Rock Island 73 Excellent
Rock Island Livability #254 ranked city in Illinois#5,035 ranked city in the USARanks better than 82% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Rock Island

PROS
  • Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Cost Of Living

    Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

  • Ratings

    Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Commute

    A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.

  • Crime

    This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.

  • Schools

    The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.

New Real Estate Listings in Rock Island Area
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What's it like Living in Rock Island?

Rock Island, Illinois is a mid-sized city with a population of 37,651 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (68% White). Given that fact, Rock Island could be considered less diverse than other cities. Rock Island is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 46% married, this city falls well below the national average. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Rock Island offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 18 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Rock Island, Illinois. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Rock Island and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.

The livability score in Rock Island is 71 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 82nd percentile of all cities across America. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Rock Island ranks very well for amenities (B+), cost of living (A+) and housing (A-). There are some categories that Rock Island scores poorly for, including: crime (F), education (F) and employment (D). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.

Living in Rock Island offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Rock Island provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Jumer's Casino Rock Island, Circa 21, and Rock Island Arsenal Museum.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Rock Island market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Assuming that Rock Island meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Rock Island. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Rock Island are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Rock Island come in at $106,300, which is 39.2% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Rock Island, the home price to income ratio is 2.2, which is 26.7% lower than the Illinois average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Rock Island

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Compare Rock Island, IL Livability

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      Rock Island transportation information

      Statistic Rock Island Illinois National
      Average one way commute18min29min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.2%73.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.1%8.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.8%9.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%0.6%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.4%3.1%2.8%
      Working from home5.0%4.4%4.6%
      Source: The Rock Island, IL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).