Greater Rock Island, Northwest Illinois, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
15,000
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$89,557/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,126
3.7% year-over-year change

Greater Rock Island population

How many people live in Greater Rock Island

Greater Rock Island is home to 15,000 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52% of Greater Rock Island locals are male, and 48% are female.

Total population
15,000
2.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52%
7,800
Female
48%
7,200
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,800 52% 3.0%
Female 7,200 48% 2.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Greater Rock Island is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.1% are children under 15, then 9.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.4% of the population, while another 26% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
44
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
9.2%
25 to 44
22.4%
45 to 64
26%
Over 65
24.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,711 18.1% 8.7%
15 to 24 1,380 9.2% 5.3%
25 to 44 3,358 22.4% 2.5%
45 to 64 3,900 26% -1.5%
Over 65 3,651 24.3% 2.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Greater Rock Island, 97.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 91% of locals are Caucasian, 0.8% are African American and 1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 14,573 97.2% 2.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 272 1.8% 10.1%
Non-citizens 155 1% 12.3%
Racial breakdown
White
91%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.5%
Other
1.6%
Value Percent
White 13,647 91%
Black or African American 119 0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 27 0.2%
Asian 148 1%
Two or more races 826 5.5%
Other 234 1.6%

Households in Greater Rock Island

A peek inside Greater Rock Island households

Greater Rock Island has 6,683 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.8% are families, while the remaining 35.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,683
3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,354
Family households
4,329
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,354 35.2% 14.8%
Family households 4,329 64.8% -1.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Greater Rock Island

The housing landscape of Greater Rock Island

Greater Rock Island's housing consists of 7,126 units, with 81.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,126
3.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,789 81.2%
1 unit, attached 40 0.6%
2 units 61 0.9%
3 or 4 units 197 2.8%
5 to 9 units 149 2.1%
10 to 19 units 195 2.7%
20 to 49 units 41 0.6%
50 or more units 56 0.8%
Mobile home 597 8.4%
Homes built since 2020
113
44.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Greater Rock Island

In Greater Rock Island, the median construction year is 1968. About 12.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 861 12.1% -6.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 548 7.7% 2.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,041 14.6% 18.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,233 17.3% -2.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,390 19.5% 3.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 316 4.4% 8.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 521 7.3% 4.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 594 8.3% -1.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 509 7.1% 9.9%
Built in 2020 or later 113 1.6% 44.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Greater Rock Island occupancy rates

Out of the 6,683 occupied housing units in Greater Rock Island, 84.6% are owner-occupied, while 15.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,683
3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,032
Owner occupied
5,651
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,032 15.4% 9.1%
Owner occupied 5,651 84.6% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
6.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Greater Rock Island housing costs

Housing costs in Greater Rock Island come to a median of $1,219 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $932.

Median housing costs per month
$1,219/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Greater Rock Island
$932/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Greater Rock Island

Greater Rock Island education at a glance

About 40.2% of the population in Greater Rock Island went to high school, while 26% pursued college studies. Another 10.4% earned an associate degree and 15% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 135 1.2% 15.4%
High school diploma 4,718 40.2% 3.0%
College diploma 3,054 26% -3.2%
Associate degree 1,226 10.4% 1.4%
Bachelor's degree 1,762 15% 8.2%
Graduate degree 848 7.2% -0.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Greater Rock Island

How much people earn in Greater Rock Island

The average annual household income in Greater Rock Island was $105,983 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $89,557, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Greater Rock Island
$105,983/year
3.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Greater Rock Island
$89,557/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Greater Rock Island income by age

In Greater Rock Island, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $115,581. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $118,844 overall. Overall, 93% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $115,581 1.7%
45 - 64 $118,844 9.1%
Over 65 $60,288 -3.2%
Above poverty level
13,703
Below poverty level
1,040
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 13,703 93% 2.0%
Below poverty level 1,040 7% 6.1%

Employment in Greater Rock Island

Workforce and job types in Greater Rock Island

70.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 68% are employed by private companies, and 14.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,986
Blue collar
2,105
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,986 70.3% -3.0%
Blue collar 2,105 29.7% 7.9%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
68%
Governmental workers
14.8%
Not for profit companies
8.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 639 9% 2.9%
Private companies 4,822 68% 1.1%
Governmental workers 1,051 14.8% 0.9%
Not for profit companies 579 8.2% -11.5%

Transportation in Greater Rock Island

How people get around in Greater Rock Island

In Greater Rock Island, the average commute time is 64 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 95.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
64 min
33.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,066 95.5% -2.9%
Bus or trolleybus 31 0.5% 34.8%
Bicycle 22 0.4% 4.8%
Walk 233 3.7% 10.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Greater Rock Island by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61232 1,469 662 $73,971 $97,164
61240 5,795 2,259 $113,220 $125,210
61259 1,053 480 $91,458 $104,571
61264 10,073 4,809 $78,068 $98,919
61279 1,015 378 $87,656 $106,818
61284 2,599 1,039 $100,505 $115,911

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FAQs about Greater Rock Island demographics 

What is the total population of Greater Rock Island?

Greater Rock Island has a total population of 15,000 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Greater Rock Island?

The gender ratio in Greater Rock Island is as follows:
  • 52% males (7,800 residents)
  • 48% females (7,200 residents)

What is the median age in Greater Rock Island?

The median age in Greater Rock Island is 44.

What is the age distribution of the population in Greater Rock Island?

The age distribution in Greater Rock Island is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (2,711 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.2% (1,380 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.4% (3,358 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26% (3,900 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.3% (3,651 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Rock Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Greater Rock Island is as follows:
  • White: 91% (13,647 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (119 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (27 residents)
  • Asian: 1% (148 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.5% (826 residents)
  • Other: 1.6% (234 residents)

What percentage of the population in Greater Rock Island are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.2% of the population in Greater Rock Island.

How many housing units are there in Greater Rock Island?

There are 7,126 housing units in Greater Rock Island, reflecting a +3.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Greater Rock Island and what is the average household size?

Greater Rock Island has a total of 6,683 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Greater Rock Island?

Greater Rock Island has a median household income of $89,557, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Greater Rock Island?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.3% (4,986 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.7% (2,105 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (639 residents)
  • Private companies: 68% (4,822 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.8% (1,051 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.2% (579 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025