Is Colona Safe, Pros and cons of living in Colona

Colona, Illinois, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and proximity to larger urban centers, making it an appealing place for those seeking a balance between tranquility and accessibility. Nestled along the Green River, this community provides a serene environment with opportunities for outdoor recreation, particularly along the Hennepin Canal State Parkway. The town’s history is marked by a significant merger in 1997, combining the former City of Green Rock and the Village of Colona to create a unified and forward-thinking community.

The cost of living in Colona is notably lower than the national average, presenting a significant financial advantage for its residents. This affordability extends to housing, making it an attractive option for homebuyers and renters alike. With a generally stable economic landscape and a focus on community development, Colona aims to provide a welcoming and sustainable environment for its growing population.

Is it Safe to Live in Colona?

Colona generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates significantly lower than both state and national averages. The overall crime rate is reported to be 57.2% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This statistic is bolstered by a considerably lower rate of violent crimes, which are 83.2% below the national average (AreaVibes).

Further contributing to the sense of security, Colona has a very low incidence of severe violent crime, with zero reported homicides in the most recently reported crime year (AreaVibes). Property crimes also fall below national benchmarks, being 51.9% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). Residents often feel safe, with a significant majority reporting no safety concerns in community polls (Niche).

Violent Crime Overview

Violent crime statistics in Colona are notably low. For instance, the rate of violent crimes is reported at 61 per 100,000 residents, which is substantially lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This low rate is further emphasized by the absence of reported murders in recent years (AreaVibes, OpenCrime).

Specific categories of violent crime also reflect this trend. While specific data points can fluctuate, the overall picture indicates a community where violent incidents are infrequent. This contributes to Colona’s reputation as a safe place to live, with a safety grade of A+ according to some analyses (OpenCrime).

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime rates in Colona also demonstrate a favorable trend. The rate of property crimes is reported at 847 per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average by 51.9% (AreaVibes). This indicates a community where theft and burglary are less common than in many other areas.

The city’s overall crime rate is 17.78 per 1,000 residents, placing it favorably against broader averages (Crime Maps and Statistics). Residents generally perceive the northeast part of the city as the safest, with varying chances of victimization depending on the specific neighborhood (Crime Maps and Statistics).

Housing and Cost of Living

Colona offers a cost of living that is attractive to many, being approximately 4% lower than the U.S. national average (Salary.com). This affordability is a significant draw for individuals and families looking to manage their expenses effectively. The cost of living in Colona is also lower than the state average for Illinois, by about 13% (Salary.com).

This economic advantage is particularly evident in the housing market, where costs are substantially below national figures. These favorable conditions make Colona a financially accessible option for a wide range of residents seeking to establish a home.

Median Home Prices

The housing market in Colona presents a compelling picture for potential homeowners. The median home value in Colona is approximately $183,756, showing a year-over-year increase of 9.1% (Zillow). However, other recent data indicates a median listing home price of $103,000 (Realtor.com®).

Another report shows the median sale price of a home in Colona was $131,000 in March 2026, with prices down 16.2% compared to the previous year (Redfin). The median property value was recorded as $147,500 (Data USA).

Rental Market

For those considering renting, Colona offers various options. The average rent for an apartment in Colona is reported as $1,050, while houses tend to rent for around $1,300 (Zumper). Specifically, one-bedroom apartments average $1,050, and two-bedroom apartments are typically priced at $950 (Zumper).

A three-bedroom rental in Colona averages approximately $1,400 per month (Trulia). These rental prices are generally considered affordable, contributing to the overall cost-effectiveness of living in the area.

Job Market and Economy

Colona’s economy is characterized by a diverse range of industries, with a notable concentration in sectors like Retail Trade, Manufacturing, and Health Care & Social Assistance (Data USA). While employment in Colona saw a decline of 9.4% from 2023 to 2024, the job market continues to offer opportunities across various occupations.

The primary job groups within Colona include Sales & Related Occupations, Office & Administrative Support Occupations, and Production Occupations (Data USA). The average annual salary in Colona, as of May 2026, is $48,267 per year, or $23.21 per hour (ZipRecruiter). Other data indicates an average annual salary of $79,669, translating to an hourly wage of approximately $38 (Salary.com).

Major Employers

While specific major employers in Colona are not exhaustively detailed in the provided data, the town’s economic activity suggests a mix of local businesses and potentially larger regional companies. The prevalence of Retail Trade and Manufacturing indicates that businesses in these sectors are significant contributors to employment. The City of Colona itself is a notable employer, with its operations spanning various municipal services (Salary.com).

