2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Alton, IL vs Galena, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Galena older or younger than people in Alton?
- The Median Age in Galena is 18.7 years older than in Alton.

Are housing costs cheaper in Galena or Alton?
- Galena housing costs are 212.3% more expensive than Alton housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Galena or Alton?
- The average commute for residents of Galena is 1.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Alton.

Things to do in Alton?
Alton, Illinois is a picturesque town located in Madison County and renowned for its charming downtown, historic sites, and outdoor recreational activities. It offers plenty of things to do for explorers, from visiting the Alton Museum of History or fishing at Gordon F. Moore Park to strolling along Third Street for some unique local shopping or playing a round of golf at Rock Spring Golf Course. Visitors can also explore local attractions such as Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower or shop at nearby malls such as Alton Square Mall. With easy access to cities like St. Louis and Springfield, Alton makes an ideal destination for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience close to urban amenities.

Things to do in Galena?
Living in Galena, IL is a unique experience. This small town of around 3,000 people offers a quiet, laid-back atmosphere surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills. The downtown area is full of antiques shops, quaint restaurants, and historic buildings, giving it a truly old-world charm that’s hard to find anywhere else. Residents enjoy outdoor recreation like kayaking on the Galena River or fishing at the nearby Lake Galena. There’s also opportunities for hiking and biking on trails that wind throughout the region. If you're looking for a peaceful place to call home, look no further than Galena, IL.

 Alton, ILGalena, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock3,212329,725,481
 Median Income$45,225  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock56.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$79,500  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.03  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Alton    7 Reviews

My wife, daughter, and I moved here from Phoenix Metro March 2022 and have been very happy with our move. The people have been great, having four seasons is great, and  More

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Over 2 years ago

Not sure why such low reviews. I moved here from St. Louis. Crime in Alton is NOTHING compared to that. Maybe 1 or 2 homicides a year and those are generally people  More

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Over 10 years ago

Unfortunately, Alton has become a run down, poverty stricken area. Jobs are very limited and do not pay well. Unless you plan on commuting to St. Louis for work, you  More

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Reviews for Galena    3 Reviews

We've lived in Galena for about ten years now; previously lived in Elgin, then Cary. Moving here was like heaven (with some trade offs) especially after living in  More

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Over 13 years ago

My city of Galena, IL has festivals, parades, and parties almost every weekend of the year. Our Halloween parade usually lasts around 2 hours and draws in over 10,000  More

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Galena offers art shows, antique shops, arts/crafts fairs, Civil War re-enactments, theater, concerts, and more. Every weekend, there's something cultural going on, much  More

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