Rock Island County, Illinois
Encyclopedia
Rock Island County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Illinois
. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 147,546, which is a decrease of 1.2% from 149,374 in 2000. Its county seat
is Rock Island
. It is one of the four counties that make up the Davenport
-Moline
-Rock Island
Metropolitan Statistical Area
.
. It was named for Rock Island, an island in the Mississippi River
now known as Arsenal Island.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 149,374 people, 60,712 households, and 39,159 families residing in the county. The population density
was 350 people per square mile (135/km²). There were 64,489 housing units at an average density of 151 per square mile (58/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 85.52% White
, 7.54% Black
or African American
, 0.27% Native American
, 1.02% Asian American
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
, 3.76% from other races
, and 1.86% from two or more races. 8.56% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 23.1% were of German
, 10.3% Irish
, 8.4% American
, 7.2% English
, 6.6% Swedish and 5.5% Belgian
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 60,712 households out of which 28.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.10% were married couples
living together, 11.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.50% were non-families. 30.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.80% under the age of 18, 10.00% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 15.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,608, and the median income for a family was $47,956. Males had a median income of $35,998 versus $24,234 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $20,164. About 8.10% of families and 10.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.70% of those under age 18 and 6.80% of those age 65 or over.
:
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 147,546, which is a decrease of 1.2% from 149,374 in 2000. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Rock Island
Rock Island, Illinois
Rock Island is the county seat of Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 40,884 at the 2010 census. Located on the Mississippi River, it is one of the Quad Cities, along with neighboring Moline, East Moline, and the Iowa cities of Davenport and Bettendorf. The Quad Cities...
. It is one of the four counties that make up the Davenport
Davenport, Iowa
Davenport is a city located along the Mississippi River in Scott County, Iowa, United States. Davenport is the county seat of and largest city in Scott County. Davenport was founded on May 14, 1836 by Antoine LeClaire and was named for his friend, George Davenport, a colonel during the Black Hawk...
-Moline
Moline, Illinois
Moline is a city located in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States, with a population of 45,792 in 2010. Moline is one of the Quad Cities, along with neighboring East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois and the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa. The Quad Cities has a population of...
-Rock Island
Rock Island, Illinois
Rock Island is the county seat of Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 40,884 at the 2010 census. Located on the Mississippi River, it is one of the Quad Cities, along with neighboring Moline, East Moline, and the Iowa cities of Davenport and Bettendorf. The Quad Cities...
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Quad Cities
The Quad Cities is a group of five cities straddling the Mississippi River on the Iowa–Illinois boundary. These cities, Davenport and Bettendorf and Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline , are the center of the Quad Cities Metropolitan Area, which, as of 2010, had an estimated population of...
.
Geography
According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 451.29 square miles (1,168.8 km²), of which 427.64 square miles (1,107.6 km²) (or 94.76%) is land and 23.65 square miles (61.3 km²) (or 5.24%) is water.Major highways
U.S. Highway 6
U.S. Highway 67
U.S. Highway 150
Townships
Andalusia, Blackhawk, Bowling, Buffalo Prairie, Canoe Creek, Coal Valley, Coe, Cordova, Drury, Edgington, Hampton, Milan, Moline, Port Byron, Rock Island, Rural, South Moline, South Rock Island, ZumaAdjacent counties
- Clinton CountyClinton County, Iowa-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 49,116 in the county, with a population density of . There were 21,733 housing units, of which 20,223 were occupied.-2000 census:...
, IowaIowaIowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
(north) across the Mississippi RiverMississippi RiverThe Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains... - Whiteside County (northeast)
- Henry CountyHenry County, IllinoisHenry County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 50,486, which is a decrease of 1.0% from 51,020 in 2000. Its county seat is Cambridge...
(southeast) - Mercer CountyMercer County, IllinoisMercer County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 16,434, which is a decrease of 3.1% from 16,957 in 2000. Its county seat is Aledo...
(south) - Louisa CountyLouisa County, Iowa-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 11,387 in the county, with a population density of . There were 5,002 housing units, of which 4,346 were occupied.-2000 census:...
, IowaIowaIowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
(southwest) across the Mississippi River - Muscatine CountyMuscatine County, Iowa-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 42,745 in the county, with a population density of . There were 17,910 housing units, of which 16,412 were occupied.-2000 census:...
, IowaIowaIowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
(west) across the Mississippi River - Scott CountyScott County, Iowa-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 165,224 in the county, with a population density of . There were 71,835 housing units, of which 66,765 were occupied.-2000 census:...
, IowaIowaIowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
(northwest) across the Mississippi River
History
Rock Island County was formed in 1831 out of Jo Daviess CountyJo Daviess County, Illinois
Jo Daviess County is a county located in the northwest corner of U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 22,678, which is an increase of 1.7% from 22,289 in 2000. Its county seat is Galena....
. It was named for Rock Island, an island in the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
now known as Arsenal Island.
Demographics
As of the census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 149,374 people, 60,712 households, and 39,159 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 350 people per square mile (135/km²). There were 64,489 housing units at an average density of 151 per square mile (58/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 85.52% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 7.54% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.27% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.02% Asian American
Asian American
Asian Americans are Americans of Asian descent. The U.S. Census Bureau definition of Asians as "Asian” refers to a person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent, including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan,...
, 0.03% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 3.76% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.86% from two or more races. 8.56% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 23.1% were of German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 10.3% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
, 8.4% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 7.2% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, 6.6% Swedish and 5.5% Belgian
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 60,712 households out of which 28.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.10% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 11.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.50% were non-families. 30.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.80% under the age of 18, 10.00% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 15.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,608, and the median income for a family was $47,956. Males had a median income of $35,998 versus $24,234 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $20,164. About 8.10% of families and 10.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.70% of those under age 18 and 6.80% of those age 65 or over.
Cities and towns
- AndalusiaAndalusia, IllinoisAndalusia is a village in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,050 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Andalusia is located at ....
- Buffalo PrairieBuffalo Prairie, IllinoisBuffalo Prairie is an unincorporated community in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. Buffalo Prairie is west of Reynolds. Buffalo Prairie has a post office with ZIP code 61237....
- Campbell's Island (unincorporated)
- Carbon CliffCarbon Cliff, IllinoisCarbon Cliff is a village in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,689 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Carbon Cliff is located at ....
- Castle Junction
- Coal ValleyCoal Valley, IllinoisThe Village of Coal Valley is in both Rock Island County and Henry County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 3,743 at the 2010 census, up from 3,606 at the 2000 census. It is mostly residential, housing families that work in or out of the greater Quad Cities Area...
(partial) - CordovaCordova, IllinoisCordova is a village in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 633 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Cordova is located at ....
- Coyne CenterCoyne Center, IllinoisCoyne Center is a census-designated place in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 827 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of , all of it land.-Demographics:...
- East MolineEast Moline, IllinoisEast Moline is a city in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 20,333 at the 2000 census. East Moline is one of the five Quad Cities,, along with the cities of Rock Island, Moline, and the Iowa cities of Davenport and Bettendorf. The Quad Cities has a population of 379,690...
- EdgingtonEdgington, IllinoisEdgington is an unincorporated community in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. Edgington is located on Illinois Route 192 southwest of Andalusia. Edgington is home to Rockridge Junior High School and Rockridge Senior High School....
- Ginger Hill
- HamptonHampton, IllinoisHampton is a village in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,626 at the 2000 census.-History:The village was originally in territory claimed by the Sauk and Fox Indians, and several Woodland era Native mounds are located in the village limits, and in the adjacent...
- HillsdaleHillsdale, IllinoisHillsdale is a village in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 588 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Hillsdale is located at ....
- Illinois CityIllinois City, IllinoisIllinois City is an unincorporated community in the U.S. state of Illinois, across the Mississippi River from Muscatine, Iowa. It has a population of 125 people.It is in lower Rock Island County, on Illinois Route 92....
- MilanMilan, IllinoisMilan is a village in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 5,257 at the 2000 census.The village is located near the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa. Before ceasing operations in 2003, Eagle Food Centers was based out of Milan....
- MolineMoline, IllinoisMoline is a city located in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States, with a population of 45,792 in 2010. Moline is one of the Quad Cities, along with neighboring East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois and the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa. The Quad Cities has a population of...
- Oak GroveOak Grove, IllinoisOak Grove is a village in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,318 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Oak Grove is located at ....
- Port ByronPort Byron, IllinoisPort Byron is a village in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,535 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Port Byron is located at ....
