Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rock Island, IL
Considering a move to Rock Island, IL? This riverfront city of 36,000 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $120,100 and average rents at $810. Commute times are short, usually under 18 minutes, and you'll find a variety of educational opportunities, including Augustana College. While property crime is higher than average, Rock Island features a vibrant community, easy access to healthcare, and four distinct seasons with over 50% sunny days. Dive into the details below to see if Rock Island is the right fit for your next move!
Demographics - Rock Island, IL
Demographics - Rock Island, IL
Rock Island, Illinois is home to around 36,000 residents, with a median age of 38.6 and a balanced gender ratio. The city features a diverse community, including a mix of White (66.7%), Black (18.9%), and other ethnic groups, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density gives the city a suburban feel with urban amenities.
Population:
36,023
Density:
2,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.6
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
66.7%
Black:
18.9%
Asian:
2.4%
Others:
12.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rock Island, IL?
Rock Island offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value near $120,100 and average rent at $810. The city's overall cost of living index is around 78, well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Utilities and essential expenses remain manageable, while state income taxes are a flat 4.95%.
Median House Value:
$120,100
Gross Rent:
$810
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,170
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.3
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
63.1
Utilities:
95.6
Transportation:
87.2
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
92.5
Crime
Is Rock Island, IL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Rock Island are higher than the U.S. average, with a violent crime rate of 600 per 100,000 and property crime at 2,850 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 167 chance of experiencing violent crime and 1 in 35 for property crime. It's important for newcomers to consider neighborhood safety when choosing a place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
600
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,850
Crime Index:
3,450
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 167
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 35
Weather
What is the weather like in Rock Island, IL year-round?
Rock Island experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 16°F and warm summers reaching up to 85°F. The city receives about 36.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 53% of the year. Residents can expect a varied climate ideal for those who appreciate seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Typical households in Rock Island have a median income of $49,100, with about 19.8% of residents living below the poverty line. Most adults (87%) have at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are short at under 18 minutes. Public transportation use is low, making personal vehicles the primary mode of travel.
Median Income:
$27,400
Household Income:
$49,100
Family Income:
$62,800
Per Capita Income:
$26,400
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$29,400
Poverty Rate:
19.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$810
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
17.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.1%
Bachelors or More:
21.4%
Education
How are the schools in Rock Island, IL?
Rock Island offers a variety of educational opportunities, including public schools like Rock Island High School and Eugene Field Elementary, as well as private options such as Jordan Catholic School. The city is also home to Augustana College, providing higher education right in town. Student-teacher ratios are manageable, supporting a strong learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Rock Island High School
Street:
1400 25th Ave
Phone:
309-793-5950
Students:
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
Eugene Field Elementary School
Street:
2120 16th St
Phone:
309-793-5935
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
Jordan Catholic School
Street:
2901 24th St
Phone:
309-793-7350
Students:
310
Colleges
Name:
Augustana College
City:
Rock Island
State:
IL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,500
Name:
Western Illinois University – Quad Cities
City:
Moline
State:
IL
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Rock Island provides strong healthcare access, anchored by UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island hospital offering emergency services. The city has around 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 92% of people have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are reliable and readily available for locals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island
Address:
2701 17th St, Rock Island, IL 61201
Phone:
(309) 779-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
67.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rock Island, IL?
The housing market in Rock Island is accessible, with a median home price of $120,100 and average two-bedroom rents of $810. About 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate, indicating stability for both buyers and renters. Home values have shown steady appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$120,100
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$810
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Rock Island residents handle driver services through the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, conveniently located nearby in Davenport, IA. Services include licensing, registration, and title transfers, with helpful information available online and by phone. The process is straightforward for both new and long-term residents.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State – Driver Services
Address:
1510 W. 4th Street, Davenport, IA 52802
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
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.