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First-time home buyer programs in La Crosse, WI

Quick answer

First-time buyers in La Crosse, WI can use 3%-down conventional loans (up to the $832,750 La Crosse County conforming limit), 3.5%-down FHA, or VA and USDA where eligible. On the $196,600 median home, 3% down is about $5,898 and the estimated payment is $1,696/month at 7.18%.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsData last updated

Median household income: $53,803; value-to-income ratio 3.65. La Crosse ranks 72 by home value and 12 by population among 96 places in our WI dataset.

What does a first-time buyer loan cost on a typical La Crosse home?

ItemLa Crosse
Median home value (Census ACS)$196,600
Wisconsin median home value$247,400
Down payment (3%)$5,898
Loan amount$190,702
Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI)$1,696
Income needed (28% / 36%)$73,000 / $57,000
La Crosse County 2026 conforming limit (1 unit)$832,750
Max purchase price at the limit$858,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Payment includes Wisconsin's 1.51% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $923/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in La Crosse?

La Crosse is in La Crosse County. Conventional 3%-down loans go up to the $832,750 conforming limit (price ≈ $858,000); FHA loans go up to $541,287.

The La Crosse median home value of $196,600 is 21% below the Wisconsin median, and within what the county limit supports.

Which down payment assistance programs can La Crosse buyers use?

No applicable programs have been verified for this city yet. Check the state housing finance agency for current assistance.

First-time buyer loans in nearby cities

OnalaskaHolmenReedsburgEau ClaireChippewa FallsMarshfield

First-time buyer loan FAQs for La Crosse

On the $196,600 median: 3% conventional ≈ $5,898, 3.5% FHA ≈ $6,881, and 0% for eligible VA or USDA buyers. Conventional loans above $832,750 in La Crosse County become jumbo loans.

At the $196,600 median value (below the Wisconsin median of $247,400), the estimated payment of $1,696/month at 7.18% needs about $73,000 a year under the 28% housing guideline, or $57,000 if your total debts stay under 36%.

0 city-level, 0 county-level and 0 statewide programs are verified for this city (0 total). Check each official administrator's eligibility rules and available funds.

Sources

Data last updated October 23, 2026.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.