Is Galt Safe, Pros and cons of living in Galt
Galt, California, nestled in the heart of the Sacramento Valley, offers a blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience. This city, part of the larger Sacramento metropolitan area, provides a distinct lifestyle for its residents. From its climate and community atmosphere to its economic landscape, Galt presents a unique profile for those considering a move to Northern California.
Understanding the various facets of Galt is key to determining if it aligns with your needs and preferences. This guide delves into the safety, cost of living, job market, climate, education, and demographic makeup of the city, offering a comprehensive overview for potential residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Galt?
Crime Rates
Galt’s overall crime rate is reported to be 11.1% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, specific crime statistics reveal a more nuanced picture. Violent crimes in Galt are 14.4% higher than the national average, with a rate of 411 per 100,000 individuals (according to AreaVibes). Conversely, property crime rates in Galt are 16.3% lower than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes).
When considering personal safety, the chance of being a victim of violent crime in Galt is approximately 1 in 244, while the chance of being a victim of property crime is about 1 in 68 (according to NeighborhoodScout). The city’s crime rate is higher than 71% of California’s cities and towns (according to NeighborhoodScout). Motor vehicle theft is a notable concern, with Galt having one of the higher rates nationally for this specific crime (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Neighborhood Safety
Crime statistics can vary significantly by neighborhood within Galt. Generally, residents consider the western part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeMapping.com). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 20 in the southeastern neighborhoods to 1 in 53 in the western areas (according to CrimeMapping.com).
The northeast part of Galt experiences the most crime incidents annually, while the northwest section sees the fewest (according to CrimeMapping.com). Understanding these neighborhood-specific trends can be crucial for those prioritizing safety when choosing a place to live.
The Cost of Living in Galt
Housing Expenses
The cost of living in Galt is approximately 18% higher than the national average (according to Sacramento Movers). Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this figure, being about 25% higher than the national average (according to Sacramento Movers). The median sale price of a home in Galt was $540,000 in March 2026 (according to Redfin).
For renters, the average rent for an apartment in Galt is approximately $1,337 per month, which is a 2.81% decrease from the previous year (according to RentCafe). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,292, while a two-bedroom unit is about $1,554 (according to RentCafe). The majority of rentals in Galt fall within the $1,001-$1,500 per month range (according to RentCafe).
Daily Expenses
Beyond housing, other daily expenses also contribute to Galt’s cost of living. Utility prices are notably higher, about 45% above the national average (according to Sacramento Movers). Transportation costs are also more expensive, being 25% higher than the national average (according to Sacramento Movers). Grocery prices are around 14% higher in Galt compared to the national average (according to Sacramento Movers).
However, healthcare costs in Galt are slightly lower, approximately 1% less expensive than the national average (according to Sacramento Movers). The median household income in Galt was $94,393 in 2024 (according to Census Reporter and Data USA). This median income is about 80% of the amount in the wider Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom metro area (according to Census Reporter).
The Job Market and Economy
Employment Landscape
Galt’s economy is supported by various sectors, with the educational services and public administration being among the largest industries (according to Sacramento Movers). Office and administrative support positions are the most common occupations in the city (according to Sacramento Movers). The labor force in Galt consists of approximately 14,157 individuals (according to ZoomProspector).
The unemployment rate in Galt was reported at 6.1% (according to Point2Homes), and more recently at 6.6% in January 2025 (according to Data Commons and ZoomProspector). This rate is generally considered higher than the typical desired range of 4% to 5% (according to Point2Homes).
Major Employers
While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided data, the economic structure suggests employment opportunities within public sector roles, educational institutions, and administrative support services. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation also has a “Boot Camp” School located in Galt (according to Wikipedia).
The average annual salary for jobs in Galt is approximately $51,000, or $24.52 per hour (according to Zippia). However, another source indicates the average annual salary in Galt is around $44,130 as of April 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Galt typically range between $34,678 and $51,250 annually (according to ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather in Galt
Temperature and Seasons
Galt experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) (according to Wikipedia). Summers are hot, arid, and clear, while winters are short, cold, wet, and partly cloudy (according to WeatherSpark.com). The temperature typically ranges from 39°F to 93°F throughout the year and rarely drops below 31°F or exceeds 102°F (according to WeatherSpark.com).
The hot season lasts for about 3.7 months, from early June to late September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 85°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 93°F and lows of 60°F (according to WeatherSpark.com). The cool season spans roughly 2.8 months, from late November to mid-February, with average daily highs below 61°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows of 40°F and highs of 55°F (according to WeatherSpark.com).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Galt receives an average annual precipitation of about 18 inches (according to myPerfectWeather.com and ZoomProspector). The rainy season typically lasts from October to May, with February being the wettest month, averaging 3.7 inches of rain (according to WeatherSpark.com). December is also a wet month, receiving approximately 81 mm (3.2 inches) of precipitation over about 11 rainy days (according to WeatherSpark.com).
Conversely, the period from May to October is generally dry, with August receiving virtually no rainfall (according to WeatherSpark.com). The number of days with comfortable weather, characterized by mild temperatures and low humidity, is around 147 days per year (according to myPerfectWeather.com).
Education in Galt
School District Performance
Galt is served by the Galt Joint Union Elementary School District, which educates students from kindergarten through 8th grade. This district has an above-average overall Niche grade of B, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 (according to Niche). It serves 3,382 students with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1 (according to Niche).
State test scores indicate that 37% of students in the Galt Joint Union Elementary School District are proficient in math and 51% are proficient in reading (according to Niche). The district is ranked within the top 50% of California public school districts (according to Niche).
Individual School Highlights
Several Galt public schools have received positive rankings. Marengo Ranch Elementary School, Lake Canyon Elementary School, and River Oaks Elementary School are among the top-ranked elementary schools (according to SchoolDigger.com and Niche). Liberty Ranch High School is noted as a strong performer, ranking in the 86th percentile statewide for test scores and low chronic absenteeism (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Galt High School, however, shows a performance gap compared to Liberty Ranch High School, with lower test scores despite similar enrollment and funding (according to SchoolDigger.com). Overall, Galt public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% and a reading proficiency score of 47% (according to Niche).
Demographics of Galt
Population and Diversity
As of 2024, Galt has an estimated population of 26,589 residents (according to Data Commons). The population was 25,383 at the 2020 census (according to Wikipedia). The city’s population is diverse, with the largest racial/ethnic groups being Hispanic (45.6%), followed by White (44.7%) (according to Census Dots).
Other significant demographic groups include Asian (4.5%), Multiracial (3.0%), Black (1.7%), and Native American/Other (0.5%) (according to Census Dots). Galt’s demographic makeup is considerably less diverse than California overall (according to Census Dots).
Age and Household Composition
The median age in Galt is 38.3 years (according to Data Commons). The population distribution shows 19.6% are children under 15, 12.4% are between 15 and 24, 27.4% are between 25 and 44, 25.8% are between 45 and 64, and 14.9% are 65 or older (according to Point2Homes). This age distribution suggests a community with a substantial working-age population.
Galt has approximately 8,394 households, with an average of three members per household (according to Point2Homes). About 79.2% of these households are families, while the remaining 20.8% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (according to Point2Homes). The homeownership rate in Galt is around 71.6% (according to Sacramento Movers).