Galesburg, IL
Population 29,653 · Illinois
About Galesburg, IL
Galesburg is a mid-sized city in Illinois with a population of 29,653 residents. The median household income is $45,213 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Galesburg is 41.2 years.
Housing in Galesburg has a median home value of $89,800 and median monthly rent of $719. Of the 14,217 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 7,661 owner-occupied and 4,852 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Galesburg is 4.7% and the poverty rate is 20.7%. 19.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 16.2 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Galesburg
What is the population of Galesburg, IL?
The population of Galesburg, IL is 29,653 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Galesburg?
The median household income in Galesburg, IL is $45,213 per year.
What is the median home value in Galesburg?
The median home value in Galesburg, IL is $89,800.
What is the average rent in Galesburg?
The median monthly rent in Galesburg, IL is $719.
What is the unemployment rate in Galesburg?
The unemployment rate in Galesburg, IL is 4.7%.