The historical population data for the ZIP code 12074, which encompasses the village of Galway in New York, reveals a relatively stable population trend over the past decade. The population has fluctuated between 2,641 and 2,785 residents, with the most recent data from 2022 indicating a population of 2,688. The corresponding population density in 2022 is 76.26 people per square mile, calculated based on the ZIP code's area of 35.25 square miles.

Given the population density of 76.26 people per square mile, the ZIP code 12074 can be classified as a rural area. Rural areas typically have population densities between 50 and 500 people per square mile, characterized by larger living spaces, ranging from 1 to 5 acres per household, and lower infrastructure density compared to more urban areas. The lifestyle in rural areas tends to be community-oriented, often centered around local schools and small businesses, with a focus on outdoor activities and a closer connection to nature.

The estimated number of housing units corresponding to the 2022 population is approximately 1,030, based on the national average household size of 2.61 people per household. This suggests that the area is primarily composed of single-family homes or small multi-family dwellings, which is consistent with the characteristics of a rural lifestyle.