La Crosse County
WI · Pop. 120,262 · Mixed County
La Crosse County is a mixed rural-suburban county in Wisconsin, spanning 452 square miles with 120,262 residents at a density of 266.1 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on corn, soybeans, hay. The median home price is $243,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.63%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 167-day growing season, average summer highs of 77.5°F and average winter lows of 11.1°F. Annual rainfall averages 35.2 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Mayo Clinic Health System - Franciscan Healthcare is 9.6 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 93.5% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- Broadband reaches 93.5% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Mayo Clinic Health System - Franciscan Healthcare, with an emergency room, is just 9.6 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 2.8% reflects a stable local job base.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.63% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
- Average winter lows of 11.1°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
- At 266.1 people per square mile, this is a developed area where finding truly rural acreage is harder and pricier.
At a glance
La Crosse County, WI is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 36/100
- Median home price
- $243k
- Property tax
- 1.63%
- Growing season
- 167 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 35.2"
- Broadband
- 93.5%
- Nearest hospital
- Mayo Clinic Health System - Franciscan Healthcare, 9.6 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in La Crosse County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in La Crosse County?
- La Crosse County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 167-day growing season, average summer highs of 77.5°F, and average winter lows of 11.1°F. The established crops are corn, soybeans, hay.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $243,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.63%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 93.5% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Mayo Clinic Health System - Franciscan Healthcare is 9.6 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Wisconsin Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Wisconsin
All Wisconsin countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to La Crosse County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.