The broader Quad Cities metropolitan area, of which Colona is a part, offers a more extensive list of major employers, providing a wider economic base for residents who may commute or draw from regional opportunities. This proximity allows Colona residents access to a larger job market beyond the immediate town limits.

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Colona is notably low, indicating a healthy job market relative to the available workforce. Data suggests an unemployment rate of 0.4%, which is well below the U.S. average (Illinois State Authority). This low rate signifies that most residents seeking employment are able to find it.

This figure is also favorable when compared to the Illinois state average, which is 3.9% (Illinois State Authority). The low unemployment rate contributes to the overall economic stability and attractiveness of Colona as a place to live and work.

Climate and Weather

Colona experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Temperatures typically range from 13°F to 85°F throughout the year (myPerfectWeather). The town receives an average annual precipitation of 38 inches, including 31 inches of snowfall (myPerfectWeather).

Summers in Colona are generally long, warm, humid, and wet, while winters are freezing, snowy, and windy. The climate is partly cloudy year-round, offering a varied weather experience across the seasons.

Average Temperatures

During the summer months, Colona experiences its warmest temperatures, with July being the hottest month. The average high temperature in July is 85°F, with an average low of 65°F (myPerfectWeather, Wanderlog). In contrast, winter brings the coldest temperatures, with January seeing average highs of 31°F and lows of 14°F (myPerfectWeather).

The hot season lasts from approximately May to September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 74°F. Conversely, the cold season spans from late November to early March, with daily high temperatures typically remaining below 42°F (Wanderlog).

Precipitation and Snowfall

Colona receives an average of 38 inches of precipitation annually (myPerfectWeather). June is typically the wettest month, with an average of 5 inches of rain (myPerfectWeather). January experiences the least amount of rain, averaging around 0.5 inches (Wanderlog).

Snowfall is a significant feature of Colona’s winters, with an average of 31 inches of snow per year (myPerfectWeather). The chance of precipitation, including rain or snow, varies throughout the year, with a greater likelihood of wet days occurring between April and September (Wanderlog).

Education and Demographics

Colona is served by a single public school, Colona Grade School, which caters to students from Prekindergarten through 8th grade. The school district, Colona School District 190, has received a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger, ranking it among the lower-performing districts in Illinois (SchoolDigger). Academic performance at Colona Grade School is noted as being significantly below state averages in both math and reading proficiency (SchoolDigger).

The demographic profile of Colona shows a population of approximately 5,139 residents, with a predominantly White population (85.3%), followed by Hispanic (7.8%) and Multiracial (5.6%) groups (Census Dots). The median age in Colona is 38.7 years (Data USA).

School Ratings

Colona Grade School is rated in the bottom 50% of all public schools in Illinois (Colona Grade School). Its overall testing rank places it in the bottom 50% statewide, with math proficiency at 11% and reading proficiency at 17% (Colona Grade School). The student-teacher ratio is 14:1, which is slightly higher than the Illinois state average (Colona Grade School).

Niche provides Colona Grade School with a C- rating, while GreatSchools assigns it a 4 out of 10 (Movoto). The school district itself is ranked 685 out of 811 districts in Illinois (SchoolDigger).

Demographics

The population of Colona is estimated at 5,139 people as of 2024, with a projected increase to 5,156 in 2026 (Data USA, Census Reporter). The racial composition is largely White, making up 85.3% of the population, with Hispanic residents at 7.8% and Multiracial individuals at 5.6% (Census Dots). This indicates a community that is less diverse than the state of Illinois overall (Census Dots).

The median household income in Colona is $79,700 (Data USA). The poverty rate is reported at 3.78% (Data USA). For every 100 females, there are approximately 93.3 males in Colona (Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Colona

Colona offers a compelling mix of advantages for potential residents, primarily centered around its affordability and safety. The cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, making it an economically attractive place to settle down. This financial benefit extends to housing, with median home prices and rental rates being quite accessible.

The community’s low crime rates contribute to a secure living environment, with violent crime and property crime statistics well below national averages. Colona also provides a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with access to natural recreational areas like the Hennepin Canal State Parkway, appealing to those who value a quieter lifestyle.

However, Colona does present some drawbacks that potential residents should consider. The local school, Colona Grade School, has received low ratings for academic performance and is ranked among the bottom-performing schools in Illinois (Colona Grade School, SchoolDigger). This may be a significant concern for families with school-aged children.

Additionally, while the town offers a sense of community, it is part of the Quad Cities metropolitan area, which may mean longer commutes for some residents seeking employment or amenities not readily available within Colona itself. The job market, while stable, has seen a recent decline in employment numbers (Data USA).