Rock Falls, IL
Population 8,683 · Illinois
About Rock Falls, IL
Rock Falls is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 8,683 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,733 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rock Falls features a median home value of $82,400, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rock Falls one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $745, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,471 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (2,568 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (1,345 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rock Falls shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 22.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rock Falls have an average one-way commute time of 16.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.0% of Rock Falls residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 17.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 4.2% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rock Falls, IL
Compared to national averages, Rock Falls has a median household income of $48,733 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $82,400, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $745 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Rock Falls's income is 35% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 50% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Rock Falls, IL?
Rock Falls offers affordable housing with a median home value of $82,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $745/month, and short commute times averaging just 16.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,733) that falls below the national average. However, Rock Falls’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rock Falls has a population of 8,683 with a median age of 39.9 years. Compare Rock Falls with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Rock Falls
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Villa | 8,707 | $111,110 | $325,900 | Compare |
| Glencoe | 8,715 | $250,001 | $1,354,900 | Compare |
| Clarendon Hills | 8,642 | $125,826 | $595,500 | Compare |
| Mascoutah | 8,743 | $93,902 | $226,300 | Compare |
| Glenwood | 8,620 | $71,376 | $182,900 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 8,608 | $48,488 | $84,800 | Compare |
| Monmouth | 8,794 | $59,690 | $88,100 | Compare |
| Savoy | 8,807 | $88,828 | $280,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rock Falls With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rock Falls
What is the population of Rock Falls, IL?
The population of Rock Falls, IL is 8,683 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Rock Falls?
The median household income in Rock Falls, IL is $48,733 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rock Falls?
The median home value in Rock Falls, IL is $82,400, which is 66% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rock Falls?
The median monthly rent in Rock Falls, IL is $745, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rock Falls?
The unemployment rate in Rock Falls, IL is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rock Falls, IL a good place to live?
Rock Falls offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,683 and a median age of 39.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rock Falls, IL?
15.0% of residents in Rock Falls aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Rock Falls?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rock Falls, IL: median home value is $82,400 (66% below national), median rent is $745/month, and median household income is $48,733. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rock Falls?
The poverty rate in Rock Falls, IL is 22.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Rock Falls, IL?
Rock Falls's population is 17.0% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 4.2% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.