Median Income
$50,481
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,100
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
344/100K
9% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.5%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$898
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.5%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.5%
25% higher than US avg
How Galesburg Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,122
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density1,494/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,481
Per Capita$23,066
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty15.5%
County GDP$20,706M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,100
Rent$898
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$189,240
Crime
F
Violent344/100K
Property2,656/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault49/100K
Burglary689/100K
Health
Obesity37.5%
UninsuredN/A
Depression30.3%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F
AQI38 (Good)
Rain39.5 in/yr
Elevation795 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.5%
High School+92.6%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 40% / D 58%
Commute23 min
EV Stations4
Libraries14
Is Galesburg a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Galesburg receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Galesburg has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Galesburg is $50,481, 33% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 15.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Galesburg is $104,100, 63% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $898 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Galesburg is below the national average at 344 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,656 per 100,000, 36% above the national average.
Education
8.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.6% 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 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Galesburg has a population of 2,122 with a density of 1,494 people per square mile. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (81.9%), with 6.6% Black.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Galesburg vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.9% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.1% |
| 84% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Galesburg vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Galesburg is $50,481, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income: Galesburg vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,481 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,066 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,264 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,017 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,972 |
| County GDP | $20,706M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 579 |
| Healthcare | 749 |
| Retail | 848 |
| Manufacturing | 295 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.18% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Galesburg is $104,100, 63% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $898 (23% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $189,240.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,100 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $189,240 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $898 |
| 23% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,471 |
| 113% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.18% |
In Galesburg, 37.5% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 30.3% report depression. 21.4% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Galesburg vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 30.3% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,811/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 749 |
Galesburg has a violent crime rate of 344 per 100,000 residents, 9% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,656 per 100,000 (36% above US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Galesburg vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 344.3/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 245.9/100K |
| Robbery | 49.2/100K |
| Assault | 49.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,656.2/100K |
| 36% above US avg |
| Burglary | 688.6/100K |
| Theft | 1,820.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 147.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 31 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Galesburg has an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation is 39.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 39.5 inches |
| 4% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 795 ft (242 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,494/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2909°N, 85.4176°W |
| County FIPS | 26077 |