Cost of Living in Rock Falls, IL
Population 8,683 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Rock Falls a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $82,000. Around 23% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Geographically, Rock Falls is about 45 miles southwest of Rockford, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 32% lower than Rockford's $121,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rock Falls
The median home value in Rock Falls is $82,400 — 73% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $745/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,733/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Rock Falls has a cost of living index of 39 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 61% less expensive.
Rock Falls has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rock Falls, IL?
Rock Falls has a cost index of 39 (100 = national average). It is 61% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rock Falls, IL?
The median gross rent in Rock Falls is $745 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rock Falls?
The median home value in Rock Falls is $82,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rock Falls?
The median household income in Rock Falls is $48,733 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rock Falls, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rock Falls is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Rock Falls, IL affordable?
Yes, Rock Falls is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 39 — about 61% below the US national average of 100.
Rock Falls at a Glance
- Population
- 8,683
- Median Income
- $48,733
- Home Value
- $82,400
- Median Rent
- $745/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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