Life in the Quad Cities

Rock Island is part of the Quad Cities area which consists of Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in Illinois, and Davenport and Bettendorf on the Iowa side of the river. The Quad Cities area combined population is close to 400,000.

Located on the bend of the Mississippi where "the river runs east and west," the Quad Cities is made up of several close-knit municipalities in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. It is easily accessible by rail, barge, and air and sits at the convergence of Interstates 74, 80, and 88. This mid-sized metropolitan area offers the best of both worlds. The Quad Cities brings you all the excitement of a big city with all the hospitality of a small town. It is large enough for a great transportation infrastructure, cultural attractions, and high quality of life, yet small enough for ease of travel, low cost of living, and low crime rate.

The people of the Quad Cities have inherited the strong work ethic of an industry-oriented community resulting in a highly productive work force. Commitment to learning is reflected by one of the top high school graduation rates in the nation, three quality university campuses, and several, well rounded vocational programs.

When the work is done, citizens enjoy a variety of festivals, sports, and recreational activities. Appreciation of the arts is evident in a wide variety of performing arts and museums. Additionally, residents take the opportunity to enjoy the scenic riverfront and communities through the many festivals and events held throughout the year.

For more information on the business climate in the Quad Cities visit the regional development organization Quad Cities First. BiState Regional Commission Data HUB is a one stop shop for data and interactive maps related to the regional community. A great business resource is Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau will provide information on arts & culture, attractions, and festivals & events. Centennial Bridge Visitor Center is an important entry point for tourists to Rock Island.