Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Galesburg, IL
Considering a move to Galesburg, IL? This friendly city of 29,053 offers a very affordable median home price of just $82,300 and average rents around $740, making it a budget-friendly choice. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 17 minutes, a moderate cost of living, and access to local colleges like Knox College. While property crime is above the national average, Galesburg boasts a close-knit community, good healthcare access, and four distinct seasons with 57% sunny days each year. Explore more on housing, schools, and amenities to see if Galesburg fits your lifestyle.
Demographics - Galesburg, IL
Demographics - Galesburg, IL
Galesburg is home to around 29,000 residents, with a median age of 39.9 and a population density of 1,475 people per square mile. The city features a diverse community, predominantly White (77.1%) with a significant Black population (13.4%), and nearly 6% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
29,053
Density:
1,475 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.9
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.9%

Ethnic Composition
White:
77.1%
Black:
13.4%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
8.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Galesburg, IL?
Galesburg offers a notably low cost of living, with a median house value of $82,300 and average rent at $740, making housing particularly affordable. State taxes range from 4.95% to 7.99%, and the overall cost of living index is well below the national average, allowing residents to stretch their budgets further.
Median House Value:
$82,300
Gross Rent:
$740
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
7.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.8
Grocery:
91.4
Housing:
46.9
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
80.8
Health Care:
95.7
Miscellaneous:
89.5
Crime
Is Galesburg, IL a safe place to live?
While Galesburg has a property crime rate higher than the national average, with about 2,175 incidents per 100,000 people, the chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 255. Residents should exercise typical precautions but will find the community generally welcoming and safe for families.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
392
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,175
Crime Index:
2,567
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 255
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Galesburg, IL year-round?
Galesburg experiences all four seasons, with winter lows averaging 16°F and summer highs reaching 85°F. The city enjoys 57% sunny days each year and receives about 36 inches of annual rainfall, offering a balance of sunshine and seasonal variety.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Residents in Galesburg typically earn a median household income of $43,047, with a poverty rate of 22.6%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and average commute times are a quick 17 minutes, reflecting the city’s small-town convenience and close-knit feel.
Median Income:
$22,900
Household Income:
$43,047
Family Income:
$59,300
Per Capita Income:
$24,100
Income Male:
$37,200
Income Female:
$29,400
Poverty Rate:
22.6%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$740
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.2%
Bachelors or More:
21.5%
Education
How are the schools in Galesburg, IL?
Galesburg supports a mix of public and private education, including well-regarded schools like Galesburg High School and proximity to higher education institutions such as Knox College and Carl Sandburg College. The city’s schools offer reasonable student-to-teacher ratios and a variety of educational opportunities for all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Galesburg High School
Street:
1135 W Fremont St
Phone:
309-973-2001
Students:
1,225
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Name:
Silas Willard Elementary School
Street:
460 Fifer St
Phone:
309-973-2015
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5

Private Schools
Name:
Costa Catholic Academy
Street:
2726 Costa Dr
Phone:
309-344-3158
Students:
165

Colleges
Name:
Knox College
City:
Galesburg
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,200
Name:
Carl Sandburg College
City:
Galesburg
State:
IL
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Galesburg provides quality healthcare options, including two major hospitals with emergency services and nearly 93% of residents having health insurance. With about 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people, medical care is accessible for individuals and families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
OSF St. Mary Medical Center
Address:
3333 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone:
(309) 344-3161
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Galesburg Cottage Hospital
Address:
695 N Kellogg St, Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone:
(309) 343-8131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Galesburg, IL?
The local housing market is very affordable, with a median home price of $82,300 and average rent for a two-bedroom unit at $730. Over 63% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees modest home appreciation, making it an attractive option for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$82,300
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$730
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Galesburg residents can access driver and vehicle services at the Illinois Secretary of State Facility located at 1060 E. Losey Street. The office provides standard DMV services and information, with easy access for local drivers.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Facility
Address:
1060 E. Losey Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
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.