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Population Review

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

Get Onalaska's next ACS population data

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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%.

2024 · 20K20102024
Onalaska city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

19,898

Population (2024)

17,824

Population (2010)

19,898

Peak (2024)

0.79%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201017,824
201118,015
201218,202
201318,228
201418,290
201518,379
201618,614
201718,667
201818,673
201918,943
202018,867
202119,017
202219,359
202319,604
202419,898

Race & Ethnicity

White86.4%
Black or African American2.7%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.4%
Two or More Races0.0%

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 & Management31.9%
Manufacturing12.8%
Construction6.5%
Information6.3%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate5.3%
Public Administration5.2%
Retail Trade4.2%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services2.9%
Education, Health Care & Social Services2.4%
Transportation & Warehousing0.8%
Agriculture & Mining0.3%

Largest cities in Wisconsin

Largest counties in Wisconsin

Part of Wisconsin

Metro areas in Wisconsin

City rankings

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).

Where to stay in Onalaska

Visiting or relocating to Onalaska, WI? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.