Illinois
Rock Falls is a small city in Illinois with a population of 8,683. Residents earn $48,733 per year, which is 35% below the national average.
Based on current data, Rock Falls receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Rock Falls has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Rock Falls is $48,733, 35% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 20.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Rock Falls is $82,400, 71% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $745 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
The violent crime rate of 414 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,461 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
15.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Rock Falls experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches, including 31.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 88.4% |
| 13% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 11.6% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $48,733 |
| 35% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $31,287 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,042 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,591 |
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 20.4% |
| 65% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 1,185 |
| County GDP | $2,978M |
| Restaurants | 132 |
| Healthcare | 107 |
| Retail | 167 |
| Manufacturing | 77 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,810 |
| 37% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.84% |
| Commute Time | 16.3 min |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
| Census Median | $82,400 |
| 71% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $117,555 |
| Median List Price | $92,400 |
| Median List Price | $92,400 |
| $/Sq Ft | $46 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.1% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 18 |
| Census Median Rent | $745 |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $850 |
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.6% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,810 |
| 37% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 5.84% |
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
| Binge Drinking | 19.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,513/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 107 |
| Total Violent | 414.4/100K |
| 9% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 65.4/100K |
| Robbery | 54.5/100K |
| Assault | 294.5/100K |
| Total Property | 1,461.5/100K |
| 25% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 698.0/100K |
| Theft | 752.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 10.9/100K |
| Arson | 43.6/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg | |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 40.5 inches |
| 7% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 31.2 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 649 ft (198 m) |
| Area | 4.0 sq mi (10.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,182/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7721°N, 89.6942°W |
| County FIPS | 17195 |
Winner: Republican by 14.7 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 15.0% |
| 55% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 87.2% |
| School Test Score | 5.34 |
| RUCC Code 4 | Nonmetro — Urban 20K+, adjacent |
| Population Density | 2,182/sq mi |
| Total Area | 4.0 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 4 |
| Public Libraries | 6 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 107 |
| Restaurants | 132 |
| Retail Stores | 167 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Commute | 16.3 min |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |