Galax, VA
Population 6,698 · Virginia
About Galax, VA
Galax is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 6,698 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,438 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Galax features a median home value of $126,800, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Galax one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $692, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,213 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (1,682 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (1,047 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Galax shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 23.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Galax have an average one-way commute time of 20.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.3% of Galax 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 11.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.8% Asian residents, with 5.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Galax Ranks in Virginia
Cost of Living in Galax, VA
Compared to national averages, Galax has a median household income of $41,438 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $126,800, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $692 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Galax's income is 53% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 61% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Galax, VA?
Galax offers affordable housing with a median home value of $126,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $692/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,438) that falls below the national average. However, Galax’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Galax has a population of 6,698 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Galax with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Galax
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedford | 6,703 | $47,697 | $192,600 | Compare |
| South Run | 6,714 | $250,001 | $940,900 | Compare |
| Bridgewater | 6,650 | $81,012 | $372,400 | Compare |
| Buena Vista | 6,612 | $54,458 | $153,500 | Compare |
| Spotsylvania Courthouse | 6,793 | $85,321 | $366,900 | Compare |
| Belle Haven | 6,590 | $137,878 | $572,200 | Compare |
| Aquia Harbour | 6,917 | $152,776 | $444,700 | Compare |
| Hutchison | 6,936 | $105,125 | $476,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Galax With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Galax
What is the population of Galax, VA?
The population of Galax, VA is 6,698 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Galax?
The median household income in Galax, VA is $41,438 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Galax?
The median home value in Galax, VA is $126,800, which is 48% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Galax?
The median monthly rent in Galax, VA is $692, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Galax?
The unemployment rate in Galax, VA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Galax, VA a good place to live?
Galax offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,698 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Galax, VA?
18.3% of residents in Galax 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 Galax?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Galax, VA: median home value is $126,800 (48% below national), median rent is $692/month, and median household income is $41,438. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Galax?
The poverty rate in Galax, VA is 23.4%, 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 Galax, VA?
Galax's population is 11.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 4.9% two or more races. 5.6% of residents are foreign-born.