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

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Highlights
Are people in Rockford older or younger than people in Galena?
- The Median Age in Rockford is 19.2 years younger than in Galena.

Are housing costs cheaper in Rockford or Galena?
- Rockford housing costs are 46.6% less expensive than Galena housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Rockford or Galena?
- The average commute for residents of Rockford is 0.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Galena.

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.

Things to do in Rockford?
Rockford, Illinois is a vibrant city located in the heart of Winnebago County. Home to the beautiful Sinnissippi Park and Settlers Park, visitors can explore nature at its finest when visiting Rockford. There are also plenty of cultural attractions including museums, galleries, and performance venues such as the Coronado Performing Arts Center. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Rockford has something for everyone!

 Galena, ILRockford, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock148,942329,725,481
 Median Income$57,632  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$248,300  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock10.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time21.53  Unlock26.38
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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Reviews for Rockford    54 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I've lived here my whole life . I love  More

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I was raised in the area and lived here 3/4 of my life. Rockford has definitely made efforts to bring events into the area so there are things to do and they have  More

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Over 6 years ago

Rockford has made great strides in the past 20 years. Downtown used to be a ghost town. Now, there are activities almost every weekend. City government has worked to  More

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