Median Income
$90,750
21% higher than US avg
Home Value
$207,600
26% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
54/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.6%
95% lower than US avg
How Rapids City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,012
Median Age46.3 yrs
Density621/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,750
Per Capita$41,399
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty0.6%
County GDP$12,607M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$207,600
Ownership96.6%
Zillow$237,890
Housing Units451
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent54/100K
Property1,720/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking15.7%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation681 ft (208 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+8.9%
School Score4.65
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Commute20 min
Broadband87.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries11
Is Rapids City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rapids City receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Rapids City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rapids City is $90,750, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rapids City is $207,600, 26% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rapids City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,720 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Rapids City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rapids City has a population of 1,012 with a density of 621 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 46.3 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.8% female and 52.2% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.3yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rapids City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rapids City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rapids City is $90,750, which is 21% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,399. The average weekly wage is $1,391. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,880 business establishments, including 375 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rapids City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,750 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,399 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,391 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,635 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.6% |
| 95% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,880 |
| County GDP | $12,607M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 375 |
| Healthcare | 405 |
| Retail | 411 |
| Manufacturing | 124 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.0% |
The median home value in Rapids City is $207,600, 26% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,890, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 85.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 451 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $6,655 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $207,600 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $237,890 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $79 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 85.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.4% |
| Housing Units | 451 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.21% |
In Rapids City, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 22.2% report binge drinking. 21.4% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,042. The dentist ratio is 1:1,275. 90.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rapids City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.4% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,042 |
| Dentists | 1:1,275 |
| Mental Health | 1:334 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,429/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 405 |
Rapids City has a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,720 per 100,000, 12% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rapids City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rapids City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 53.8/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,720.4/100K |
| 12% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rapids City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 681 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.6°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 681 ft (208 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 621/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5786°N, 90.3398°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rock Island County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
13 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.1"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
121 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
77 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
632 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 171 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
92 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
96 km |
8 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1972 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
81 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
82 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
82 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
81 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Rapids City has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Rapids City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,220 |
| Toddler | $931 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $804 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $729 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rapids City
What is the population of Rapids City?
Rapids City has a population of 1,012 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 621 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
Is Rapids City expensive to live in?
Rapids City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $90,750, 21% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $207,600 (26% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rapids City safe?
Rapids City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 54 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,720 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rapids City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rapids City?
Rapids City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Rapids City?
Rapids City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,391. There are 2,880 business establishments in the area, including 375 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 9.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rapids City?
The median home value in Rapids City is $207,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $237,890. The homeownership rate is 96.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,655.
How are the schools in Rapids City?
Schools in Rapids City have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.5% of adults in Rapids City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rapids City?
The obesity rate in Rapids City is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 21.4% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 90.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,042.
What is transportation like in Rapids City?
The average commute in Rapids City is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rapids City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rapids City is 93.8% White. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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