Rock Island Illinois Map

About Rock Island, Illinois

Rock Island is a locality in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. It has a population of 36,151. The population density is 809.4 people per km². Rock Island is located at 41.5095°N, 90.5787°W. It observes the Central Time (America/Chicago) timezone. ZIP code: 61201.

Rock Island, Illinois, rests on the western edge of the state, where the broad Mississippi River forms a significant boundary, its waters reflecting the wide Midwestern sky. The city is part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area, a cluster of riverfront communities sharing the mighty Mississippi's embrace, the air often carrying the scent of damp earth and distant industry. Its setting is characterized by the gentle undulations of the prairie landscape giving way to the river's more dramatic presence, a place where the horizon feels both vast and intimately connected to the flowing water. The interplay of prairie land and riverfront bluffs creates a subtle beauty, especially as the sun dips low, casting long shadows that stretch across the fields and shimmer on the water's surface. The history of Rock Island is deeply entwined with its strategic position on the Mississippi, becoming a vital hub for transportation and commerce from its early days. Originally home to Native American tribes, it saw significant development following the establishment of the Rock Island Arsenal, a massive military installation that has shaped the city's economy for generations and continues to be a major employer. Beyond the arsenal, diverse industries have found a home here, from manufacturing and agriculture to emerging tech sectors, creating a dynamic economic landscape that balances tradition with innovation. This industrial heritage, visible in the sturdy brick buildings and the enduring presence of manufacturing, speaks to a resilience and a practical spirit that defines Rock Island. The cultural character of Rock Island is one of hardworking pragmatism blended with a quiet appreciation for the arts and community life. The Augustana College, a well-regarded liberal arts institution, contributes a vibrant intellectual energy to the city, fostering a sense of learning and cultural exchange. Among its most recognizable landmarks is the aforementioned Rock Island Arsenal, a historic and active military post, and the beautifully preserved heritage buildings that line its downtown streets, hinting at a rich past. While not a place of overwhelming celebrity, Rock Island has nurtured individuals who have made their mark, and its local events, from summer festivals to farmers' markets, celebrate the strong bonds within its riverfront neighborhoods.

About This Rock Island Map Page

This page provides an embedded street and satellite map of Rock Island, Illinois — switch between views using the small square in the bottom left-hand corner of the map. Coordinates: 41.509477, -90.578748. Live weather conditions are sourced directly from the National Weather Service, with current observations and a 7-day forecast also powered by Open-Meteo. Real-time local news and world news feeds keep the page current, while a Wikipedia summary or an editorially written description provides background on Rock Island and Rock Island County.

Detailed location data for Rock Island includes the ZIP code (61201), telephone area code (847, 224), county seat of Rock Island County (Rock Island), and school district assignment (Rock Island-Milan School District 41). These are among the most commonly searched location details for any US city or town.

Location data is drawn from the USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) and cross-verified against 2020 US Census records by coordinate proximity — ensuring the correct Rock Island is identified even where the name is shared across multiple counties or states. Population figures are sourced from the 2020 US Census.