- Rapids CityRapids City, IllinoisRapids City is a village in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 953 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Rapids City is located at ....
- ReynoldsReynolds, IllinoisReynolds is a village in Mercer and Rock Island Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 508 at the 2000 census. Only a small portion on the south side is in Mercer County...
- Rock IslandRock Island, IllinoisRock Island is the county seat of Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 40,884 at the 2010 census. Located on the Mississippi River, it is one of the Quad Cities, along with neighboring Moline, East Moline, and the Iowa cities of Davenport and Bettendorf. The Quad Cities...
- Rock Island ArsenalRock Island Arsenal, IllinoisRock Island Arsenal is a census-designated place in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 149 at the 2010 census...
- Taylor RidgeTaylor Ridge, IllinoisTaylor Ridge is an unincorporated community in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. Taylor Ridge is located at the junction of Illinois Route 94 and Illinois Route 192 north of Reynolds. Taylor Ridge has a post office with ZIP code 61284....
- SilvisSilvis, IllinoisSilvis is a city in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population as of 2010 had broken the 10,000 marker to 10,021.-Geography:Silvis is located at ....
Townships
Rock Island County is divided into these eighteen townshipsCivil township
A civil township is a widely used unit of local government in the United States, subordinate to, and geographic divisions of, a county. Specific responsibilities and the degree of autonomy vary based on each state. Civil townships are distinct from survey townships, but in states that have both,...
:
|
Coe Township, Rock Island County, Illinois Coe Township is located in Rock Island County, Illinois. The population was 1,542 at the 2000 census. Coe Township originally was named Fremont Township, but changed its name to Penn Township on October 1, 1857. Then changed its name from Penn to Coe in January, 1858.- External links :****... Cordova Township, Rock Island County, Illinois Cordova Township is located in Rock Island County, Illinois. The population was 923 at the 2000 census.- External links :***... Drury Township, Rock Island County, Illinois Drury Township is located in Rock Island County, Illinois. The population was 806 at the 2000 census.- External links :***... Edgington Township, Rock Island County, Illinois Edgington Township is located in Rock Island County, Illinois. The population was 1,547 at the 2000 census.- External links :***... Hampton Township, Rock Island County, Illinois Hampton Township is located in Rock Island County, Illinois. The population was 20,540 at the 2000 census.- External links :***... Moline Township, Rock Island County, Illinois Moline Township is located in Rock Island County, Illinois. The population was 23,594 at the 2000 census.- External links :***... |
Port Byron Township, Rock Island County, Illinois Port Byron Township is located in Rock Island County, Illinois. The population was 1,396 at the 2000 census. Located on the Mississippi river. The major business is Sandstrum Industries with John Deere 15 minutes down state Hy 84 to the south. The John Deere corporate headquarters is in Moline 20... Rock Island Township, Rock Island County, Illinois Rock Island Township is located in Rock Island County, Illinois. The population was 17,763 at the 2000 census.- External links :***... Rural Township, Rock Island County, Illinois Rural Township is located in Rock Island County, Illinois. The population was 1,517 at the 2000 census. Rural Township was formed from Coal Valley Township on an unknown date.-External links:* *... South Moline Township, Rock Island County, Illinois South Moline Township is located in Rock Island County, Illinois. The population was 36,586 at the 2000 census. South Moline Township formed from Moline Township in March, 1879.- External links :***... South Rock Island Township, Rock Island County, Illinois South Rock Island Township is located in Rock Island County, Illinois. The population was 19,174 at the 2000 census. South Rock Island Township formed from Rock Island Township on March 1, 1878.- External links :***... |
Climate and weather
In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Rock Island have ranged from a low of 13 °F (-10.6 °C) in January to a high of 85 °F (29.4 °C) in July, although a record low of -22 °F was recorded in February 1996 and a record high of 103 °F (39.4 °C) was recorded in July 2006. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 1.28 inches (3.3 cm) in January to 4.75 inches (12.1 cm) in June.See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Rock Island County, IllinoisNational Register of Historic Places listings in Rock Island County, IllinoisThis is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States...
- Quad City International AirportQuad City International AirportQuad City International Airport is a public airport located three miles south of the central business district of Moline, a city in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. It is owned by the Metropolitan Airport Authority...