Rock Island, IL vs Watertown, SD
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Rock Island
81.7
#39 nationally
Watertown
74.5
#590 nationally
Watertown leads in crime level (8.3 vs 14.9). Watertown leads in average commute (13.6 min vs 19.2 min). Rock Island leads in walk score (44 vs 36).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Rock Island, IL | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 81.7 (#39) | 74.5 (#590) |
| Population | 36,132 | 23,230 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $129,626 | $316,022 |
| Median Household Income | $55,732 | $61,320 |
| Average Commute | 19.2 min | 13.6 min |
| Walk Score | 44 | 36 |
| Crime Level | 14.9 | 8.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+9.6 | R+40.8 |
B-
81.7 Score
Rock Island, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$129,626
Population
36,132
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
44
Midwest
View Rock Island, IL →
C
74.5 Score
Watertown, SD
Small South Dakota city with local appeal
Median Home
$316,022
Population
23,230
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
36
Midwest
View Watertown, SD →