Town in Polk County
Living in Onalaska, TX
713th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 4 of 100
Onalaska gets an overall grade of F and ranks 713th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on schools and internet access, and trails on jobs and income and health.
- Jobs and income scores low (9 of 100)
- Errands and things to do scores low (16 of 100)
- Population
- 3,289+8.3% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,08323% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $165,80042% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $51,912Median
- Average commute
- 22 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 290Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Onalaska
Onalaska is a town in Polk County. 3,289 people lived here in 2025, up 8.3% from 2020. It is small-town and rural in feel.
Places locals use include Onalaska City Park & Garland Pavilion, Mary Ellen Yost Memorial Dog Park and Onalaska City Park.
The median age is 43.8, 37% of households have children, 78% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $51,912 a year (34% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Onalaska
- Lower rent. Median rent is $1,083, 23% lower than the Texas median.
- Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 22 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
Cons of living in Onalaska
- Higher unemployment. 9.4% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
- Higher poverty. 24% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
- Errands mean a drive. Compared with similar Texas places, fewer homes here are within a mile of a grocery store, pharmacy, park or clinic.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hurricanes, tornadoes and strong wind as very high here.
Who Onalaska suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: violent crime is 25% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 13% for families.
- Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 34% lower than the Texas median, with 19 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 3% for young professionals.
- RetireesNot the best fit: 15% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 25% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 2% for retirees.
- Remote workersNot the best fit: 92% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,083 is 23% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 20% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,083 is 23% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 8% for people on a budget.
Onalaska report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Onalaska with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Cost of living: grade D
Median rent $1,083, homes cost 3.2x income.
24 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade D-
Median household income $51,912, 9.4% unemployed.
9 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade B-
2 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.
60 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade D
290 violent crimes per 100k, 1,249 property crimes per 100k.
22 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade D-
0 grocery stores, 19 restaurants, 4 parks mapped in town.
16 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade D+
Average commute 22 min, 7.3% work from home.
30 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade D-
12% have a bachelor’s degree.
10 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade D-
15% of adults uninsured.
10 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade D+
78% of homes owner-occupied.
29 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade B-
92% of homes have broadband.
59 of 100 vs US towns
Where Onalaska stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 78%16 points higher than Texas (63%)
- Median rent: $1,08323% lower than Texas ($1,403)
- Average commute: 22 min17% lower than Texas (27 min)
Worse than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 77%25 points higher than Texas (52%)
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 12%22 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Vacant homes: 27%18 points higher than Texas (9.4%)
Cost of living in Onalaska
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Onalaska is $1,083 a month, 23% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $43,000 a year. Right now 77% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.
HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $938 for a one-bedroom, $1,227 for a two-bedroom and $1,462 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.
The median home is worth $165,800, 42% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $908 before tax, or $1,079 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.
Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Onalaska pays $2,056 a year, 51% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent23% lower than Texas | $1,083 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value42% lower than Texas | $165,800 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income12% lower than Texas | 3.2x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent25 points higher than Texas | 77% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year51% lower than Texas | $2,056 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them16 points higher than Texas | 78% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1993 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $908
- Property tax
- $171
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,083
Based on a $165,800 home in Onalaska, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.
Is Onalaska safe?
In 2025, Onalaska Police Department reported 10 violent crimes and 43 property crimes. That works out to 290 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 25% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,249 property crimes per 100,000, 40% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is up about 34% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.
Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.
Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Onalaska Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Onalaska
Onalaska has 2 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Onalaska ISD.
Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.
Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.
Top-rated schools
- BOnalaska Jr/Sr HighOther, Onalaska ISD83 of 100
- BOnalaska ElementaryElementary, Onalaska ISD81 of 100
Daily life in Onalaska
Everyday places mapped inside Onalaska, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Onalaska City Park & Garland Pavilion, Mary Ellen Yost Memorial Dog Park, Onalaska City Park.
The average one-way commute is 22 minutes, 17% shorter than the Texas average. 7% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
The median household income is $51,912, income per person is $29,257, unemployment is 9.4% and 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income34% lower than Texas | $51,912 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person28% lower than Texas | $29,257 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate4 points higher than Texas | 9.4% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line10 points higher than Texas | 24% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher22 points lower than Texas | 12% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher3 points lower than Texas | 83% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance4 points lower than Texas | 15% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internetAbout the same as Texas | 92% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute17% lower than Texas | 22 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home7 points lower than Texas | 7.3% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Onalaska
Median age 43.8 years. 37% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Onalaska
Onalaska has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 40°F. There are about 103 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 51 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Livingston 2 Nne, 12 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is high, hurricane risk is very high, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is moderate. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.
- River floodingHigh
- HurricanesVery high
- TornadoesVery high
- HailModerate
- Heat wavesHigh
- WildfiresHigh
- Winter stormsModerate
- Strong windVery high
Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.
Places near Onalaska
Nearby, West Livingston gets an F, Livingston gets a D and Westwood Shores gets an F. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
- FWest LivingstonTown, 8,199 people11 mi
- DLivingstonTown, 5,718 people12 mi
- FWestwood ShoresTown, 1,466 people15 mi
- FColdspringTown, 1,274 people16 mi
- FTrinityTown, 2,258 people18 mi
- D+CorriganTown, 1,784 people21 mi
Living in Onalaska: common questions
Is Onalaska, TX a good place to live?
Onalaska gets an overall grade of F and ranks 713th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on schools and internet access, and trails on jobs and income and health.
How much does it cost to live in Onalaska?
Median rent in Onalaska is $1,083 a month, 23% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $165,800, 42% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.2x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,079, including property tax.
Is Onalaska safe?
In 2025, Onalaska Police Department reported 290 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 25% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,249 per 100,000, 40% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Onalaska?
We found 2 rated public school campuses inside Onalaska. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 60 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Onalaska flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Onalaska as high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, wildfires and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Onalaska?
Summers in Onalaska peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 40°F. Expect around 103 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 51 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Onalaska?
The average one-way commute is 22 min, 17% lower than the Texas average. About 7.3% of workers work from home.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.