Economic Profile | Major Employers | Demographics

Prairie du Chien is a growing center for business and industry. The Prairie du Chien Industrial Development Corporation works with new businesses coming into the community and with existing businesses as they expand their operations. Two industrial parks in the city offer prime business sites for perspective clients. The city is part of one of Wisconsin’s Community Development Zone, which provides cost savings to new and expanding initiatives through tax credit incentives.

The City of Prairie du Chien has an aggressive industrial development program. The program utilizes a public/private partnership to create win-win situations for entities involved. Historically, the City of Prairie du Chien has successfully utilized available financial assistance programs to help promote economic development. Prairie du Chien has: a) utilized tax increment financing; b) issued numerous Industrial Revenue Bonds; c) assisted businesses obtain labor training grants; and d) established a local economic development loan program.

The primary labor area of Prairie du Chien consists of the following counties: Crawford and Grant counties in Wisconsin plus Clayton and Allamakee counties in Iowa. The workforce of Prairie du Chien is characterized by a strong Mid-western work ethic where people are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and put in a hard day’s work. Professional positions may be filled with local or out-of-state people attracted to the scenic beauty of the area, the friendly residents, and small-town atmosphere.

A good mix of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, excavation, and architectural contractors support the healthy industrial base of the area. Prairie du Chien hosts over a dozen industrial firms from family-owned businesses to international companies. Some of the area businesses include: 3M Company; Bennett Hardwood Lumber; Cabela’s; Design Homes, Inc.; Dillman Equipment, Inc.; Miniature Precision Components, Inc.; Prairie Industries; Prairie Sand & Gravel; Peavey Company and Universal Forest Products.

Businesses reach out into the global marketplace through active websites and participation in other business promotion opportunities. These investments help keep pace with economic growth and market demands for products produced and sold in Prairie du Chien.

Prairie du Chien is surrounded by rich farmland and numerous family farms. The agriculture industry plays a major role in the thriving economy of the southwest region of the state. Local banks provide the support necessary for new and expanding businesses. The combination of a good business portfolio, capital incentives, and a strong labor force affords Prairie du Chien a strong economic base to build on for years to come.

Economic Profile

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN LOCAL TAXES - TAX YEAR 2007

2007 Local Property Taxes
Effective Real Estate Full Value Rate/$1,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . $29.18
2007 Assessed Valuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $271,202,020

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
The Prairie du Chien Area is well served by banks, thrift institutions, and credit unions. We have independent, locally-owned institutions plus others that are part of larger, regional banking networks. This provides a wide range of choices for financial services. All our financial institutions are strong supporters of growth in the Prairie du Chien area. They have demonstrated the capacity and eagerness to deliver the many deposit and loan services your business will need. The following institutions provide service to the Prairie du Chien area: Peoples State Bank, Citizen's Bank, AnchorBank FSB,  Fortress Bank,  Marine Credit Union, Badgerland Farm Credit Services, and Central State Bank.

HOUSING
There is a range of housing available in Prairie du Chien and the surrounding area. Everything from low-income to executive-type housing may be found in listings with local realtors. In addition, several new subdivisions have opened in the area, allowing for more selection of new building sites. Prairie du Chien has an architectural firm, many contractors, and a major modular home manufacturing facility, to serve a wide variety of new home building needs.

TRANSPORTATION

             TAXICAB SERVICE
             The City of Prairie du Chien has contracted with Running Inc. dba Coulee Cab Company to         
             serve the area with taxicab service.  1-608-326-8888.

HIGHWAYS
The City of Prairie du Chien is served by U.S. Highway 18 and State Highways 25, 27, and 60. The Marquette-Jolliet Bridge links Wisconsin and Iowa across the Mississippi River. Distance to the nearest Interstate Highway is 60 miles to La Crosse with Interstate 90.

TRUCKING
Major truck carriers serving Prairie du Chien include: Consolidated Freightways; Roadway Express, Inc.; Yellow Freight Systems, Inc.; Koschkee Transfer; Moore Transportation, Inc. and Gross Common Carrier, Inc.

POSTAL SERVICE
U. S. Postal Service and other local and national carrier services are available.

AIRPORT
The City of Prairie du Chien operates and maintains the Prairie du Chien Municipal Airport. The airport is located on the City’s south side and contains two runways, one 5,000 feet by 75 feet and the other 4,000 feet by 75 feet. Fuel (including jet fuel), terminal building, and hangers are available at the airport.

RAILROAD
The City of Prairie du Chien is served by the main line of the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad, as well as the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad.

WATERWAY
Waterway service is available in and out of Prairie du Chien to haul product and commodities on river barges.

Major Employers

Major employers in Prairie du Chien are listed below showing their name, address, telephone number, and approximate number of employees.

Demographics

Data from U.S. Census 2000

Other Local Data/Facts:

Shelly Teadt, Director of Planning
Couleecap, Inc.
8/26/04

*Source - Dept. of Workforce Development