Rock Island, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,079
2.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,985/yr
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,018
0.4% year-over-year change

Rock Island population

How many people live in Rock Island

Rock Island is home to 4,079 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.8% of Rock Island locals are male, and 48.2% are female.

Total population
4,079
2.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.8%
2,113
Female
48.2%
1,966
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,113 51.8% 0.4%
Female 1,966 48.2% 5.7%
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 is 53, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.1% are children under 15, then 6.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.3% of the population, while another 33.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 26.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
53.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.1%
15 to 24
6.3%
25 to 44
20.3%
45 to 64
33.2%
Over 65
26.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 574 14.1% 3.4%
15 to 24 258 6.3% -25.9%
25 to 44 827 20.3% 10.1%
45 to 64 1,354 33.2% -2.9%
Over 65 1,066 26.1% 16.4%
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, 97.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 92.5% of locals are Caucasian, 1.1% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 1.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,993 97.9% 5.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 46 1.1% -11.5%
Non-citizens 40 1% -65.8%
Racial breakdown
White
92.5%
Black or African American
1.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1.5%
Two or more races
1.8%
Other
2.9%
Value Percent
White 3,773 92.5%
Black or African American 44 1.1%
Asian 8 0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 63 1.5%
Two or more races 74 1.8%
Other 117 2.9%

Households in Rock Island

A peek inside Rock Island households

Rock Island has 1,784 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.8% are families, while the remaining 38.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,784
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
681
Family households
1,103
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 681 38.2% 9.0%
Family households 1,103 61.8% -0.9%
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

The housing landscape of Rock Island

Rock Island's housing consists of 2,018 units, with 78.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 21.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,018
0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,579 78.2%
2 units 9 0.4%
Mobile home 430 21.3%
Homes built since 2020
50
525.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rock Island

In Rock Island, the median construction year is 1978. About 10.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8% 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, 5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 214 10.6% 19.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 161 8% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 48 2.4% -60.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 239 11.8% -16.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 431 21.4% 0.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 224 11.1% -2.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 381 18.9% 30.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 168 8.3% -23.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 102 5% 20.0%
Built in 2020 or later 50 2.5% 525.0%
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 1,784 occupied housing units in Rock Island, 88.6% are owner-occupied, while 11.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,784
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
203
Owner occupied
1,581
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 203 11.4% -19.4%
Owner occupied 1,581 88.6% 6.4%
Unoccupied housing units
11.6%
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Rock Island come to a median of $691 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $928.

Median housing costs per month
$691/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
$928/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

Rock Island education at a glance

About 56.3% of the population in Rock Island went to high school, while 18.1% pursued college studies. Another 5.1% earned an associate degree and 11.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 163 4.7% 15.6%
High school diploma 1,960 56.3% 3.6%
College diploma 632 18.1% -7.1%
Associate degree 179 5.1% 49.2%
Bachelor's degree 405 11.6% 30.2%
Graduate degree 145 4.2% -13.7%
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

How much people earn in Rock Island

The average annual household income in Rock Island was $73,179 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $55,985, reflecting a +2.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rock Island
$73,179/year
4.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rock Island
$55,985/year
2.2% year-over-year change

Rock Island income by age

In 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 $44,420. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $62,045 overall. Overall, 84.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $44,420 -0.6%
45 - 64 $62,045 2.9%
Over 65 $49,770 0.5%
Above poverty level
3,419
Below poverty level
643
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,419 84.2% 2.2%
Below poverty level 643 15.8% 9.7%

Employment in Rock Island

Workforce and job types in Rock Island

56% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 44% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 19.3% run their own businesses, 54.6% are employed by private companies, and 18% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
952
Blue collar
749
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 952 56% 3.4%
Blue collar 749 44% -17.1%
Employer type
Self employees
19.3%
Private companies
54.6%
Governmental workers
18%
Not for profit companies
8.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 328 19.3% -22.6%
Private companies 928 54.6% -9.5%
Governmental workers 307 18% 12.4%
Not for profit companies 138 8.1% 35.3%

Transportation in Rock Island

How people get around in Rock Island

Commuting methods vary: 99.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,450 99.2% -8.9%
Walk 12 0.8% -29.4%
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 Rock Island by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38581 4,079 1,784 $55,985 $73,179

Explore more communities

FAQs about Rock Island demographics 

What is the total population of Rock Island?

Rock Island has a total population of 4,079 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 +2.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rock Island?

The gender ratio in Rock Island is as follows:
  • 51.8% males (2,113 residents)
  • 48.2% females (1,966 residents)

What is the median age in Rock Island?

The median age in Rock Island is 53.1.

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

The age distribution in Rock Island is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.1% (574 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.3% (258 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.3% (827 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 33.2% (1,354 residents)
  • Over 65: 26.1% (1,066 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rock Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rock Island is as follows:
  • White: 92.5% (3,773 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.1% (44 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (8 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.5% (63 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 1.8% (74 residents)
  • Other: 2.9% (117 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.9% of the population in Rock Island.

How many housing units are there in Rock Island?

There are 2,018 housing units in Rock Island, reflecting a +0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Rock Island has a total of 1,784 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rock Island?

Rock Island has a median household income of $55,985, representing a +2.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Rock Island?

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

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 56% (952 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 44% (749 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 19.3% (328 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.6% (928 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18% (307 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.1% (138 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