Transportation in Galena City

Transportation in Galena, Cherokee County, KS, is primarily car-dependent, with over 93% of commuters driving alone and fewer than 1% utilizing public transit, according to ACS 2022 data. The average commute time is about 20 minutes. Vehicle ownership is high, with most households owning two or more vehicles. Public transportation options are limited, and most roads are local or state highways, with U.S. Route 66 running through the city. Major employment centers are located in nearby Joplin, MO, and Baxter Springs, KS, influencing commuting patterns toward these areas.

Galena City Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Galena city in Cherokee County, Kansas, had a population of 2,761. The median age was 37.6 years. The gender split was approximately 49% male and 51% female. Racially, the city was 90.8% White, 2.8% Native American, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 5.5% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents accounted for 3.2% of the population.

Galena City Housing

Galena, a city in Cherokee County, Kansas, has a homeownership rate of around 65%, with median home values near $60,000 (Zillow, 2024). Rental rates average $650/month. Most housing types are single-family homes, with some duplexes. Neighborhoods like downtown offer historic properties, while outskirts provide larger lots. Property values have remained stable, with less than 3% annual appreciation. Property tax rates average 1.4% of assessed value, leading to annual taxes around $800–$900 per typical home.

Galena City Healthcare

Galena city in Cherokee County, KS, lacks a local hospital, with the nearest major medical centers in nearby Joplin, MO, and Pittsburg, KS. It has limited clinics, such as Galena Clinic, primarily focused on behavioral health. Healthcare access can be challenging; 17% of Cherokee County residents are uninsured (CDC, 2021), with a 19% poverty rate. The city’s population (~2,700) is predominantly white, with high rates of chronic conditions like obesity (38%), diabetes (14%), and smoking (23%). Providers per capita are below state averages, impacting care accessibility for residents, especially the elderly and low-income individuals.

Education in Galena City

Galena, Cherokee County, KS, is served by Galena USD 499, which operates two schools: Galena High School and Liberty Elementary. Galena High enrolls about 260 students (grades 9–12) and has a graduation rate of approximately 85%. Average test scores are below the state average, with a rating around 4/10 (GreatSchools). Bachelor’s attainment for adults in Galena is about 10%, below the national average. The district emphasizes basic educational programs, but limited advanced or AP options exist. School safety incidents are infrequent, contributing to a generally safe learning environment. Adult education programs are minimal locally.

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