Illinois · Metropolitan Area
Rock Island is a mid-size city in Illinois with a population of 36,758. Residents earn $57,292 per year, which is 24% below the national average.
Based on current data, Rock Island receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Rock Island offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Rock Island is $57,292, 24% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Rock Island is $118,400, 58% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $819 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
The violent crime rate of 404 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,253 per 100,000, near the national average.
22.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Rock Island experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches, including 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
| English Only | 85.5% |
| 9% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 14.5% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $57,292 |
| 24% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $32,507 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,391 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,635 |
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 13.4% |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 2,880 |
| County GDP | $12,607M |
| Restaurants | 375 |
| Healthcare | 405 |
| Retail | 411 |
| Manufacturing | 124 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.62% |
| Commute Time | 19.6 min |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
| Census Median | $118,400 |
| 58% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $122,020 |
| Median List Price | $139,900 |
| Median List Price | $139,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $106 |
| Homes Sold | 36 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.6% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 84 |
| Census Median Rent | $819 |
| 30% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,107 |
| Studio | $817 |
| 1 Bedroom | $928 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,143 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,498 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,819 |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 5.62% |
| Obesity | 42.1% |
| 31% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.5% |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,429/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 405 |
| Total Violent | 404.2/100K |
| 6% above US avg | |
| Murder | 2.6/100K |
| 59% below US avg | |
| Rape | 36.0/100K |
| Robbery | 56.6/100K |
| Assault | 308.9/100K |
| Total Property | 2,252.6/100K |
| 15% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 404.2/100K |
| Theft | 1,740.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 108.1/100K |
| Arson | 12.9/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 38.3 inches |
| 1% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 36.1 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 75.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
| Elevation | 610 ft (186 m) |
| Area | 17.5 sq mi (45.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,097/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4702°N, 90.5831°W |
| County FIPS | 17161 |
Winner: Democrat by 9.6 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 22.4% |
| 34% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 89.9% |
| School Test Score | 4.65 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 2,097/sq mi |
| Total Area | 17.5 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 3 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 5 |
| Public Libraries | 11 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 405 |
| Restaurants | 375 |
| Retail Stores | 411 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Commute | 19.6 min |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |