Galesburg, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Galesburg, Illinois is 29,653 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 67th-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $45,213, the median home value is $89,800, and the median age is 41.2.
The population has declined 9.0% since 2010 (32,180 → 29,289).
29,653
Population
1668
People / sq mi
$45,213
Median Income
$89,800
Median Home Value
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Galesburg covers 17.8 sq mi of land at 1668 people per square mile.
About Galesburg, IL
In Galesburg, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $89,800. Galesburg is a city in Illinois with a population of 29,653.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $45,213, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 13.9%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $89,800, with typical rent around $719.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 19.3% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.7% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Galesburg city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Galesburg city had a population of 32,180 in 2010 and 29,289 in 2024, a -9.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 32,180 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.67%.
29,289
Population (2024)
32,180
Population (2010)
32,180
Peak (2010)
-0.67%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 32,180 |
| 2011 | 32,046 |
| 2012 | 31,784 |
| 2013 | 31,700 |
| 2014 | 31,590 |
| 2015 | 31,228 |
| 2016 | 30,930 |
| 2017 | 30,729 |
| 2018 | 30,368 |
| 2019 | 30,197 |
| 2020 | 29,942 |
| 2021 | 29,646 |
| 2022 | 29,292 |
| 2023 | 29,260 |
| 2024 | 29,289 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 75.1% |
| Black or African American | 12.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$45,213
Median Household Income
$25,294
Per Capita Income
13.9%
Poverty Rate
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$89,800
Median Home Value
$719
Median Rent
61.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
85.7%
High School+
19.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.8%
Drive Alone
75.4%
Public Transit
5.7%
Work From Home
16.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
17.5%
Foreign Born
91.1%
Non-English at Home
6.7%
Veterans
17.9%
With Disability
94.1%
Health Insurance
85.3%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 33.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.1% |
| Manufacturing | 8.2% |
| Retail Trade | 7.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.5% |
| Construction | 4.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 3.7% |
| Public Administration | 3.2% |
| Information | 2.9% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.0% |
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Galesburg, Illinois has a population of 29,653 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 67th-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in Galesburg, Illinois is $45,213, with 13.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Galesburg, Illinois is $89,800, with median monthly rent at $719 and a homeownership rate of 61.2%.
The median age in Galesburg, Illinois is 41.2 years. The population is 51.3% male and 48.7% female.
The population has declined 9.0% since 2010 (32,180 → 29,289).
Galesburg city, IL Climate
Galesburg city, IL has an average annual temperature of 10.2°C (50°F) and receives about 955 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.2°C
Avg Temp
955
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -6° / 21° | 37 mm |
| February | -3° / 27° | 35 mm |
| March | 4° / 39° | 72 mm |
| April | 11° / 51° | 98 mm |
| May | 17° / 62° | 101 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 108 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 112 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 99 mm |
| September | 18° / 65° | 97 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 74 mm |
| November | 4° / 39° | 67 mm |
| December | -3° / 27° | 55 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Galesburg city, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Galesburg city, IL are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -10°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.