Cost of Living in Rock Island County, Illinois
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rock Island County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rock Island County ranks #2,779 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rock Island County, Illinois
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rock Island County
Affordability Verdict
Rock Island County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $863/month — about 15.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Rock Island County pay $863/month on average, compared to $1,004/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 14%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $43,029/year. With a median household income of $66,768, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Rock Island County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lawrence County where rent averages $810/month, Rock Island County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rock Island County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,558
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Rock Island County
Median home value is $144,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,155 vs. your max of $1,558.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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