
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
The lower than average schools score may be influenced by below-average education levels, subpar reading and math scores and the lack of access to local elementary and high schools.
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
Galesburg, Illinois is a medium-sized city with a population of 31,538 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (79% White). Given that fact, Galesburg could be considered less diverse than other cities. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 44% of the Galesburg population is married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Galesburg offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Galesburg, Illinois could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, commute, health & safety, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Galesburg and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Galesburg to Illinois and the national average.
With a livability score of 71 out of 100, Galesburg is ranked #6,387 in the United States and #318 in Illinois. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Galesburg has higher than average grades for the following: amenities (B), cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). Galesburg does not rank well for the following: crime (D-), education (F) and employment (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Galesburg, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Galesburg undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Galesburg market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Galesburg. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Galesburg are affordable. The median home price for Galesburg homes is $139,200, which is 54.9% lower than the Illinois average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Galesburg, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 28.6% lower than the Illinois average.

Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Galesburg | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.4% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.6% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.7% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.5% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.1% | 4.4% | 4.6% |