Galesburg, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
29,481
-0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,297/yr
6.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,156
-0.4% year-over-year change

Galesburg population

How many people live in Galesburg

Galesburg is home to 29,481 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.9% of Galesburg locals are male, and 49.1% are female.

Total population
29,481
-0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.9%
15,014
Female
49.1%
14,467
Value Percent YoY change
Male 15,014 50.9% -1.2%
Female 14,467 49.1% 0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Galesburg is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.1% are children under 15, then 16.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.5% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.1%
15 to 24
16.1%
25 to 44
23.5%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
21.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,453 15.1% 1.0%
15 to 24 4,747 16.1% 3.1%
25 to 44 6,936 23.5% -0.4%
45 to 64 6,981 23.7% -1.6%
Over 65 6,364 21.6% -3.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Galesburg, 94.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.1% of locals are Caucasian, 13% are African American and 1.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.7%
Non-citizens
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 27,974 94.9% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 506 1.7% -19.6%
Non-citizens 1,001 3.4% -10.3%
Racial breakdown
White
73.1%
Black or African American
13%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 21,555 73.1%
Black or African American 3,831 13%
American Indian and Alaska Native 16 0%
Asian 559 1.9%
Two or more races 2,776 9.4%
Other 744 2.5%

Households in Galesburg

A peek inside Galesburg households

Galesburg has 12,628 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.7% are families, while the remaining 51.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,628
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
6,482
Family households
6,146
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,482 51.3% 2.8%
Family households 6,146 48.7% -0.9%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Galesburg

The housing landscape of Galesburg

Galesburg's housing consists of 14,156 units, with 67.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,156
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,543 67.4%
1 unit, attached 251 1.8%
2 units 786 5.6%
3 or 4 units 573 4%
5 to 9 units 699 4.9%
10 to 19 units 613 4.3%
20 to 49 units 161 1.1%
50 or more units 924 6.5%
Mobile home 606 4.3%
Homes built since 2020
9
80.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Galesburg

In Galesburg, the median construction year is 1954. About 39.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,529 39.1% -2.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 650 4.6% -4.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,132 15.1% -14.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,118 7.9% -4.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,162 15.3% 7.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 748 5.3% 49.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 829 5.9% -3.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 500 3.5% 16.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 479 3.4% 16.3%
Built in 2020 or later 9 0.1% 80.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Galesburg occupancy rates

Out of the 12,628 occupied housing units in Galesburg, 62.2% are owner-occupied, while 37.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,628
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
4,768
Owner occupied
7,860
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 4,768 37.8% -1.7%
Owner occupied 7,860 62.2% 2.6%
Unoccupied housing units
10.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Galesburg housing costs

Housing costs in Galesburg come to a median of $784 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $801.

Median housing costs per month
$784/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Galesburg
$801/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Galesburg

Galesburg education at a glance

About 40% of the population in Galesburg went to high school, while 27.6% pursued college studies. Another 11.9% earned an associate degree and 9.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 865 3.6% -12.2%
High school diploma 9,608 40% -9.2%
College diploma 6,615 27.6% 8.3%
Associate degree 2,859 11.9% 7.9%
Bachelor's degree 2,370 9.9% -2.5%
Graduate degree 1,676 7% 4.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Galesburg

How much people earn in Galesburg

The average annual household income in Galesburg was $63,199 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,297, reflecting a +6.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Galesburg
$63,199/year
7.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Galesburg
$48,297/year
6.8% year-over-year change

Galesburg income by age

In Galesburg, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $52,801. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $67,684 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,847, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,574 in earnings. Overall, 80.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,847 135.7%
25 - 44 $52,801 -0.9%
45 - 64 $67,684 5.6%
Over 65 $38,574 7.6%
Above poverty level
20,680
Below poverty level
4,906
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 20,680 80.8% 1.1%
Below poverty level 4,906 19.2% -8.1%

Average renter income in Galesburg

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Galesburg, their median household income was $24,063 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,063
Rent-to-income ratio
39.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Galesburg

Workforce and job types in Galesburg

The job market in Galesburg is powered by 12,044 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.8% run their own businesses, 66.7% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
12,044
2.6% year-over-year change
White collar
8,935
Blue collar
3,109
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 8,935 74.2% 4.0%
Blue collar 3,109 25.8% -1.2%
Employer type
Self employees
3.8%
Private companies
66.7%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 461 3.8% -22.0%
Private companies 8,036 66.7% 1.8%
Governmental workers 1,809 15% 14.1%
Not for profit companies 1,738 14.4% 3.8%
Unemployment rate
5.0%
9.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Galesburg stands at 5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Galesburg

How people get around in Galesburg

In Galesburg, the average commute time is 17 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 85.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
17 min
2.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 10,028 85.2% 0.5%
Taxicab 172 1.5% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 83 0.7% -14.4%
Bicycle 62 0.5% 72.2%
Walk 696 5.9% 8.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Galesburg by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61401 30,580 13,694 $50,546 $66,620

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FAQs about Galesburg demographics 

What is the total population of Galesburg?

Galesburg has a total population of 29,481 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Galesburg?

The gender ratio in Galesburg is as follows:
  • 50.9% males (15,014 residents)
  • 49.1% females (14,467 residents)

What is the median age in Galesburg?

The median age in Galesburg is 40.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Galesburg?

The age distribution in Galesburg is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.1% (4,453 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.1% (4,747 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.5% (6,936 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (6,981 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.6% (6,364 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Galesburg?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Galesburg is as follows:
  • White: 73.1% (21,555 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13% (3,831 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (16 residents)
  • Asian: 1.9% (559 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (2,776 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (744 residents)

What percentage of the population in Galesburg are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.9% of the population in Galesburg.

How many housing units are there in Galesburg?

There are 14,156 housing units in Galesburg, reflecting a -0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Galesburg and what is the average household size?

Galesburg has a total of 12,628 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Galesburg?

Galesburg has a median household income of $48,297, representing a +6.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Galesburg?

The employment rate is 95% in Galesburg, with a workforce of 12,044 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.2% (8,935 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.8% (3,109 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.8% (461 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.7% (8,036 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (1,809 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.4% (1,738 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025