Median Income
$70,714
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$80,700
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
471/100K
24% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.6%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$675
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.4%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Galva Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population432
Median Age32.4 yrs
Density576/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$70,714
Per Capita$27,378
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$746M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$80,700
Rent$675
Ownership78.2%
Zillow$131,673
Housing Units169
Rent Burden19.6%
Crime
F
Violent471/100K
Property2,006/100K
Health
Obesity41.4%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking16.1%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain33.8 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,313 ft (400 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.6%
High School+91.6%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute19 min
Broadband82.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Galva a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Galva receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Galva offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Galva is $70,714, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Galva is $80,700, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,006 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
12.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Galva experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Galva has a population of 432 with a density of 576 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 32.4 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.4%), with 2.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 7.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.4yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.5%
59% below US avg
The median household income in Galva is $70,714, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,378 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,161, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 302 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,714 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,378 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,161 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,968 |
| Gini Index | 0.433 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 302 |
| County GDP | $746M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 35 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Galva is $80,700, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,673, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $675 (42% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 169 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,958. 19.6% 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 | $80,700 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $131,673 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $675 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.8% |
| Housing Units | 169 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.90% |
In Galva, 41.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 16.1% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 26.3% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,478. The dentist ratio is 1:2,296. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Galva vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.4% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.3% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,478 |
| Dentists | 1:2,296 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 65.5% |
| Premature Death | 6,456/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Galva has a violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 residents, 24% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,006 per 100,000, 2% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Galva receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Galva vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 471.4/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,005.7/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Galva experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,313 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.1°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,313 ft (400 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 576/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5057°N, 95.4180°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ida County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
50 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.8"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
44 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
562 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 174 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
68 km |
3 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
4 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1973 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Galva has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Galva. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $668 |
| Toddler | $576 |
| Preschool | $576 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $439 |
| Toddler | $432 |
| Preschool | $432 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Galva
What is the population of Galva?
Galva has a population of 432 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 576 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Galva expensive to live in?
Galva is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $70,714, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $80,700 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $675 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Galva safe?
The violent crime rate in Galva is 471 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 2,006 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Galva receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Galva?
Galva has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Galva?
The job market in Galva is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,161. There are 302 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Galva?
The median home value in Galva is $80,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,673. For renters, the median monthly rent is $675. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,958.
How are the schools in Galva?
Schools in Galva score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.6% of adults in Galva hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.6% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Galva?
The obesity rate in Galva is 41.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.1% of adults are smokers. 26.3% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 74.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,478.
What is transportation like in Galva?
The average commute in Galva is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Galva?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Galva is 92.4% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 7.9% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
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