City Town Info

Rock Falls, IL


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Rock Falls, Illinois

Introduction to Rock Falls, Illinois

Located in Whiteside county, Rock Falls, Illinois, is 45 miles SW of Rockford, Illinois (center to center) and 105 miles W of Chicago, Illinois. About 9,580 people live in Rock Falls.

Rock Falls History

The locational advantage of Rock Falls on the Rock River attracted the early settlers, who established a territory called Rapids City in 1837. The first permanent citizen of the area was Isaac Merill. In 1854, the Sterling Hydraulic Company constructed a dam to generate hydel power. Ten years later, Mr. A.P. Smith moved from New York to the area and founded the city of Rock Falls. The city's first post office was opened on March 15, 1868, with Truman Culver as the postmaster.

Rock Falls and nearby Attractions

  • Lyndon Historical Society and Museum
  • John Deere Historic Site
  • Castle Rock State Park
  • Ronald Reagan's Birthcity
  • Green River State Wildlife Area
  • Franklin Creek State Park

Things To Do In Rock Falls

The city has more than ten parks which include Castle Rock State park, Franklin Creek State Park, and Lowden State Park. The Lyndon Historical Society and Museum showcases the history of Rock Falls. The John Deere Historic Site and Ronald Reagan's Birthcity are nearby. In addition, the Green River State Wildlife Area provides activities such as camping and trailing.

Rock Falls Transportation

Quad City International Airport is the closest airport to the city.

Rock Falls Higher Education

Higher education is available at Illinois Valley Community College, Kishwaukee College, and Rock Valley College.

High Points

Rock Falls strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Illinois):

CategoryTrophy
Short Commute Times
(vs. State)		Top 8%Rock Falls Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. State)		Top 9%Rock Falls Walking and Biking to Work

Comparative Profile of Rock Falls, IL

Comparing Rock Falls to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Illinois (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Children Under 5 Years Old88
Senior Citizens76
Female Share of the Population77
Racial Diversity58
Age of the Population54
Male Share of the Population44
Well-Paid Single Men44

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Average Household Size54
Portion of People Married42

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People in Middle Class or Better54
People Above Poverty43
Median Family Income43
College Educated Adults11

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work910
Short Commute Times910
Public Transportation Use45
Working at Home22

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals810
Affordability of Rents86
People Living Alone77
Affordability of Property Taxes66
Housing Recently Built34
Seasonal and Vacation Housing13

Detailed pages on related topics: Rock Falls travel • Rock Falls mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

Rock Falls Hotels & TravelRock Falls Hotels & Travel
Rock Falls hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Rock Falls MortgageRock Falls Mortgage
Rock Falls property, mortgage, and real estate.

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