Galena, IL
Population 2,899 · Illinois
About Galena, IL
Galena is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 2,899 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,765 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Galena features a median home value of $199,700, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Galena in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $773, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,954 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (1,084 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (608 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Galena shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Galena have an average one-way commute time of 14 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
40.2% of Galena residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Galena Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Galena, IL
Compared to national averages, Galena has a median household income of $55,765 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $199,700, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $773 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Galena's income is 26% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 20% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Galena, IL?
Galena offers affordable housing with a median home value of $199,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $773/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 40.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 14 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,765) that falls below the national average. However, Galena’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Galena has a population of 2,899 with a median age of 58.1 years. Compare Galena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Galena
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | 2,900 | $60,000 | $211,500 | Compare |
| Winnebago | 2,896 | $82,813 | $180,300 | Compare |
| El Paso | 2,871 | $70,063 | $149,200 | Compare |
| Arcola | 2,867 | $85,697 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Newton | 2,852 | $58,564 | $98,900 | Compare |
| Savanna | 2,851 | $46,094 | $75,000 | Compare |
| Dixmoor | 2,962 | $39,861 | $75,500 | Compare |
| Ingalls Park | 2,970 | $55,268 | $143,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Galena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Galena
What is the population of Galena, IL?
The population of Galena, IL is 2,899 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Galena?
The median household income in Galena, IL is $55,765 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Galena?
The median home value in Galena, IL is $199,700, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Galena?
The median monthly rent in Galena, IL is $773, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Galena?
The unemployment rate in Galena, IL is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Galena, IL a good place to live?
Galena offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,899 and a median age of 58.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Galena, IL?
40.2% of residents in Galena aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Galena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Galena, IL: median home value is $199,700 (18% below national), median rent is $773/month, and median household income is $55,765. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Galena?
The poverty rate in Galena, IL is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Galena, IL?
Galena's population is 2.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.