Median Income
$55,765
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$199,700
29% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
190/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.2%
19% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$773
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Galena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,899
Median Age58.1 yrs
Density627/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans11.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$55,765
Per Capita$45,030
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,138M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$199,700
Rent$773
Ownership64.1%
Zillow$300,300
Housing Units2,001
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent190/100K
Property3,772/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault127/100K
Burglary190/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking11.1%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation766 ft (233 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.2%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+11.6%
School Score5.97
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute14 min
Broadband80.4%
EV Stations13
Libraries6
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 low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. 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 $55,765, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Galena is $199,700, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $773 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Galena is below the national average at 190 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,772 per 100,000, 92% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Galena experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches, including 37.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Galena has a population of 2,899 with a density of 627 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age is 58.1 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.2% of residents. 11.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.1yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.2%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Galena is $55,765, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,030 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $900, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 742 business establishments, including 92 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,765 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,030 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $900 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,691 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 742 |
| County GDP | $1,138M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 92 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 117 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,976 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 60.7% |
| Public Transit | 2.8% |
| Work from Home | 15.0% |
The median home value in Galena is $199,700, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,300, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $773 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,001 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $6,976 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $199,700 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $300,300 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $773 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.9% |
| Housing Units | 2,001 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,976 |
| 99% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.49% |
In Galena, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 28.5% have high blood pressure. 11.1% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.3% report binge drinking. 18.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.9% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,194. The dentist ratio is 1:1,554. 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Galena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.5% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.1% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.7% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,194 |
| Dentists | 1:1,554 |
| Mental Health | 1:906 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 66.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,364/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Galena has a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 126.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 63.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,772 per 100,000, 92% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,550, burglary at 190, vehicle theft at 32 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Galena receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Galena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 190.2/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 63.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 126.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,771.8/100K |
| 92% above US avg |
| Burglary | 190.2/100K |
| Theft | 3,549.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 31.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Galena experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches. The area receives 37.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 766 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 766 ft (233 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (10.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 627/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4221°N, 90.4278°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jo Daviess County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.6"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 51.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 59.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
538 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 448 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
71 km |
9 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
51 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Galena has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 19°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.1").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Galena
What is the population of Galena?
Galena has a population of 2,899 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 627 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is Galena expensive to live in?
Galena has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $55,765, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $199,700 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $773 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Galena safe?
Galena is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,772 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.6 inches, with 37.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Galena?
The job market in Galena is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $900. There are 742 business establishments in the area, including 92 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 15.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Galena?
The median home value in Galena is $199,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $300,300. For renters, the median monthly rent is $773. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,976.
How are the schools in Galena?
Schools in Galena score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.2% of adults in Galena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 11.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Galena?
The obesity rate in Galena is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.1% of adults are smokers. 18.7% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 69.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,194.
What is transportation like in Galena?
The average commute in Galena is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 60.7% of workers drive alone to work, 2.8% use public transit, and 15.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Galena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Galena is 98.1% White, 0.8% Black or African American. 99.2% of residents speak only English at home. 11.9% of the population are military veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
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