Galax, VA

Full City Profile · Virginia · Galax city County

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
6,698 Population 813/sq mi density
$41,438 Median Income $31,429 per capita
$126,800 Home Value $190,059 Zillow
$692 Median Rent 23.8% income on rent
53°F Avg Temperature
295 Violent Crime/100K 4,564 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.6 / 5.0
$41,438 median income, 5.5% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$126,800 home value, $692/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
295 violent crimes/100K
C
Education
2.5 / 5.0
18.3% bachelor's degree or higher

Galax, VA

At a Glance

Median Income
$41,438
45% below
$31,429 per capita
Home Value
$126,800
55% below
Zillow: $190,059
Median Rent
$692/mo
40% below
23.8% of income on rent
Violent Crime
295/100K
22% below
4,564/100K property
Bachelor's Degree+
18.3%
46% below
83.0% high school+
Unemployment
5.5%
53% above
19.9% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% above
20.1% smoking rate
Avg Temperature
53°F

How Galax Compares to the U.S. Average

Each bar shows Galax's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)

Income
55%
Home Value
45%
Rent
60%
Poverty
160%
Bachelor's
54%
Unemployment
153%
Crime
78%
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)

Is Galax a Good Place to Live?

C+
2.8 / 5.0 - Fair
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.

Economy & Jobs

Galax residents earn a median household income of $41,438 , which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,429. The unemployment rate stands at 5.5% (53% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 19.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 400 business establishments, including 33 restaurants.

Housing & Cost of Living

The median home value in Galax is $126,800 , 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home at $190,059. Median rent is $692/month, with 23.8% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 101.1 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1969.

Safety & Crime

Galax reports 295 violent crimes per 100,000 residents , which is 22% below the national average of 380/100K. Property crime is 4,564/100K.

Education

18.3% of adults in Galax hold a bachelor's degree or higher (46% below the national average). 83.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.7/10 in standardized testing.

Climate & Weather

Galax has an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches.

Data Overview

People

Population6,698
Median Age41.9 yrs
Density813/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Foreign Born5.6%
Veterans9.1%

Economy

C+
Median Income$41,438
Per Capita$31,429
Unemployment5.5%
Poverty19.9%
Avg Weekly Wage$801

Housing

A+
Home Value$126,800
Rent$692
Ownership61.6%
Zillow$190,059
Housing Units3,169
Rent Burden23.8%

Crime

F
Violent295/100K
Property4,564/100K

Health

Obesity39.6%
Diabetes14.0%
Smoking20.1%
Heart Disease7.2%
Premature Death19,228/100K

Climate

Avg Temp53°F
Rain45.6 in/yr
Elevation2,459 ft

Education

C
Bachelor's+18.3%
High School+83.0%
Graduate+7.2%
School Score5.7/10

Community

2024 VoteR 72% / D 28%
Commute20 min
Broadband86.6%
Internet Speed136 Mbps
EV Stations1
Libraries1

Did You Know?

Galax was founded in 1906.
The median home in Galax was built in 1969.
The nearest airport is Statesville Regional (62 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.516 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Very Low" by FEMA.
14.0% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 136 Mbps.