Rock Island, IL
Population 36,758 · Illinois
About Rock Island, IL
Rock Island is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 36,758 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,292 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rock Island features a median home value of $118,400, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rock Island one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $819, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,262 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (9,952 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (5,727 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rock Island shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rock Island have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.4% of Rock Island 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 11.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 8.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rock Island Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Rock Island, IL
Compared to national averages, Rock Island has a median household income of $57,292 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,400, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $819 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Rock Island's income is 24% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 29% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Rock Island, IL?
Rock Island offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $819/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,292) that falls below the national average. However, Rock Island’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rock Island has a population of 36,758 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare Rock Island with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Rock Island
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanover Park | 36,850 | $92,263 | $260,900 | Compare |
| Carpentersville | 37,544 | $86,327 | $225,200 | Compare |
| Addison | 35,470 | $87,587 | $318,000 | Compare |
| Oswego | 35,463 | $119,881 | $319,000 | Compare |
| Calumet City | 35,253 | $53,991 | $133,600 | Compare |
| Urbana | 38,447 | $45,854 | $186,300 | Compare |
| Wheeling | 38,495 | $83,251 | $244,600 | Compare |
| Northbrook | 34,642 | $155,321 | $644,100 | 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 Island With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rock Island
What is the population of Rock Island, IL?
The population of Rock Island, IL is 36,758 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Rock Island?
The median household income in Rock Island, IL is $57,292 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rock Island?
The median home value in Rock Island, IL is $118,400, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rock Island?
The median monthly rent in Rock Island, IL is $819, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rock Island?
The unemployment rate in Rock Island, IL is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rock Island, IL a good place to live?
Rock Island offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 36,758 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rock Island, IL?
22.4% of residents in Rock Island 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 Island?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rock Island, IL: median home value is $118,400 (52% below national), median rent is $819/month, and median household income is $57,292. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rock Island?
The poverty rate in Rock Island, IL is 20.9%, 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 Island, IL?
Rock Island's population is 11.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 15.2% two or more races. 8.5% of residents are foreign-born.