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Galena, IL
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Galena, IL: A charming historic town with stories to tell and beauty to behold.

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3K Population
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$58K Median Income
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$228K Median Home Price
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4 Square Miles

About Galena, IL

Galena, Illinois is a quaint and historic town nestled in the rolling hills of Northwest Illinois, known for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings and rich history. Originally a booming mining town in the 1820s, Galena became the largest steamboat hub on the Upper Mississippi River. Today, over 85 percent of the town is designated as a national historic district, offering visitors a glimpse into its fascinating past. The town's Galena Historic District is home to the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, a symbol of the town's ties to the 18th President of the United States.

The charming downtown area features over 100 storefronts of local businesses, boutiques, and restaurants, making it a destination for those seeking unique shopping and dining experiences. The local culture is enriched by festivals, art fairs, and live musical performances throughout the year. Galena's cultural appeal is further enhanced by its vibrant arts scene, featuring galleries showcasing works from regional artists. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to Galena year-round due to its scenic landscapes ideal for hiking, skiing, and hot air ballooning. Galena’s residents enjoy a quiet life with a strong sense of community and pride in their town’s heritage and character.

Quality of Life Scores

Data-driven insights into what makes Galena special

72
🚢 Walkability
83
πŸ›‘οΈ Safety
64
🍽️ Food Scene
76
🎭 Arts & Culture
58
πŸŒ™ Nightlife
45
⚽ Sports Culture
45
🌬️ Air Quality
80
πŸš— Traffic Flow

Quality of life scores are aggregated from publicly available data sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, EPA Air Quality Index, walkability studies, and local municipal data. Scores are calculated on a 0-100 scale and updated periodically to reflect current conditions.

Demographics & Economy

Understanding the community and economic landscape

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Demographics

Median Age 53.1 years
Diversity Index 37.0%

A small, close-knit community with a strong sense of history and tourism-driven lifestyle.

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Economy

Median Income $57,768
Unemployment Rate 3.6%
Job Growth Rate 2.1%

Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including tourism, retail, hospitality.

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Housing

Median Home Price $228,000
Cost of Living Index 94
Rent/Own Ratio 29.7%

Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.

Education Excellence

World-class learning opportunities and achievements

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Education Levels

Bachelor's Degree or Higher 34.5%
High School Graduation Rate 92.3%
College Enrollment Rate 63.4%
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Institutions

  • Schools: 4
  • Libraries: 1
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14.3:1

Transportation & Infrastructure

Getting around Galena

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Roads & Highways

Major Highways: US-20

Average Commute: 15 minutes

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Public Transit

None

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Airports

Dubuque Regional Airport - DBQ

Places & Attractions

Discover what makes Galena unique

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Landmarks

  • Ulysses S. Grant Home
  • Galena Historic District
  • Elihu B. Washburne House
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Attractions

  • Galena Cellars Vineyard
  • Chestnut Mountain Resort
  • Main Street Galena
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Museums

  • Galena and U.S. Grant Museum
  • Dowling House
  • Apple River Fort State Historic Site
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Parks

  • Grant Park
  • Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve
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Healthcare

  • Midwest Medical Center

Key Industries

Economic drivers powering Galena

Tourism Retail Hospitality

Living Here

Essential information about life in Galena

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Climate & Geography

Climate: Humid Continental

Elevation: 633 feet

Time Zone: America/Chicago

County: Jo Daviess County

Metro Area: None

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Contact Information

Area Code: 815

ZIP Codes: 61036

Location

Find Galena on the map

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