Onalaska, Wisconsin Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Onalaska, Wisconsin is 18,909 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 43rd-largest city in Wisconsin. The median household income is $84,898, the median home value is $279,100, and the median age is 40.3.
The population has grown 11.6% since 2010 (17,824 → 19,898).
18,909
Population
1782
People / sq mi
$84,898
Median Income
$279,100
Median Home Value
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Onalaska covers 10.6 sq mi of land at 1782 people per square mile.
About Onalaska, WI
The poverty rate is what most separates Onalaska from the typical city: 3.9% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 18,909 residents, Onalaska is a city in Wisconsin. It ranks #43 among cities in Wisconsin by population.
The typical household here earns about $84,898, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US cities at 3.9%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $279,100, with typical rent around $1,096.
41.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 8.1%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Onalaska city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Onalaska city had a population of 17,824 in 2010 and 19,898 in 2024, a 11.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 19,898 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.79%.
19,898
Population (2024)
17,824
Population (2010)
19,898
Peak (2024)
0.79%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,824 |
| 2011 | 18,015 |
| 2012 | 18,202 |
| 2013 | 18,228 |
| 2014 | 18,290 |
| 2015 | 18,379 |
| 2016 | 18,614 |
| 2017 | 18,667 |
| 2018 | 18,673 |
| 2019 | 18,943 |
| 2020 | 18,867 |
| 2021 | 19,017 |
| 2022 | 19,359 |
| 2023 | 19,604 |
| 2024 | 19,898 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.4% |
| Black or African American | 2.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$84,898
Median Household Income
$50,428
Per Capita Income
3.9%
Poverty Rate
2.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$279,100
Median Home Value
$1,096
Median Rent
63.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
98.6%
High School+
41.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
83.1%
Public Transit
8.1%
Work From Home
17.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
30.8%
Foreign Born
91.8%
Non-English at Home
6.4%
Veterans
11.3%
With Disability
95.6%
Health Insurance
93.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 31.9% |
| Manufacturing | 12.8% |
| Construction | 6.5% |
| Information | 6.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 5.3% |
| Public Administration | 5.2% |
| Retail Trade | 4.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 2.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Onalaska, Wisconsin has a population of 18,909 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 43rd-largest city in Wisconsin.
The median household income in Onalaska, Wisconsin is $84,898, with 3.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Onalaska, Wisconsin is $279,100, with median monthly rent at $1,096 and a homeownership rate of 63.0%.
The median age in Onalaska, Wisconsin is 40.3 years. The population is 47.6% male and 52.4% female.
The population has grown 11.6% since 2010 (17,824 → 19,898).
Onalaska city, WI Climate
Onalaska city, WI has an average annual temperature of 7.9°C (46°F) and receives about 795 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.9°C
Avg Temp
795
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 15° | 24 mm |
| February | -6° / 21° | 22 mm |
| March | 1° / 33° | 49 mm |
| April | 8° / 47° | 75 mm |
| May | 15° / 59° | 87 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 101 mm |
| July | 23° / 73° | 98 mm |
| August | 21° / 71° | 104 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 100 mm |
| October | 10° / 50° | 57 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 46 mm |
| December | -6° / 21° | 32 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Onalaska city, WI
The most comfortable months to visit Onalaska city, WI are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -15°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.