Rock Island County, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
142,757
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$67,159/yr
0.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
66,759
0.0% year-over-year change

Rock Island County population

How many people live in Rock Island County

Rock Island County is home to 142,757 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.5% of Rock Island County locals are male, and 50.5% are female.

Total population
142,757
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.5%
70,622
Female
50.5%
72,135
Value Percent YoY change
Male 70,622 49.5% -0.2%
Female 72,135 50.5% -0.1%
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 Rock Island County is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.5% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.3% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.5%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
24.3%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
20.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 26,445 18.5% -0.9%
15 to 24 18,280 12.8% 0.9%
25 to 44 34,679 24.3% 0.2%
45 to 64 34,292 24% -1.8%
Over 65 29,061 20.4% 1.3%
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 Rock Island County, 90.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 71.5% of locals are Caucasian, 11.4% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5%
Non-citizens
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 129,075 90.4% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,082 5% 8.8%
Non-citizens 6,600 4.6% 0.8%
Racial breakdown
White
71.5%
Black or African American
11.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
4.4%
Value Percent
White 102,074 71.5%
Black or African American 16,270 11.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 555 0.4%
Asian 3,943 2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 231 0.2%
Two or more races 13,440 9.4%
Other 6,244 4.4%

Households in Rock Island County

A peek inside Rock Island County households

Rock Island County has 61,733 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.6% are families, while the remaining 40.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
61,733
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
24,955
Family households
36,778
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 24,955 40.4% 2.8%
Family households 36,778 59.6% -0.4%
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 Rock Island County

The housing landscape of Rock Island County

Rock Island County's housing consists of 66,759 units, with 70.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4% 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 2.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
66,759
0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 46,872 70.2%
1 unit, attached 2,645 4%
2 units 1,924 2.9%
3 or 4 units 2,553 3.8%
5 to 9 units 3,157 4.7%
10 to 19 units 2,589 3.9%
20 to 49 units 1,819 2.7%
50 or more units 3,414 5.1%
Mobile home 1,786 2.7%
Homes built since 2020
317
45.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rock Island County

In Rock Island County, the median construction year is 1962. About 21.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 6.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 14,643 21.9% -3.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 5,858 8.8% -3.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 10,354 15.5% 3.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 10,369 15.5% 1.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 9,682 14.5% 0.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,124 7.7% 6.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,760 5.6% -2.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,129 6.2% -3.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,523 3.8% 2.6%
Built in 2020 or later 317 0.5% 45.4%
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.

Rock Island County occupancy rates

Out of the 61,733 occupied housing units in Rock Island County, 69.7% are owner-occupied, while 30.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
61,733
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
18,731
Owner occupied
43,002
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 18,731 30.3% -2.4%
Owner occupied 43,002 69.7% 2.4%
Unoccupied housing units
7.5%
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.

Rock Island County housing costs

Housing costs in Rock Island County come to a median of $969 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $889.

Median housing costs per month
$969/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 Rock Island County
$889/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 Rock Island County

Rock Island County education at a glance

About 38.2% of the population in Rock Island County went to high school, while 25.6% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 14.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,938 3.6% 11.9%
High school diploma 42,280 38.2% -1.5%
College diploma 28,372 25.6% -0.9%
Associate degree 10,750 9.7% -1.3%
Bachelor's degree 16,320 14.8% 3.2%
Graduate degree 9,006 8.1% 0.4%
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 Rock Island County

How much people earn in Rock Island County

The average annual household income in Rock Island County was $85,299 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $67,159, reflecting a +0.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rock Island County
$85,299/year
1.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rock Island County
$67,159/year
0.6% year-over-year change

Rock Island County income by age

In Rock Island County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $73,010. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,185 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,705, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,586 in earnings. Overall, 84.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,705 2.4%
25 - 44 $73,010 2.8%
45 - 64 $84,185 1.2%
Over 65 $53,586 -1.4%
Above poverty level
115,355
Below poverty level
20,680
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 115,355 84.8% -0.4%
Below poverty level 20,680 15.2% 0.7%

Employment in Rock Island County

Workforce and job types in Rock Island County

The job market in Rock Island County is powered by 65,971 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.8% run their own businesses, 69.8% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
65,971
-0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
47,718
Blue collar
18,253
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 47,718 72.3% -0.5%
Blue collar 18,253 27.7% -0.0%
Employer type
Self employees
6.8%
Private companies
69.8%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,494 6.8% 2.4%
Private companies 46,019 69.8% -1.0%
Governmental workers 9,098 13.8% 0.5%
Not for profit companies 6,360 9.6% 1.3%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
-2.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rock Island County stands at 5.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Rock Island County

How people get around in Rock Island County

In Rock Island County, the average commute time is 20 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 85.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
20 min
-2.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 55,330 85.9% -2.3%
Taxicab 76 0.1% 46.1%
Bus or trolleybus 831 1.3% -14.3%
Motorcycle 124 0.2% -2.4%
Bicycle 194 0.3% 96.0%
Walk 1,878 2.9% -8.7%
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 Rock Island County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
61201 36,766 15,447 $59,396 $80,091
61232 1,469 662 $73,971 $97,164
61236 34 13 $77,813 $76,454
61239 1,189 484 $32,177 $47,394
61240 5,795 2,259 $113,220 $125,210
61242 1,135 463 $104,219 $133,359
61244 23,308 9,678 $63,819 $74,338
61256 1,926 867 $90,406 $106,893
61257 844 381 $64,107 $85,974
61259 1,053 480 $91,458 $104,571

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FAQs about Rock Island County demographics 

What is the total population of Rock Island County?

Rock Island County has a total population of 142,757 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rock Island County?

The gender ratio in Rock Island County is as follows:
  • 49.5% males (70,622 residents)
  • 50.5% females (72,135 residents)

What is the median age in Rock Island County?

The median age in Rock Island County is 40.3.

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

The age distribution in Rock Island County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.5% (26,445 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (18,280 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.3% (34,679 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (34,292 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.4% (29,061 residents)

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

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rock Island County is as follows:
  • White: 71.5% (102,074 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.4% (16,270 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (555 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (3,943 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (231 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (13,440 residents)
  • Other: 4.4% (6,244 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.4% of the population in Rock Island County.

How many housing units are there in Rock Island County?

There are 66,759 housing units in Rock Island County, reflecting a +0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rock Island County has a total of 61,733 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rock Island County?

Rock Island County has a median household income of $67,159, representing a +0.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rock Island County?

The employment rate is 94.4% in Rock Island County, with a workforce of 65,971 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.3% (47,718 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.7% (18,253 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.8% (4,494 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.8% (46,019 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (9,098 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (6,360 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