Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rock Falls, IL
Thinking of moving to Rock Falls, IL? With a welcoming population of about 8,600, Rock Falls offers affordable living, including a median home price of just $98,000 and average rents around $780. Residents enjoy short average commutes of 17 minutes, low utility costs, and a friendly, small-town vibe. The city boasts easy access to local healthcare, outdoor recreation along the Rock River, and a classic Midwestern climate with warm summers and snowy winters. Rock Falls is a great choice for those seeking value, comfort, and community in northwestern Illinois.
Demographics - Rock Falls, IL
Demographics - Rock Falls, IL
Rock Falls is a close-knit community of 8,630 residents, with a median age just over 40 and a population density that offers a suburban feel. The city is predominantly White, with a small but diverse mix of other backgrounds, and nearly 6% of locals speak a language other than English at home. Its balanced age and gender ratios make it an appealing choice for families and individuals seeking a welcoming environment.
Population:
8,630
Density:
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
13.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rock Falls, IL?
Rock Falls offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $98,000 and average rent around $780 per month. Utilities and transportation costs are also below the national average, making it easy to manage monthly expenses. Illinois' flat state income tax and moderate grocery and healthcare costs add to the city’s overall budget-friendly appeal.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
76.2
Grocery:
91.4
Housing:
52.5
Utilities:
98.6
Transportation:
89.2
Health Care:
93.8
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Rock Falls, IL a safe place to live?
Rock Falls experiences moderate crime rates, with violent crimes occurring at a rate of 350 per 100,000 residents and property crimes at 1,450 per 100,000. This means residents have about a 1 in 286 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 69 chance of property crime. Overall, the city maintains a generally safe environment typical for small Midwestern communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,450
Crime Index:
1,800
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 286
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Rock Falls, IL year-round?
Residents enjoy a classic Midwestern climate, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and chilly winters dipping to 15°F. The area receives about 36.5 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine 54% of the year, offering a pleasant mix of seasons for outdoor activities. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures, making it easy to enjoy the city's parks and riverside trails.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The Rock Falls community is marked by a median household income of $53,000 and a poverty rate of 12.5%. The majority of residents have completed high school, and the average commute is a quick 17 minutes, reflecting the city’s relaxed pace. Most people drive to work, and public transportation usage is minimal, underscoring the area’s small-town character.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$53,000
Family Income:
$66,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,200
Income Male:
$40,800
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
12.5%
Non English Speakers:
5.8%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
17.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.7%
Bachelors or More:
14.5%
Education
How are the schools in Rock Falls, IL?
Rock Falls features quality public and private schools, including Rock Falls High School and Dillon Elementary, both known for favorable student-teacher ratios. Families also benefit from access to St. Andrew Catholic School and nearby Sauk Valley Community College for higher education just 7 miles away. The community values education, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Rock Falls High School
Street:
101 12th Ave
Phone:
815-625-3886
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Dillon Elementary School
Street:
1901 1st Ave
Phone:
815-626-0890
Students:
300
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. Andrew Catholic School
Street:
701 11th Ave
Phone:
815-625-1456
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Sauk Valley Community College
City:
Dixon
State:
IL
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Rock Falls provides access to quality healthcare with facilities like CGH Medical Center and Sauk Valley Medical Clinic nearby. The city has 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% of locals have health insurance coverage. Emergency and primary care services are readily available, ensuring residents have convenient options for medical needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
CGH Medical Center
Address:
100 E LeFevre Rd, Sterling, IL 61081
Phone:
(815) 625-0400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sauk Valley Medical Clinic
Address:
1801 1st Ave, Rock Falls, IL 61071
Phone:
(815) 625-4790
Type:
Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
68.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rock Falls, IL?
The housing market in Rock Falls is notably affordable, with a median home price of $98,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $800. About 63% of residents own their homes, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, creating a stable environment for buyers and renters. Home values have seen moderate appreciation, making the area attractive for first-time buyers and families.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
The Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility in Rock Falls offers convenient local DMV services at 321 W 2nd St. Residents can handle driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and other essential services here, with information available on the official state website. The facility ensures that all vehicle and licensing needs are met close to home.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Facility
Address:
321 W 2nd St, Rock Falls, IL 61071
Phone:
(815) 625-5013
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.