CountyScore

Rock Island County

Illinois · IL

#88 in Illinois
57
County Score

County Report Card

About Rock Island County, Illinois

Above Average but Room to Grow

Rock Island County scores 55.9 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, putting it 12% above the national median of 50.0. This positions the county in the upper-middle range nationally, though it lags behind Illinois's state average of 62.1.

Middle Tier in Illinois

Among Illinois counties, Rock Island ranks in the middle-to-lower tier with its 55.9 score, trailing the state average by 6.2 points. The county's livability profile is more modest than stronger-performing Illinois regions.

Affordability is the Real Win

Rock Island shines on housing affordability with a cost score of 77.6, supported by a median home value of $144,700 and rent averaging $863 monthly. Income levels at $66,768 are respectable, though the tax burden (2.33% effective rate) is above average for the state.

Income and Tax Pressures

The county's income score of 27.0 and tax score of 36.7 represent the weakest dimensions, indicating lower household earnings relative to peers and a heavier tax load. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remains limited, leaving important livability questions unanswered.

Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers

Rock Island County suits families and individuals prioritizing affordable housing and moderate living costs over maximum income growth or minimal taxes. It's a practical choice for those seeking stability in a midwestern setting without premium pricing.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax36.7Cost77.6SafetyComing SoonHealth73.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome27Risk15.9WaterComing Soon
🏛36.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡15.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Rock Island County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

San Bernardino County
California
57
Median income: $82,184
Multnomah County
Oregon
57
Median income: $86,247
Midland County
Texas
57
Median income: $93,984
Moore County
Texas
57
Median income: $61,325
McLean County
Illinois
56.9
Median income: $78,329

Deep Dives

Rock Island County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rock Island County

via TaxByCounty

Rock Island's taxes run well above national norm

At 2.33%, Rock Island County's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 2.05%, placing it in roughly the 75th percentile nationally. The median property tax here is $3,372 annually—25% higher than the national median of $2,690—reflecting both the county's tax structure and its median home values of $144,700.

Among Illinois' highest-taxing counties

Rock Island ranks in the upper tier statewide, with an effective rate of 2.33% compared to Illinois' state average of 1.83%. This 50-basis-point difference means Rock Island homeowners pay significantly more in property taxes than the typical Illinois resident.

Rock Island higher than most peers

Compared to neighboring Stark County (1.64% effective rate) and Scott County (1.38%), Rock Island's 2.33% rate stands out as notably higher. The $3,372 median tax bill here outpaces Stark County's $1,700 and Scott County's $1,406, reflecting the region's tax rate variance.

Expect roughly $3,372 annually

On the median home valued at $144,700, Rock Island County homeowners typically pay $3,372 per year in property taxes. For homes with mortgages, expect an additional escrow buffer: the median with mortgage is $3,525.

Many Rock Island owners are overassessed

Property tax appeals are a powerful but underused tool—assessments often exceed market value, especially during downturns. If you believe your home's assessment is inflated, requesting a reassessment review could significantly lower your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rock Island County

via CostByCounty

Rock Island's rent burden exceeds national norms

Renters in Rock Island County spend 15.5% of their income on housing, slightly above the national average of roughly 14.7%. While the county's median income of $66,768 trails the national median by $8,000, housing costs here remain competitive with the rest of the Midwest.

Middle of the pack in Illinois affordability

Rock Island ranks squarely in the middle among Illinois counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio matching several peer counties statewide. The median rent of $863 runs slightly above Illinois's state average of $837, reflecting its position in the state's affordability spectrum.

Comparable costs to surrounding counties

Rock Island's rent of $863 sits between Saline County ($711) to the south and Sangamon County ($954) to the east, positioning it as a moderate option in its region. Homebuyers face similar competition, with Rock Island's median home value of $144,700 reflecting mid-range prices for central Illinois.

Housing eats 15.5% of income

Rock Island renters spend $863 monthly while homeowners pay $1,004, with both groups allocating roughly 15% of the median $66,768 household income to housing. This leaves most families with substantial income remaining for other expenses, making the county moderately affordable for working households.

