AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in La Crosse, WI — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every La Crosse neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$850/mo
Median Rent
52,680
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Gundersen Health System
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why La Crosse? What Renters Need to Know

Average rent in La Crosse is approximately $850 per month, affordable for a Mississippi River city with strong healthcare and university employment. Downtown and near-UW-La Crosse areas command a slight premium, while suburban Onalaska and Holmen offer newer construction at similar prices.

Quick Facts

Population 52,680
Median Rent $850/mo
Top Employer Gundersen Health System
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$850 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

La Crosse median rent is $650 below the national median of $1,500/mo — an affordable market.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in La Crosse is Gundersen Health System, making the Downtown La Crosse area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in La Crosse

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Downtown La Crosse

Score: 82/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 76
Avg Rent $950
Schools 7/10
#2

South Side

Score: 74/100
Safety B
Walk Score 58
Avg Rent $850
Schools 6/10
#3

UW-La Crosse Area

Score: 80/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 64
Avg Rent $900
Schools 7/10

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#4

North Side

Score: 68/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 50
Avg Rent $800
Schools 6/10
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#5

Onalaska

Score: 80/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 32
Avg Rent $950
Schools 8/10
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#6

Holmen

Score: 82/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 24
Avg Rent $975
Schools 8/10
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#7

French Island

Score: 70/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 28
Avg Rent $820
Schools 6/10
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#8

Shelby

Score: 72/100
Safety B
Walk Score 22
Avg Rent $840
Schools 6/10
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See All 8 La Crosse Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores La Crosse Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every La Crosse renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for La Crosse.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with La Crosse properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About La Crosse

What is the average rent in La Crosse, WI?

Average rent in La Crosse is approximately $850 per month, affordable for a Mississippi River city with strong healthcare and university employment. Downtown and near-UW-La Crosse areas command a slight premium, while suburban Onalaska and Holmen offer newer construction at similar prices.

Is La Crosse a good place to live?

La Crosse is a beautiful river city set between the Mississippi River and dramatic sandstone bluffs, offering exceptional outdoor recreation and a vibrant downtown for its size. The presence of Gundersen Health System and UW-La Crosse creates employment stability and cultural amenities.

What outdoor activities are available in La Crosse?

La Crosse offers world-class outdoor recreation with the Mississippi River, Grandad Bluff Park (offering panoramic views over the river valley), extensive bike trails, and access to the Driftless Area for hiking and nature exploration. Kayaking the backwater channels is a local favorite.

How is the job market in La Crosse?

Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System are the dominant employers, making healthcare the cornerstone of the economy. UW-La Crosse, Kwik Trip (headquartered here), and various manufacturing firms round out the major employers.

What is the college-town atmosphere like in La Crosse?

UW-La Crosse and Viterbo University give La Crosse a genuine college-town energy, contributing to a lively bar and restaurant scene, affordable housing options for students, and cultural programming. The student population keeps the downtown active even during winter months.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.