Galesburg, IL
Population 29,653 · Illinois
About Galesburg, IL
Galesburg is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 29,653 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,213 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Galesburg features a median home value of $89,800, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Galesburg one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $719, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,217 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (7,661 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (4,852 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Galesburg shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 20.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Galesburg have an average one-way commute time of 16.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.3% of Galesburg residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 6.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 5.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Galesburg, IL
Compared to national averages, Galesburg has a median household income of $45,213 (40% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $89,800, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $719 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Galesburg's income is 40% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 46% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Galesburg, IL?
Galesburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $89,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $719/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,213) that falls below the national average. However, Galesburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Galesburg has a population of 29,653 with a median age of 41.2 years. Compare Galesburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Galesburg
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algonquin | 29,904 | $131,753 | $324,000 | Compare |
| Highland Park | 30,229 | $161,875 | $594,400 | Compare |
| Niles | 30,262 | $78,563 | $350,900 | Compare |
| Lake in the Hills | 28,853 | $113,491 | $296,400 | Compare |
| Burbank | 28,822 | $83,975 | $258,900 | Compare |
| Gurnee | 30,486 | $121,410 | $331,100 | Compare |
| Danville | 28,663 | $44,239 | $76,800 | Compare |
| North Chicago | 30,772 | $56,815 | $147,800 | 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 Galesburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Galesburg
What is the population of Galesburg, IL?
The population of Galesburg, IL is 29,653 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Galesburg?
The median household income in Galesburg, IL is $45,213 per year, which is 40% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Galesburg?
The median home value in Galesburg, IL is $89,800, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Galesburg?
The median monthly rent in Galesburg, IL is $719, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Galesburg?
The unemployment rate in Galesburg, IL is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Galesburg, IL a good place to live?
Galesburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 29,653 and a median age of 41.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Galesburg, IL?
19.3% of residents in Galesburg aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Galesburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Galesburg, IL: median home value is $89,800 (63% below national), median rent is $719/month, and median household income is $45,213. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Galesburg?
The poverty rate in Galesburg, IL is 20.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Galesburg, IL?
Galesburg's population is 6.4% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 12.2% two or more races. 5.1% of residents are foreign-born.