Median Income
$55,446
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,800
72% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
293/100K
23% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.7%
30% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$777
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.7%
6% lower than US avg
How Galva Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,543
Median Age43.9 yrs
Density911/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans9.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,446
Per Capita$31,213
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty11.7%
County GDP$2,048M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,800
Rent$777
Ownership77.2%
Zillow$108,676
Housing Units1,161
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent293/100K
Property3,367/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking16.6%
Depression25.0%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation832 ft (254 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.7%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score5.50
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute27 min
Broadband82.5%
EV Stations3
Libraries9
Is Galva a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Galva receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, 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 $55,446, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 11.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Galva is $77,800, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $777 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Galva is below the national average at 293 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,367 per 100,000, 72% above the national average.
Education
23.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Galva experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Galva has a population of 2,543 with a density of 911 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 43.9 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly White (89.6%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 9.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.9yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
The median household income in Galva is $55,446, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,213 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,020 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 7.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,446 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,213 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.7% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,020 |
| County GDP | $2,048M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 90 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Galva is $77,800, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,676, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $777 (33% 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. 77.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,161 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,739 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $77,800 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $108,676 |
| Median List Price | $47,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $47,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $62 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $777 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.8% |
| Housing Units | 1,161 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.38% |
In Galva, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 20.6% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 25.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446. The dentist ratio is 1:2,848. 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Galva vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 25.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,446 |
| Dentists | 1:2,848 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,863 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,545/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 90 |
Galva has a violent crime rate of 293 per 100,000 residents, 23% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,367 per 100,000, 72% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 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 | 293.2/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,367.4/100K |
| 72% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Galva experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°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 38.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 832 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 832 ft (254 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 911/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1689°N, 90.0374°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.7"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.8 / 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 Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
100 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
79 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
129 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
662 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 555 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
98 km |
2 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
73 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
64 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
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 |
88 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Galva has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.4").
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) |
$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 | $982 |
| Toddler | $888 |
| Preschool | $789 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $608 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Galva
What is the population of Galva?
Galva has a population of 2,543 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 911 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Galva expensive to live in?
Galva has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $55,446, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,800 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $777 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Galva safe?
Galva is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 293 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,367 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 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.7 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 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 1,020 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 7.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Galva?
The median home value in Galva is $77,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,676. For renters, the median monthly rent is $777. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,739.
How are the schools in Galva?
Schools in Galva score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.7% of adults in Galva hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Galva?
The obesity rate in Galva is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 25.0% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446.
What is transportation like in Galva?
The average commute in Galva is 27 minutes. 74.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Galva?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Galva is 89.6% White, 1.1% Black or African American. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 9.5% of the population are military veterans. 16.5% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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