Median Income
$45,213
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,800
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
457/100K
20% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.3%
43% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$719
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.9%
12% higher than US avg
How Galesburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population29,653
Median Age41.2 yrs
Density1,668/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$45,213
Per Capita$25,294
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty13.9%
County GDP$2,449M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,800
Rent$719
Ownership61.2%
Zillow$98,209
Housing Units14,450
Rent Burden33.3%
Crime
F
Violent457/100K
Property4,133/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault298/100K
Burglary774/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured12.0%
Smoking19.5%
Depression23.4%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation769 ft (234 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.3%
High School+85.7%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 44%
Commute16 min
Broadband77.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries9
Is Galesburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Galesburg receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Galesburg offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Galesburg is $45,213, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 13.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Galesburg is $89,800, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 457 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,133 per 100,000, 111% above the national average.
Education
19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Galesburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.0 inches, including 25.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Galesburg has a population of 29,653 with a density of 1,668 people per square mile, spread across 17.9 square miles. The median age is 41.2 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (75.1%), with 12.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.3% of residents, while 9.7% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.2yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Galesburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.3%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.7%
28% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Galesburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Galesburg is $45,213, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,294 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $894, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 980 business establishments, including 130 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Galesburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,213 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,294 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $894 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,190 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 980 |
| County GDP | $2,449M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 130 |
| Healthcare | 124 |
| Retail | 154 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,480 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.8% |
| Work from Home | 5.7% |
The median home value in Galesburg is $89,800, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,209. Homes sell for 89.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $719 (38% 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. 61.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 14,450 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1952. The average annual property tax is $6,480 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,800 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $98,209 |
| Median List Price | $124,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $124,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $73 |
| Homes Sold | 16 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 89.1% |
| Price Drops | 24.1% |
| Inventory | 54 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $719 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.8% |
| Housing Units | 14,450 |
| Median Year Built | 1952 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,480 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.22% |
In Galesburg, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 35.6% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 29.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 12.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,053. The dentist ratio is 1:2,861. 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
4.3
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
4.5
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
2.6
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.1
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
150.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Galesburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.6% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.9% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.5% |
| Depression | 23.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 40.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 12.0% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,053 |
| Dentists | 1:2,861 |
| Mental Health | 1:515 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 52.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,889/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 124 |
Galesburg has a violent crime rate of 457 per 100,000 residents, 20% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 297.8 per 100,000, robbery at 43.0, rape at 115.8. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,133 per 100,000, 111% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,240, burglary at 774, vehicle theft at 119 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Galesburg receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Galesburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 456.7/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 115.8/100K |
| Robbery | 43.0/100K |
| Assault | 297.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,133.0/100K |
| 111% above US avg |
| Burglary | 774.3/100K |
| Theft | 3,239.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 119.1/100K |
| Arson | 3.3/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 29 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Galesburg experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.0 inches. The area receives 25.9 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 769 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 769 ft (234 m) |
| Area | 17.9 sq mi (46.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,668/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.9502°N, 90.3766°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Knox County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.0"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M4.2 on Jun 28, 2004.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
136 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
671 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 536 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
77 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
98 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
45 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
63 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
64 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
63 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
63 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Galesburg has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Galesburg. 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
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,346 |
| Toddler | $1,090 |
| Preschool | $1,119 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $686 |
| Preschool | $636 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Galesburg
What is the population of Galesburg?
Galesburg has a population of 29,653 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,668 people per square mile, spread across 17.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Galesburg expensive to live in?
Galesburg has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $45,213, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,800 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $719 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Galesburg safe?
The violent crime rate in Galesburg is 457 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,133 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Galesburg receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Galesburg?
Galesburg has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.0 inches, with 25.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Galesburg?
The job market in Galesburg is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $894. There are 980 business establishments in the area, including 130 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Galesburg?
The median home value in Galesburg is $89,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $98,209. For renters, the median monthly rent is $719. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,480.
How are the schools in Galesburg?
Schools in Galesburg score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.3% of adults in Galesburg hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.7% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Galesburg?
The obesity rate in Galesburg is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 29.5% are physically inactive. 23.4% of residents report depression. 12.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 75.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,053.
What is transportation like in Galesburg?
The average commute in Galesburg is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Galesburg?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Galesburg is 75.1% White, 12.3% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 90.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.7% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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