Median Income
$38,409
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
165/100K
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.6%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
15.9%
342% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.2%
55% higher than US avg
How Rock Island Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population371
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density74/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans11.7%
Economy
D
Median Income$38,409
Per Capita$16,920
Unemployment15.9%
Poverty19.2%
County GDP$1,207M
Commute85 min
Housing
Ownership79.4%
Zillow$251,700
Housing Units266
Rent Burden25.1%
Crime
F
Violent165/100K
Property1,755/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured20.6%
Smoking21.1%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease7.7%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (20°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain45.0 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation228 ft (69 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.6%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute85 min
Broadband76.9%
EV Stations5
Libraries5
Is Rock Island a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rock Island receives an overall livability score of 1.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Rock Island faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rock Island is $38,409, 49% below the national average of $75,149. At 15.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 19.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 85 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Rock Island is below the national average at 165 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,755 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
10.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Rock Island enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Rock Island has a population of 371 with a density of 74 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.6% female and 54.4% male. The city is predominantly White (98.4%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.2% of residents, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 11.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rock Island vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.2%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.8%
27% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rock Island vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rock Island is $38,409, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,920 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,028, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 15.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 19.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 643 business establishments, including 45 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 85 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rock Island vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,409 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,920 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,028 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,367 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 15.9% |
| 342% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.2% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 643 |
| County GDP | $1,207M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 45 |
| Healthcare | 48 |
| Retail | 89 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,234 |
| 107% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 84.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $251,700. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 266 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $7,234 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.6% |
| Housing Units | 266 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,234 |
| 107% above US avg |
In Rock Island, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.7% of residents, above the national average. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 21.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 35.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 20.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,875. The dentist ratio is 1:4,151. 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rock Island vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 10.1% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.1% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.0% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.6% |
| Short Sleep | 41.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.4% |
| Uninsured | 20.6% |
| 140% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,875 |
| Dentists | 1:4,151 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,640 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.3% |
| Dental Visits | 39.7% |
| Premature Death | 11,859/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 48 |
Rock Island has a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 residents, 57% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,755 per 100,000, 10% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Rock Island receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rock Island vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 164.6/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,755.4/100K |
| 10% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rock Island enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 330 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 45.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 228 feet.
Temperature
51°F Jan (11°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 68.8°F |
| 27% above US avg |
| January Average | 51°F (11°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 228 ft (69 m) |
| Area | 5.0 sq mi (13.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 74/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.5138°N, 96.5671°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Colorado County County |
| Nearest Airport | Wharton Regional (WHT)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.0"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
100 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 22, 2025.
| Jan 30, 2025 |
18 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M4.6 |
134 km |
| Sep 14, 2023 |
16 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M4.1 |
136 km |
| Feb 22, 2024 |
3 km E of Falls City, Texas |
M3.9 |
149 km |
| Jan 31, 2025 |
19 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| May 2, 2024 |
2 km E of Falls City, Texas |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
10 km SSE of Smiley, Texas |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Apr 17, 2024 |
21 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.2 |
132 km |
| Feb 17, 2024 |
4 km E of Falls City, Texas |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Feb 7, 2021 |
8 km ESE of Smiley, Texas |
M3.2 |
101 km |
| Jan 3, 2025 |
20 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Sep 11, 2023 |
17 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| May 14, 2019 |
1 km SSE of Smiley, Texas |
M3.1 |
107 km |
| Apr 18, 2020 |
21 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Feb 12, 2018 |
10 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| May 12, 2019 |
18 km N of Yorktown, Texas |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Feb 19, 2015 |
3 km N of Hallettsville, Texas |
M3.1 |
37 km |
| May 10, 2019 |
13 km SSE of Stockdale, Texas |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Jul 2, 2017 |
13 km NE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Mar 4, 2019 |
11 km SE of Cuero, Texas |
M3.0 |
82 km |
| Sep 11, 2023 |
17 km ENE of Falls City, Texas |
M3.0 |
136 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
12 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
60 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
116 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
274 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
115 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
158 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
194 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
262 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
107 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
210 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
156 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
223 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
105 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
512 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 11 fatalities, 225 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 24, 1975 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 1968 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
97 km |
4 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 1966 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1965 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Nov 22, 1961 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1957 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1957 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1957 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 1953 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1950 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 3, 2019 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Feb 14, 2017 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BASTROP COUNTY COMPLEX (31,838 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
BASTROP COUNTY COMPLEX |
31,838 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
DELHI |
4,735 |
90 km |
| 2015 |
HIDDEN PINES |
3,807 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
BAILEY |
3,136 |
29 km |
| 2011 |
LUTHERHILL |
2,215 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
REESE LANE |
1,888 |
29 km |
| 2017 |
SALEM RD |
1,672 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
GEORGE BUSH PARK |
1,557 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
WILDERNESS RIDGE |
1,278 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
EL TORRO |
1,108 |
69 km |
| 1998 |
PRAUSE PRAIRIE |
1,027 |
36 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
51°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
74°F (24°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| October |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Rock Island has a seasonal temperature swing of 32°F / from 51°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.4") and March the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Rock Island. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $801 |
| Toddler | $745 |
| Preschool | $723 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $710 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $662 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rock Island
What is the population of Rock Island?
Rock Island has a population of 371 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 74 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 45.6% female and 54.4% male.
Is Rock Island expensive to live in?
Rock Island has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $38,409, 49% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Rock Island safe?
Rock Island is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 165 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,755 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rock Island receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rock Island?
Rock Island enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 51°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Rock Island?
The job market in Rock Island faces challenges, with unemployment at 15.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,028. There are 643 business establishments in the area, including 45 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 85 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Rock Island?
Schools in Rock Island have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.6% of adults in Rock Island hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rock Island?
The obesity rate in Rock Island is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.1% of adults are smokers. 35.0% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 20.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 63.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,875.
What is transportation like in Rock Island?
The average commute in Rock Island is 85 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rock Island?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rock Island is 98.4% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 90.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.8% speak Spanish. 11.7% of the population are military veterans. 18.3% of residents have a disability. 91.4% have health insurance coverage.
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