Galena

Welcome to Galena, Missouri: Historic Stone County Seat Along the James River

Galena (pronounced “guh-LEE-nuh”) is the charming county seat of Stone County, situated at the confluence of the James River and Table Rock Lake in southwest Missouri . With a small-town population—around 450 in 2020 and steadily growing to 600+ by mid-2023—Galena offers intimate, community-focused living with regional access to Branson amenities .

Community & Lifestyle

• Historical character meets natural beauty: Galena’s National Register–listed Y‑Bridge, built in 1926, is a local legacy landmark. The town’s setting offers scenic riverside views, hiking, boating, and outdoor recreation .
• County seat amenities: City services center on the historic courthouse square, with civic functions, a library, and local businesses anchoring everyday life .

Demographics & Economy

• Population & age: Approximately 613 residents as of 2023, with a median age around 30—significantly younger than surrounding areas and the state average (~40) .
• Race & diversity: Roughly 86–95% White, small but growing multiracial and Hispanic communities, with minor representation from Black, Native American, and Asian populations .
• Income & households: Median household income hovers near $42,100, with per capita income around $14,240. Poverty rates are relatively high at ~37%, and households average 3.2 people, indicating larger family units and lower income levels .

Schools & Education

• Galena R‑II School District provides public education from elementary through high school, with the combined junior-senior high school enrolling around 220 students, a favorable ≈12:1 student-teacher ratio, and focused athletics and academics programs .
• The town also features a branch of the Stone County Library serving local residents .

Housing Market Snapshot (Mid‑2025)

• Median list price: About $392,800 in June 2025, up ~26.7% year-over-year, with an average of $194 per sq ft .
• Recent sales data: Example July 2025 sales include a 3-bed, 2,000 sq ft home at $1.11M (on market ~404 days), and smaller properties’ sale prices ranged from $72K to $290K, with average days on market of ~60–100 days .
• County comparison: Stone County’s average home value is approximately $332,000, slightly down on the year with a ~43-day time-to-pending homes nationally .

Why Galena Is a Unique Opportunity

• Scenic and historic: Located along the James River with a mix of historic charm and waterfront access, Galena is ideal for lifestyle-focused buyers or small-town retirees.
• Strong appreciation: Significant list price increase despite low overall inventory indicates rising demand and investor interest.
• Smaller, family-centric market: Large households and young median age suggest affordability and space attract growing families or multi-generational buyers.
• Access to amenities: As Stone County’s seat and part of the Branson micropolitan area, Galena offers government services, schools, and local retail within easy reach of Branson’s wider offerings .

In summary, Galena, Missouri offers a rare blend of historic charm, lakeside and riverside living, rising property values, and affordability. It’s a compelling choice for families, investors, or buyers seeking scenic small-town life with proximity to Branson’s broader resources.