Median Income
$86,250
15% higher than US avg
Home Value
$96,300
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
871/100K
129% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.0%
8% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,250
7% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.2%
18% lower than US avg
How Galena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population565
Median Age36.1 yrs
Density32/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 23%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$86,250
Per Capita$49,739
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty10.2%
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,300
Rent$1,250
Ownership73.0%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units350
Rent Burden16.3%
Crime
F
Violent871/100K
Property2,348/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured12.9%
Smoking26.4%
Depression21.5%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp26°F (-3°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain13.9 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation149 ft (45 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+31.0%
High School+90.9%
Graduate+16.4%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute12 min
Broadband57.5%
Is Galena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Galena receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Galena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Galena is $86,250, 15% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. 10.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Galena is $96,300, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,250 per month. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 871 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,348 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
31.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Galena has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F. Winters average -10°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.9 inches, including 77.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Galena has a population of 565 with a density of 32 people per square mile, spread across 17.8 square miles. The median age is 36.1 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.8% female and 44.2% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (74%), with 23% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.4% of residents, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 7.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.1yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.4%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.6%
51% below US avg
The median household income in Galena is $86,250, which is 15% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,739 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,724, 20% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 148 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $86,250 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,739 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,724 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,838 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.2% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 148 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 60.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in Galena is $96,300, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,250 (7% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 350 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. 16.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,300 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,250 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,061 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,467 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,304 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.0% |
| Housing Units | 350 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
In Galena, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 36.2% have high blood pressure. 26.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.2% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 21.5% report depression. 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 12.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,260. The dentist ratio is 1:2,474. 3.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Galena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.2% |
| Asthma | 13.1% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.4% |
| 89% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 21.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 18.0% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.7% |
| Uninsured | 12.9% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,260 |
| Dentists | 1:2,474 |
| Mental Health | 1:90 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.3% |
| Dental Visits | 48.2% |
| Premature Death | 19,918/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 3.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Galena has a violent crime rate of 871 per 100,000 residents, 129% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,348 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. Overall, Galena receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Galena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 870.8/100K |
| 129% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,348.0/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Galena has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F (-3°C). Winters average -10°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 70°F. The area gets 274 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 13.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 77.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 149 feet.
Temperature
-10°F Jan (-23°C)
60°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 26.0°F |
| 52% below US avg |
| January Average | -10°F (-23°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 149 ft (45 m) |
| Area | 17.8 sq mi (46.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 32/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.7414°N, 156.8734°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
265 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.9"
63% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.48"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
107 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 11, 2025.
| Feb 3, 2000 |
northern Alaska |
M5.6 |
128 km |
| Nov 5, 1997 |
19 km ENE of Ruby, Alaska |
M4.9 |
84 km |
| May 17, 1999 |
15 km ENE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M4.5 |
84 km |
| Jan 10, 2001 |
54 km SW of Hughes, Alaska |
M4.4 |
136 km |
| Oct 5, 2002 |
95 km N of McGrath, Alaska |
M4.4 |
127 km |
| Sep 13, 1998 |
26 km S of Nulato, Alaska |
M4.2 |
64 km |
| Sep 3, 1994 |
46 km SW of Hughes, Alaska |
M4.1 |
144 km |
| Nov 21, 2000 |
26 km ENE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.9 |
73 km |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
54 km SW of Hughes, Alaska |
M3.9 |
135 km |
| Feb 6, 2001 |
31 km W of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.8 |
128 km |
| Jun 9, 1992 |
40 km SW of Hughes, Alaska |
M3.8 |
150 km |
| Mar 4, 1996 |
21 km ENE of Huslia, Alaska |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| May 26, 2023 |
31 km ENE of Huslia, Alaska |
M3.6 |
132 km |
| Jan 3, 1996 |
51 km E of Ruby, Alaska |
M3.6 |
117 km |
| Oct 4, 2000 |
16 km ENE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Nov 30, 1994 |
23 km E of Ruby, Alaska |
M3.5 |
89 km |
| Dec 26, 1999 |
56 km SW of Hughes, Alaska |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| Feb 19, 2023 |
95 km SSE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Oct 22, 2003 |
99 km NNW of Koyukuk, Alaska |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Aug 28, 2019 |
10 km NNE of Ruby, Alaska |
M3.4 |
69 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BONANZA CREEK (241,856 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
BONANZA CREEK |
241,856 |
30 km |
| 2005 |
HOLTNATKATNA CREEK |
204,488 |
34 km |
| 2015 |
HOLTNAKATNA |
180,266 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
CAMP CREEK |
94,290 |
78 km |
| 2015 |
DULBI RIVER |
84,988 |
57 km |
| 2022 |
CAMP CREEK |
81,840 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
EAST FORK YUKI RIVER |
79,220 |
61 km |
| 2002 |
LONG CREEK |
73,270 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
YUKON CREEK |
68,820 |
77 km |
| 1990 |
GAL N 38 |
61,375 |
73 km |
| 2002 |
GALATEA CREEK |
58,145 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
GISASA RIVER |
51,057 |
88 km |
| 2022 |
MUD RIVER |
49,997 |
74 km |
| 2018 |
DULBY HOT SPRINGS |
43,493 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
COFFEE CAN LAKE |
41,717 |
66 km |
| 2015 |
YUKON CREEK |
39,035 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
NULATO |
35,728 |
63 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE MUD RIVER 2 |
33,080 |
77 km |
| 1988 |
831024 |
25,914 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
LOUIS LAKE |
24,323 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-10°F (-23°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-4°F (-20°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| May |
44°F (7°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| July |
60°F (16°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
2.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
45°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
6°F (-14°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
-5°F (-21°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Galena has a seasonal temperature swing of 70°F / from -10°F in January to 60°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.5") and May the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Galena. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154–$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205–$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102–$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819–$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77–$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154–$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51–$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410–$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102–$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61–$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51–$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154–$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096–$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410–$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632–$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512–$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120–$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048–$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819–$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205–$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024–$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31–$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77–$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51–$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07–$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56–$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56–$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07–$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10–$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61–$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82–$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51–$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77–$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229–$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31–$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614–$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512–$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205–$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26–$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410–$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120–$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51–$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102–$410) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Galena
What is the population of Galena?
Galena has a population of 565 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 32 people per square mile, spread across 17.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.8% female and 44.2% male.
Is Galena expensive to live in?
Galena has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $86,250, 15% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,300 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,250 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Galena safe?
Public safety is a concern in Galena, with a violent crime rate of 871 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,348 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Galena receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Galena?
Galena has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F (-3°C). Winter temperatures average -10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.9 inches, with 77.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Galena?
The job market in Galena is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,724. There are 148 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Galena?
The median home value in Galena is $96,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,250. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.0%.
How are the schools in Galena?
Schools in Galena have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 31.0% of adults in Galena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.9% have completed high school. 16.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Galena?
The obesity rate in Galena is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.4% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 21.5% of residents report depression. 12.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 3.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,260.
What is transportation like in Galena?
The average commute in Galena is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 60.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Galena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Galena is 23% White, 74% Hispanic or Latino. 93.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.6% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 7.8% of residents have a disability. 88.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
