility, serving 1,212 students in a modern high school setting.

Find Your Home in a Top District

La Crosse County is a standout for families wanting city amenities alongside high graduation rates. Look for homes in Holmen or Onalaska to secure some of the best educational opportunities in the state.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in La Crosse County

via RiskByCounty

La Crosse County: Above-Average U.S. Risk

La Crosse County scores 80.53 on the composite risk index, earning a Relatively Low rating but exceeding most American counties. The county faces elevated natural disaster exposure compared to typical U.S. peers.

Among Wisconsin's Highest-Risk Counties

La Crosse County's score of 80.53 exceeds Wisconsin's state average of 59.08 by about 36%, ranking it among the state's riskiest counties. Only Kenosha County faces higher composite risk in Wisconsin.

Riskier Than Most South-Central Neighbors

La Crosse County (80.53) significantly exceeds Jackson County (48.06) and Iowa County (23.38) to the east. The county faces greater hazard exposure than most of its regional peers.

Tornadoes and Floods Dominate Hazards

La Crosse County's tornado risk of 84.57 is its highest threat, with flood risk at 74.05 as a close second. Earthquake risk (22.77) and wildfire risk (11.83) present secondary concerns; hurricane risk remains minimal.

Prioritize Flood and Tornado Insurance

La Crosse County residents must secure separate flood insurance, especially in the county's river valleys and low-lying areas. Develop a comprehensive tornado safety plan and ensure your homeowners policy provides excellent wind and hail coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in La Crosse County

via WaterByCounty

La Crosse Leads with Strong Compliance Grade

La Crosse County earns a C for drinking water, recording a very low violation rate of 5.4 per 100,000 residents. Over the last five years, only 5 health violations were reported across the county's systems. This performance is exceptionally strong compared to the Wisconsin state average of 76.3.

Nine Percent of Local Water Bodies Face Impairment

Data from the 2022 ATTAINS cycle shows that 8.9% of the 247 assessed water bodies in La Crosse County are impaired. This rate is slightly higher than the state average of 7.6%. Phosphorus, mercury, and suspended solids are the primary reasons these waters fail to meet federal standards.

Pesticide and Organic Testing Dominates Monitoring Data

The county utilizes 44 monitoring sites, collecting 11,521 measurements over the past five years. Most measurements focus on organics and pesticides, providing a clear picture of chemical runoff in the area. This monitoring is essential for protecting the groundwater that serves as the county's primary source.

Black River Flows Below Typical Levels near Galesville

The USGS gauge on the Black River near Galesville shows a current discharge of 1,270 cfs, which is 69% of the long-term mean. This 2,080 square mile drainage area is experiencing lower than average flows, which can impact local ecosystem health and water quality. Monitoring these flows helps manage the impacts of pollutants like phosphorus.

Protect Groundwater from Chemical and Nutrient Runoff

La Crosse County residents enjoy relatively high drinking water compliance, but should remain vigilant about watershed pollutants like mercury and phosphorus. Given the emphasis on pesticide monitoring, well owners are encouraged to conduct regular chemical screenings. Focus on bank stabilization and reducing sediment runoff to improve local water body health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in La Crosse County

via WeatherByCounty

Western Wisconsin’s Continental Range

La Crosse County averages 47.3°F annually, sitting about 6.5 degrees below the national median. Its location in the Mississippi River valley creates unique localized weather.

Warmer than the Wisconsin Norm

At 47.3°F, La Crosse is nearly 3 degrees warmer than the state average of 44.4°F. It ranks as one of the warmer counties in western Wisconsin.

Warmer and Snowier than Jackson

La Crosse is significantly warmer than Jackson County’s 43.9°F average. However, it receives more snow, with 47.8 inches compared to Jackson’s 44.5 inches.

Hot Summers and Snowy Winters

July is the hottest in the region at 72.8°F, featuring 10 days of extreme heat. Winters remain cold with 47.8 inches of snow and a January average of 17.4°F.

Prepare for All Extremes

Residents need high-performance AC for the 72.8°F July peaks and 10 heat days. Reliable shovels or snowblowers are a must for the 47.8 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in La Crosse County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral-Leaning Soils in the Driftless

La Crosse County soils have an average pH of 5.90, which is more alkaline than the state average of 5.63. While it remains below the national median of 6.5, it provides a hospitable environment for most common garden plants. The local soil identity is defined by its position in the unique Driftless Area.

Sandy-Silt Blend for Easy Tilling

The composition features 42.3% sand and 38.8% silt, with a relatively low 11.6% clay content. This high sand and silt ratio ensures the soil is easy to work and does not become overly sticky when wet. It provides excellent pore space for air to reach the roots of growing plants.

Consistent Organic Richness

The soil contains 6.79% organic matter, triple the national average of 2.0% though lower than the state's 11.02%. Available water capacity sits at 0.183 in/in, which is slightly below the state average of 0.204. This combination suggests a soil that is healthy but may require supplemental watering during dry summers.

Managing Driftless Drainage

While specific drainage data is limited, the 42.3% sand content points toward a well-drained profile. Water likely moves through the soil efficiently, which is beneficial for the county's varied topography. Gardeners on slopes should be mindful of potential erosion during intense rainfall.

Garden Success in Zone 5a

Zone 5a supports a wide range of hardy crops, from asparagus to snap peas. Although the soil score of 67.0 is just below the state average of 68.2, the land remains highly productive with standard care. Take advantage of the easy-to-work texture and start your garden this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in La Crosse County

via LawnByCounty

Strong Success in La Crosse

La Crosse County earns a high lawn difficulty score of 77.5, making it one of the easier places in Wisconsin to grow grass. Classified as Zone 5a, it offers a robust growing environment for homeowners.

High Energy for Rapid Growth

The county records 2,881 growing degree days, significantly higher than many northern neighbors. While 10 extreme heat days pose a challenge, the 36.7 inches of annual rain provides the fuel needed for a lush landscape.

Working with Sandy Soil Profiles

The soil pH of 5.90 is near the lower edge of the ideal range but remains very functional for turf. A high sand content of 42.3% means the soil drains quickly, which helps prevent root rot but may require more frequent light watering.

Reliable Moisture and Low Stress

La Crosse faced only five weeks of drought in the past year and currently has no drought classification. This consistent moisture allows lawns to maintain active growth without the heavy stress seen in other parts of the state.

Start Early for a Lush Lawn

The spring season kicks off early with the last frost on April 27. With the first fall frost not arriving until October 17, you have nearly six months to perfect your Kentucky Bluegrass or Fescue turf.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is La Crosse County's county score?
La Crosse County, Wisconsin has a composite county score of 42.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does La Crosse County rank among counties in Wisconsin?
La Crosse County ranks #63 among all counties in Wisconsin on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in La Crosse County, Wisconsin?
The median annual property tax in La Crosse County is $3,963, with an effective tax rate of 1.63%. This earns La Crosse County a tax score of 8.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in La Crosse County?
The median household income in La Crosse County, Wisconsin is $70,704 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. La Crosse County earns an income score of 68.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is La Crosse County, Wisconsin a good place to live?
La Crosse County scores 42.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Wisconsin. The best way to evaluate La Crosse County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare La Crosse County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.