Consider Rock Island for balanced living

If you're relocating to Illinois and balancing rent affordability with walkable communities, Rock Island offers middle-ground pricing without the steep costs of Chicago suburbs. Compare its $863 rent and $144,700 home values against neighboring counties to find your best fit in central Illinois.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rock Island County

via IncomeByCounty

Rock Island Lags Behind National Median

Rock Island County's median household income of $66,768 sits about 10.7% below the national median of $74,755. This places the county below the national average, though still within reach of the middle class for many families across the region.

Below State Average in Illinois

At $66,768, Rock Island's median income trails the Illinois state average of $68,580 by about $1,812 annually. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier statewide, reflecting economic challenges in the region's manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

Comparable to Nearby Counties

Rock Island's $66,768 median income sits between Schuyler County ($66,059) and Shelby County ($68,457), showing consistent economic patterns across central Illinois. The county's per capita income of $35,753 aligns closely with neighbors, suggesting similar workforce structures and opportunities.

Rent Remains Affordable Here

At a 15.5% rent-to-income ratio, Rock Island households spend a reasonable portion of earnings on housing, well below the 30% threshold that signals affordability strain. The median home value of $144,700 is accessible for families earning the county median, making homeownership feasible for many.

Build Financial Security in Rock Island

With median household income of $66,768, Rock Island residents have room to prioritize savings and investments beyond basic expenses. Starting an emergency fund and exploring retirement accounts can help families in the county build long-term wealth despite wage pressures.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Rock Island County

via HealthByCounty

Rock Island's Life Expectancy Beats Nation

Residents of Rock Island County live to an average of 76.4 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With a 16.5% poor or fair health rate, the county tracks close to national patterns, suggesting generally solid health outcomes compared to the broader American population.

Slightly Ahead of Illinois Average

Rock Island's 76.4-year life expectancy edges out Illinois's state average of 76.0 years, positioning the county in the middle tier of state health performance. The county's 16.5% poor or fair health rate aligns with statewide trends.

Competitive Regional Health Profile

Rock Island's 76.4-year life expectancy trails Sangamon County (76.8 years) but exceeds Stark County (74.9 years) and St. Clair County (74.1 years). With 49 primary care providers per 100K and 300 mental health providers per 100K, Rock Island offers moderate provider access for central Illinois.

Healthcare Access Faces Minor Gaps

A 7.4% uninsured rate puts Rock Island slightly above the state average of 6.3%, meaning roughly 1 in 14 residents lack health coverage. With 49 primary care providers per 100K residents, the county has fewer doctors per capita than Sangamon County (121 per 100K) but more than Shelby County (24 per 100K).

Get Covered in Rock Island County

If you're among the 7.4% of Rock Island residents without health insurance, coverage options exist through the Affordable Care Act marketplace and Illinois Medicaid. Check your eligibility today at healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to find a plan that fits your family.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rock Island County

via RiskByCounty

Rock Island's moderate risk profile

Rock Island County scores 84.13 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Moderate category—well above Illinois's state average of 54.46. This means residents face significantly higher natural disaster exposure than the typical Illinois county, driven primarily by tornado and flood vulnerabilities.

Above average among Illinois counties

Rock Island ranks among the riskier counties in Illinois, with its 84.13 composite score exceeding 73% of the state's other counties. The county's tornado risk of 91.00 is particularly notable, placing it in the upper tier statewide for severe weather exposure.

Riskier than most neighbors

Rock Island's risk score of 84.13 substantially exceeds nearby Scott County (2.77) and Stark County (7.25), which are among Illinois's safest. However, it falls below the extreme risk levels seen in neighboring St. Clair County (94.91), making Rock Island moderately vulnerable by regional comparison.

Tornadoes and floods dominate

Tornadoes pose the greatest threat with a risk score of 91.00, while flooding comes in second at 79.45—both substantially above state averages. Wildfire and hurricane risks are minimal at 8.71 and 13.77 respectively, so local preparedness should focus on severe convective weather and water management.

Prioritize tornado and flood coverage

Rock Island residents should ensure robust homeowners insurance that covers tornado damage and have separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Consider reinforcing above-ground shelter spaces and maintaining emergency supplies for severe weather season, particularly spring and early summer.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.