Rock Island, WA
Population 1,142 · Washington
About Rock Island, WA
Rock Island is a small town located in Washington with a population of 1,142 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,114 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.4 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 $255,500, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Rock Island in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,094, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 414 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (342 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (65 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rock Island shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rock Island have an average one-way commute time of 22.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.3% 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 46.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 3.0% Asian residents, with 18.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rock Island Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Rock Island, WA
Compared to national averages, Rock Island has a median household income of $55,114 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $255,500, which is 4% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,094 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Rock Island's income is 39% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 45% below the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Rock Island, WA?
Rock Island offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,094/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,114) 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 1,142 with a median age of 36.4 years. Compare Rock Island with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Rock Island
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morton | 1,142 | $48,684 | $274,700 | Compare |
| Ames Lake | 1,138 | $157,500 | $1,069,900 | Compare |
| George | 1,136 | $55,781 | $167,000 | Compare |
| Puget Island | 1,136 | $65,395 | $398,200 | Compare |
| Carlsborg | 1,135 | $39,239 | $262,500 | Compare |
| Entiat | 1,151 | $76,250 | $336,400 | Compare |
| North Bonneville | 1,151 | $81,809 | $378,900 | Compare |
| Palouse | 1,131 | $92,875 | $261,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
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, WA?
The population of Rock Island, WA is 1,142 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Washington.
What is the median household income in Rock Island?
The median household income in Rock Island, WA is $55,114 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rock Island?
The median home value in Rock Island, WA is $255,500, which is 4% above 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, WA is $1,094, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rock Island?
The unemployment rate in Rock Island, WA is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rock Island, WA a good place to live?
Rock Island offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,142 and a median age of 36.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rock Island, WA?
10.3% 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, WA: median home value is $255,500 (4% above national), median rent is $1,094/month, and median household income is $55,114. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rock Island?
The poverty rate in Rock Island, WA is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rock Island, WA?
Rock Island's population is 46.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 18.3% of residents are foreign-born.