Cost of Living in Prairie du Chien, WI

Population 5,471 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023

55
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Prairie du Chien sits on the smaller end of the Wisconsin city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 2.1% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, Prairie du Chien lies roughly 80 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Cedar Rapids. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Cedar Rapids' $177,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 50
Rent 64

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Prairie du Chien

The median home value in Prairie du Chien is $152,100 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $840/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,670/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Wisconsin's top state income tax rate is 7.7% and the combined sales tax is 5.4%. The climate averages highs of 59.2°F and lows of 36.9°F. Overall, Prairie du Chien has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$152,100
50% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$210,037
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$840/mo
36% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.1x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$712
1 BR
$781
2 BR
$997
3 BR
$1,290
4 BR
$1,448
Owner-occupied 64.1%
Renter-occupied 35.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$840
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,454/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
15.9 min
41% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.7%
Carpooled
15.0%
Public transit
1.6%
Walked
3.8%
Bicycle
0.8%
Work from home
3.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 7.7%
Total Sales Tax 5.4%
State rate 5.0%
Avg local rate 0.4%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$52,670
29% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,861
Unemployment Rate
2.1%
56% below avg
Poverty Rate
14.7%
Labor Force Participation
51.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.9%
Graduate degree 3.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.7
Male median age 42.7
Female median age 48.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.2°F
Avg Low
36.9°F
Annual Precip
33.9"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 293447617281848376634734
Low °F 101425364757615951382817
Precip" 0.980.961.913.644.355.153.844.073.372.481.871.32

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

97%
4-Year Graduation Rate
11.4:1
Student-teacher ratio
6
Public schools
1,158
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Prairie du Chien, WI?

Prairie du Chien has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.

What is average rent in Prairie du Chien, WI?

The median gross rent in Prairie du Chien is $840 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Prairie du Chien?

The median home value in Prairie du Chien is $152,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Prairie du Chien?

The median household income in Prairie du Chien is $52,670 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Prairie du Chien, WI?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Prairie du Chien is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.

Is Prairie du Chien, WI affordable?

Yes, Prairie du Chien is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Prairie du Chien?

Prairie du Chien has average high temperatures of 59.2°F and average lows of 36.9°F. Annual precipitation is 33.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Prairie du Chien at a Glance

Population
5,471
Median Income
$52,670
Home Value
$152,100
Median Rent
$840/mo
Unemployment
2.1%
Avg High Temp
59.2°F
Sales Tax
5.4%
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