Is Silvis Safe, Pros and cons of living in Silvis
Silvis, Illinois, is a city located in Rock Island County, offering a blend of suburban living with access to urban amenities in the Quad Cities region. It presents a unique profile for potential residents, balancing affordability with a distinct community atmosphere.
The city is characterized by its residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and a connection to the broader economic landscape of the Quad Cities. Understanding the various facets of life in Silvis is key for anyone considering a move to this part of Illinois.
Is it Safe to Live in Silvis?
Silvis experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average, with a particular concern regarding property crime. The overall crime rate is 82% higher than the national average, with a chance of being a victim of any crime being 1 in 26 (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes are significantly higher, at 105.9% above the national average, leading to a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim (as reported by AreaVibes).
Conversely, violent crime rates in Silvis are lower than the national average. The chance of falling victim to violent crime is 1 in 421, which is 32.7% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Some analyses indicate that Silvis ranks in the 67th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 67% of U.S. cities regarding violent crime (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Silvis offers relatively affordable options compared to national averages. The median home value is approximately $133,266, which is significantly lower than the national average (as reported by Livability.com). This affordability extends to the rental market, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around $1,098 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
The housing market is described as competitive, with homes selling relatively quickly. The median sale price of a home in Silvis was around $213,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). For those looking to buy, there are often vintage homes available, with a median listing price of $172,000 (as reported by Redfin).
Home Prices and Trends
Recent data indicates fluctuations in home prices. The average home price in Silvis was $178,000 last month, showing a decrease of 22.6% since the previous year (as reported by Redfin). However, other reports show an increase, with median home prices up 16.8% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $213K in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin).
Homes in Silvis tend to sell faster than in previous years, with a median of 63 days on the market in March 2026, compared to 35 days last year (as reported by Redfin). This competitive market suggests steady buyer interest.
Rental Market Insights
The rental market in Silvis is generally more affordable than the national average. The average rent for an apartment is $1,098 per month, which is 33% lower than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). Studio apartments average around $945 per month, while two-bedroom units are about $1,008 (as reported by Apartments.com).
There is a notable range in rental prices, with some sources indicating an average rent of $825 per month for all property types (as reported by Zillow). This lower figure may reflect different data collection methods or specific types of rentals included. The rent-to-income ratio in the area is around 28.7% (as reported by Point2Homes).
Job Market and Economy
Silvis offers a diverse job market, with key sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Major employers in the broader Quad Cities region, which influences Silvis’s economy, include Deere & Company and Rock Island Arsenal (as reported by City of Silvis). Local employment opportunities are also found in sectors like accommodation and food services, and retail trade (as reported by Data USA).
The city’s economy is supported by its efforts to attract and retain businesses through economic incentive programs and TIF districts (as reported by City of Silvis). The unemployment rate in Illinois was 5.1% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts), and while specific Silvis rates are not consistently reported, the general economic climate is considered steady (as reported by Kurby AI).
Major Employers
Within the Silvis area and the wider Quad Cities region, several large companies provide significant employment. Deere & Company is a major player, along with Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health – Trinity (as reported by Zippia and City of Silvis). Other notable employers include HNI Corporation, Walmart, and Tyson Fresh Meats (as reported by City of Silvis).
These major employers contribute to the economic vitality of Silvis and surrounding communities, offering a range of career opportunities across various industries. National Railway Equipment Co. and City of Silvis are also listed among the top companies to work for in the area (as reported by Zippia).
Salary and Income
The median household income in Silvis is reported to be around $62,375 (as reported by World Population Review). Other sources indicate a median household income of $67,622 (as reported by Kurby AI) or $66,684 (as reported by Lensa). The average salary in Silvis is estimated to be around $51.1K per year, with the 25th percentile earning $33.9K and the 75th percentile earning $82K (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Income levels vary by household, with those led by residents aged 25 to 44 reporting a median income of $78,483 (as reported by Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Silvis is 15.41% (as reported by World Population Review), which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA).
Quality of Life and Demographics
Silvis offers a community-oriented environment with a suburban feel, where most residents own their homes. The population is approximately 7,955, with a median age of 47.1 years (as reported by Niche and World Population Review). The demographic composition is predominantly White, with significant Hispanic and Black or African American populations (as reported by Data USA and Niche).
The city is described as having a dense suburban feel, and residents tend to be liberal (as reported by Niche). Silvis is home to a population where a high percentage of residents are U.S. citizens, exceeding the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Demographics
The racial composition of Silvis includes approximately 75.3% White (non-Hispanic), 6.8% Black or African American, and 11.5% Hispanic or Latino (as reported by Niche). Other racial groups are represented in smaller percentages (as reported by Niche).
The median age in Silvis is 47.1 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (as reported by World Population Review). Approximately 58% of housing units are owner-occupied (as reported by Niche and Illinois State Authority).
Climate and Environment
Silvis experiences distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The average temperature typically ranges from 16°F to 85°F, rarely falling below -4°F or exceeding 93°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 85°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows near 17°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
The area receives an average annual rainfall of 37 inches and an average annual snowfall of 31 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Summers are long, warm, humid, and wet, while winters are freezing, snowy, and windy (as reported by Weather Spark).
Education and Schools
Silvis is served by several public schools, though their ratings vary. Niche.com provides grades for local schools, with United Township High School receiving a B-minus, Bowlesburg Elementary School a C-plus, and Silvis Junior High School a C-minus (as reported by Niche). George O. Barr School also receives a C-minus rating (as reported by Niche).
State test scores indicate that proficiency levels in math and reading can be a concern in some schools. For instance, at Silvis Junior High School, only 7% of students are proficient in math and 31% in reading (as reported by Niche). George O. Barr School shows 11% math proficiency and 22% reading proficiency (as reported by Niche).
School Performance
The overall Niche grade for public schools in Silvis is a C (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio in elementary and junior high schools is generally around 12 to 1 (as reported by Niche). While some schools are rated higher than others, the data suggests opportunities for improvement in academic performance across the district.
Educational attainment in Silvis shows that 16.3% of residents aged 25 and over hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (as reported by Illinois State Authority). A significant majority, 93.78%, have a high school degree or higher (as reported by Lensa).
Pros and Cons of Living in Silvis
Silvis offers a lower cost of living and housing prices compared to national averages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The community atmosphere and access to amenities in the broader Quad Cities region are also notable advantages. The city’s commitment to economic development and job creation through incentives further enhances its appeal.
However, Silvis faces challenges, including a higher-than-average crime rate, particularly for property crimes. Educational outcomes in some local schools may also be a concern for families prioritizing high academic achievement. The climate, with cold winters and humid summers, may not appeal to everyone.
Affordability
The cost of living in Silvis is generally lower than both the national and state averages. This is largely driven by housing costs, which are considerably lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes and Livability.com). For example, the average home value is around $133,266 (as reported by Livability.com), making homeownership more accessible.
Rental costs are also more affordable, with average rents significantly below the national median (as reported by Apartments.com and Zillow). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, contributing to a lower overall cost of living, estimated to be 7% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Community and Lifestyle
Silvis provides a dense suburban feel, with a strong sense of community and a tendency for residents to own their homes. The city is characterized by its parks and a generally liberal leaning population (as reported by Niche). It offers a slower pace of life that can be appealing to those seeking a peaceful environment.
Despite the overall crime rate, many residents feel safe, with 50% of students polled indicating they feel very safe and have no safety concerns (as reported by Niche). The community is part of the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL metropolitan area, providing access to a wider range of cultural and recreational activities.