In 2026, La Crosse County will have the fifth lowest property tax levy per person in the state, at $310.75—well below the statewide average of $596.41. This reflects the county’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while maintaining essential public services.

Despite a 2% increase in the total levy to $38.7 million, the property tax rate will actually decrease by an average of 5.5%, dropping to $2.41 per $1,000 of assessed property value. This trend is driven by new construction and rising property values, which expand the county’s tax base. The county’s property tax levy supports a wide range of services, including:

--Snowplowing and highway maintenance

--The County Jail and 911 dispatch

--Parks and Land Conservation

--Social services and community programs

However, property taxes account for only about 18% of La Crosse County’s $209 million annual budget. The remainder is funded through sales taxes, fees, and state and federal programs—including significant contributions from Medicaid that help fund Human Services and our Long-Term Care campuses.

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