Galena 80 Exceptional
Galena Livability #74 ranked city in Illinois#1,384 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Galena

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing

    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.

  • Health & Safety

    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.

CONS
  • Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

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What's it like Living in Galena?

Galena, Illinois is a smaller city with a population of 3,168 residents. At 99%, the majority of the Galena population is White; this is followed by 1% Black and 0% Asian. With an average age of 53 years, Galena residents appear to be older compared to the national average. For seniors and retirees, this city presents itself as a compelling choice. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Galena is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 16 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Galena, Illinois. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like cost of living, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Galena and in the areas around Galena is a much easier task.

Galena has a livability score of 78 out of 100 and is ranked #107 in Illinois and #2,010 in the USA. Based on this score, Galena would be considered a very livable city! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the scores for each individual category, Galena has been rewarded with high marks for cost of living (A+), employment (A-) and housing (B). There is at least one category that did not score well in Galena. The following was graded with a disappointing score: education (D).

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Galena, the unemployment rate stands at 0.29%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

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 Galena 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.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Galena is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Galena come in at $149,100, which is 14.7% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Galena, the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 13.3% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Galena

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Compare Galena, IL Livability

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      Galena transportation information

      Statistic Galena Illinois National
      Average one way commute16min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work67.1%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.9%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.1%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk12.9%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home6.6%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Galena, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).