Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Galax, VA
Considering a move to Galax, VA? This friendly city of 6,423 offers affordable living with median home prices around $125,000 and average rents near $780. Residents enjoy a reasonable commute time of 18.7 minutes, low utility costs, and a mild climate with 60% sunny days. Crime rates are moderate, and families benefit from small class sizes in local schools. With its inviting atmosphere and scenic Blue Ridge surroundings, Galax is a great option for those seeking value and a slower pace of life.
Demographics - Galax, VA
Galax, VA is home to about 6,400 residents, with a population density of 1,200 per square mile and a median age of 44.9, reflecting a mature, close-knit community. The city is predominantly White (86%), with a small but notable percentage of non-English speakers (7.5%). Its balanced gender ratio and modest diversity contribute to a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Population:
6,423
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.9
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.0%
Black:
4.2%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
9.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Galax, VA?
Galax offers a highly affordable cost of living, with median home values at $125,000 and average rents around $780, well below national averages. The cost of living index is 81.5, and residents benefit from low housing and utility costs, making the city attractive for budget-conscious families and retirees. State taxes are moderate, supporting a lower overall financial burden.
Median House Value:
$125,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,060
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
55.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Galax, VA a safe place to live?
Galax experiences moderate crime rates, with violent crime at 210 incidents per 100,000 people and property crime at 1,690 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 476 chance of encountering violent crime, and a 1 in 59 chance for property crime. While not crime-free, these rates are manageable, contributing to a generally safe environment for families.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,690
Crime Index:
1,900
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Galax, VA year-round?
Galax enjoys four distinct seasons, with mild summers reaching 82°F and winters dipping to 26°F. The area receives about 45 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 60% sunny days, offering residents a pleasant climate for outdoor activities throughout the year. Seasonal changes bring scenic beauty to this Blue Ridge region.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
The community in Galax is hardworking, with a median household income of $37,400 and a poverty rate of 20.4%. Most residents own their homes, and the average commute is a short 18.7 minutes. While educational attainment is moderate, with 80.6% holding a high school diploma or higher, the city maintains a friendly, small-town feel.
Median Income:
$36,100
Household Income:
$37,400
Family Income:
$46,500
Per Capita Income:
$22,600
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
20.4%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
4.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.6%
Bachelors or More:
14.8%
Education
How are the schools in Galax, VA?
Galax offers a strong public school system featuring low student-teacher ratios, with about 1,200 students across its elementary, middle, and high schools. The nearest college, Wytheville Community College, is just 30 miles away and serves 2,500 students. This ensures local families have access to quality K-12 education and nearby higher education options.
Public Schools
Name:
Galax High School
Street:
200 Maroon Tide Way
Phone:
276-236-2991
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2
Name:
Galax Middle School
Street:
202 Maroon Tide Way
Phone:
276-236-3214
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.1
Name:
Galax Elementary School
Street:
105 School St
Phone:
276-236-5449
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Colleges
Name:
Wytheville Community College
City:
Wytheville
State:
VA
Distance:
30 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality care at Twin County Regional Healthcare, a full-service hospital offering emergency services. Galax provides a solid ratio of 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 90% of the population has health insurance. The city's healthcare index of 78.0 indicates reliable medical services for families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Twin County Regional Healthcare
Address:
200 Hospital Dr, Galax, VA 24333
Phone:
(276) 236-8181
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Galax, VA?
Galax’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $125,000 and an average rent of $780 for a two-bedroom unit. About 54% of homes are owner-occupied, and the vacancy rate is under 8%, reflecting a healthy demand. Home values have appreciated by 5.1% in the past year, making it a practical choice for buyers.
Median Home Price:
$125,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Galax residents are provided by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Wytheville. Residents can access DMV services both in-person and online for licenses, registrations, and more. The DMV’s website offers convenient resources for managing vehicle needs.
State:
Virginia
Department:
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
454 W Main St, Wytheville, VA 24382
Phone:
(804) 497-7100
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.