Radon levels in La Crosse, Wisconsin
ModerateEPA Zone 2Predicted long-term basement average of 2.1 pCi/L (model estimate) across the 3 modeled ZIP codes in La Crosse - about 1.2× the US average of 1.8, close to the Wisconsin average of 2.0. Ranked #6 of 15 Wisconsin cities on this site. Most of the city lies in La Crosse County.
Test La Crosse, WI - the EPA says "consider fixing" in this range
The predicted basement average here is 2.1 pCi/L, in the 2-4 pCi/L band where the EPA recommends considering mitigation. Plenty of individual homes in a moderate area test above 4. Start with a short-term test; if it comes back at 2 or higher, follow up with a long-term test or a continuous monitor.
Already tested at 4 pCi/L or higher? Find a certified mitigation professional (EPA). A mitigation system typically runs $800-$2,500 installed.
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Predicted (model estimate). The pCi/L figures on this page are long-term area averages from a peer-reviewed national model built on millions of real radon tests (2001-2021). They describe the typical home in this area - not your home, which can be several times higher or lower. The EPA radon zone is a separate, 1993 county-level classification. Measured state test results are shown separately below, labeled with their source and years. How the numbers work.
2.1 ± 0.06
pCi/L predicted basement mean (model SD)
1.5 ± 0.06
pCi/L predicted upstairs (above-ground) mean
2.1-2.2
range of ZIP-level basement predictions in the city
0%
of La Crosse ZIPs predicted ≥ 4 pCi/L (100% ≥ 2)
Measured radon tests in La Crosse County (Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 1995-2016)
Actual results from home radon tests reported to the state, separate from the model estimate above. Coverage: 1995-2016.
- Measured mean
- 4.1 pCi/L
- Results ≥ 4 pCi/L
- 38.7%
- Results ≥ 2 pCi/L
- 72%
- Sample
- 3,374 tests
| Figure | Model (predicted) | State tests (measured) |
|---|---|---|
| Mean, pCi/L | 2.2 basement | 4.1 |
| Share ≥ 4 pCi/L | not a model output | 38.7% |
The measured mean runs 1.9 pCi/L above the model because state test data is voluntary and skews toward basements, winter, and homeowners who already suspected a problem, while the model estimates the long-term average across all homes.
Source: Wisconsin Indoor Radon Test Results (Wisconsin Radon Map Service, layer 3), Wisconsin Department of Health Services. No license statement on the public feature service. Method and download.
What this means for La Crosse
The typical La Crosse home is predicted in the 2-4 pCi/L band. The EPA's guidance for this range is to consider fixing, because there is no known safe level and a meaningful minority of homes in a moderate area will test above 4.
The city figure is not a separate estimate: it is the mean of the model's ZIP-code predictions, weighted by the share of the city's land in each ZIP (Census 2020 ZCTA-to-place relationship file). The 1993 EPA zone (2) for La Crosse and the 2001-2021 model agree here.
Comparable Wisconsin cities: Kenosha (2.0), Appleton (2.3), Green Bay (1.9), Eau Claire (2.4).
ZIP codes in La Crosse
ZIPs that overlap the city, largest share of its land first. Predicted basement and upstairs means are model estimates; ZIPs the model does not cover show a dash.
| ZIP | Share of city | Basement | Upstairs | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54601 | 66% | 2.1 ± 0.06 | 1.6 | Moderate |
| 54603 | 30% | 2.1 ± 0.06 | 1.2 | Moderate |
| 54650 | 4% | 2.2 ± 0.07 | 1.1 | Moderate |
Testing help in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's radon program page is at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov; it lists testing and certified-mitigator guidance. EPA state radon contacts page. If a test comes back at 4 pCi/L or higher, mitigation typically costs $800-$2,500 installed; use EPA find-a-professional and read the mitigation guide.
La Crosse radon questions
- Is radon high in La Crosse, Wisconsin?
- Moderate. Averaging the model's ZIP-code predictions across La Crosse (weighted by how much of the city each ZIP covers) gives a long-term basement mean of 2.1 pCi/L - about 1.2× the US average of 1.8 and close to the Wisconsin average of 2.0. That is in the 2-4 pCi/L range where the EPA says to consider fixing. La Crosse ranks 6 of 15 Wisconsin cities on this site.
- What do actual radon tests show around La Crosse?
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services publishes results for La Crosse County (not the city alone) covering 1995-2016 (3,374 tests): an average of 4.1 pCi/L, 38.7% of results at or above the 4 pCi/L action level. These are voluntary home tests, so they skew toward basements and toward homes where radon was suspected; the model's predicted basement average for La Crosse is 2.1 pCi/L.
- Which La Crosse ZIP codes have the highest radon?
- Predictions for the 3 modeled ZIP codes in La Crosse range from 2.1 to 2.2 pCi/L in the basement. 0% of them are predicted at or above 4 pCi/L and 100% at or above 2. The city is fairly uniform, so the city-wide number is a reasonable guide for any neighborhood.
- Should I test for radon in La Crosse?
- Yes, soon. With a predicted basement average of 2.1 pCi/L, a meaningful share of La Crosse homes will test above the 4 pCi/L action level. Start with a short-term kit; if it reads 2 or higher, confirm with a long-term test or a continuous monitor before paying for mitigation.
- What does EPA Radon Zone 2 mean for La Crosse?
- La Crosse sits mainly in La Crosse County, which the EPA classifies as Zone 2 - moderate potential (2-4 pCi/L). The zone map dates from 1993 and covers whole counties. The 2001-2021 model agrees with the zone for the city. Neither replaces a test of your own home.
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