Is Moline Safe, Pros and cons of living in Moline
Moline, Illinois, situated in Rock Island County, is a city with a rich industrial history, notably as the longtime home of Deere & Company. This heritage has shaped its identity and economy, drawing residents with its blend of Midwestern charm and access to amenities. The city offers a distinct lifestyle within the Quad Cities metropolitan area, characterized by its proximity to the Mississippi River and a community-driven atmosphere.
The city’s development is closely tied to the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, with John Deere’s presence significantly influencing its growth and employment landscape. Moline’s location also positions it as a logistical and retail hub for the Illinois Quad Cities, contributing to its economic vitality and offering diverse opportunities for its residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Moline?
Moline’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average. In a typical year, the crime rate is reported at 32.13 per 1,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of any crime in Moline is about 1 in 27 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This places Moline as safer than only 14% of U.S. cities (as reported by AreaVibes).
Violent crime in Moline is also higher than the national average. There were 160 violent crimes reported, equating to 384 per 100,000 residents, which is 7% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, are also a concern, with a rate of 33 per 1,000 population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Moline has one of the higher rates of motor vehicle theft nationally (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
However, safety can vary by neighborhood. Residents often consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, with some neighborhoods rated as exceptionally safe (as reported by DoorProfit). Your chance of being a victim of crime can range significantly, from 1 in 14 in the south neighborhoods to 1 in 46 in the southeast (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living in Moline
The overall cost of living in Moline is notably lower than the national average. It is approximately 9.1% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for many.
Housing costs in Moline are particularly favorable. Generally, housing is about 19.1% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). For homeowners, the cost of living is around 9.5% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).
Groceries and utilities are also more affordable in Moline. You can expect to pay about 2.8% less for groceries and 19.2% less for utilities compared to the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Transportation costs, however, are slightly higher, by about 4.6% (as reported by Apartments.com).
Housing Costs
Renting an apartment in Moline is considerably more affordable than the national average. The average rent is $873 per month, which is approximately 47% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). This makes Moline a more accessible option for renters.
Specific rental prices vary by apartment size. A studio apartment typically rents for around $623 per month, a one-bedroom for about $873, and a two-bedroom for approximately $1,003. Three-bedroom rentals can be expected to cost $1,380 or more per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
The median home value in Moline is also significantly lower than the national average. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home was $165,000, up 6.4% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). This median home value is 62% lower than the national average (as reported by Redfin).
Salary and Income
The median household income in Moline was reported at $67,701 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). To live comfortably as a single adult with no dependents, a salary of around $67,000 before taxes is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com).
The average annual salary in Moline was approximately $50,654 as of late April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This salary translates to about $24.35 per hour. Most salaries in Moline range between the 25th percentile of $33,717 and the 75th percentile of $65,281 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
For those considering a move, a comfortable living situation for a single adult with no dependents would involve an annual income of approximately $67,000 before taxes (as reported by Apartments.com). This figure accounts for estimated housing, grocery, and other essential expenses.
Job Market and Major Employers
Moline’s economy has historically been driven by manufacturing and agriculture, with John Deere remaining a cornerstone of its employment landscape. As the world headquarters for Deere & Company, this agricultural machinery giant is a primary employer in the region (as reported by Wikipedia).
Beyond John Deere, other significant employers contribute to the city’s job market. These include major retail and service companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, and Target (as reported by Indeed.com). The presence of these diverse businesses provides a range of employment opportunities across various sectors.
The unemployment rate in Moline was 6.2% as of 2026 (as reported by Data USA). This rate is higher than the long-term average of 5.57% (as reported by YCharts).
Climate in Moline
Moline experiences a humid continental climate, typical of northern Illinois. Summers are generally hot and humid, while winters are cold with moderate snowfall (as reported by Wikipedia). Precipitation is distributed throughout the year, with higher amounts typically occurring in the warmer months.
Average temperatures in Moline range from a low of about 22.6°F (-5.2°C) in January to a high of 75.4°F (24.1°C) in July (as reported by Wikipedia). On average, there are about 23 days annually with highs of 90°F (32°C) or more, and 43 days with temperatures at or below freezing (as reported by Wikipedia).
Annual precipitation in Moline averages just over 39 inches (as reported by NOAA). Snowfall typically amounts to about 34 inches per season (as reported by NOAA). The frost-free growing season averages around 150 days, generally running from late April to late September (as reported by NOAA).
Education in Moline
Moline is served by Moline Unified School District No. 40, which educates approximately 7,254 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio within the district is 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
Academic performance in Moline’s public schools shows variation. Statewide test scores indicate that 16% of students are proficient in math and 20% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). The district as a whole has an average ranking of 3 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of Illinois public school districts (as reported by Niche).
Some of the top-ranked public schools in Moline include Aspire Education Center, Jane Addams Elementary School, and Benjamin Franklin Elementary School (as reported by Niche). Jane Addams Elementary School is noted as the highest-ranked elementary school, with over 50% of students proficient in both English Language Arts and Math (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics of Moline
As of 2024, Moline’s population was approximately 42,217 (as reported by Data USA). The city’s population has been in a slight decline, with a projected decrease of -0.26% annually (as reported by Data USA).
The racial composition of Moline is diverse. The largest racial/ethnic group is White, making up about 62.1% of the population, followed by Hispanic at 19.8%, and Black or African American at 10.5% (as reported by Data USA). A notable percentage of residents, 9.92%, were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).
The median age in Moline is 38 years (as reported by Data USA). The median household income was $67,701 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), with 12.5% of families living below the poverty line (as reported by Data USA).