Pros

Affordable cost of living

• Living costs in Moline are about 4–10% lower than the U.S. average and 13% lower than the Illinois average.

• Median home price is roughly $125,000, far cheaper than the national median.

• Median rent is around $779/month, making housing relatively affordable.

This makes Moline appealing for:

• first-time homebuyers

• retirees

• people moving from expensive cities.

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Access to the Quad Cities metro

Moline is part of the Quad Cities region, which gives residents access to:

• more jobs

• bigger shopping areas

• multiple hospitals

• entertainment and sports events.

Living in Moline means you can reach the other cities in the metro area in 10–20 minutes.

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Parks, trails, and riverfront scenery

The Mississippi River location offers:

• riverfront parks

• walking and biking trails

• boating and fishing.

About 70% of residents rate parks and recreation positively, according to local surveys.

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Generally good quality of life

Local surveys show:

• 78% of residents say it’s a good place to live

• 69% rate overall quality of life as good or excellent.

Residents also report feeling relatively safe during the day in neighborhoods and downtown areas.

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Manufacturing and healthcare jobs

The main industries include:

• manufacturing

• healthcare

• logistics

• agriculture-related businesses.

These industries provide steady blue-collar employment in the region.

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Cons

Higher crime rates than average

Crime is one of the biggest concerns.

• Overall crime rate about 75% higher than the U.S. average.

• Property crime rates are also relatively high compared with many cities.

However, crime varies significantly by neighborhood.

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Limited high-paying job opportunities

The local economy is heavily dependent on a few industries.

• Median household income about $57,000, lower than the U.S. average.

• Some career fields (tech, finance, etc.) have limited opportunities locally.

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Schools are below average in some areas

Local school ratings can be mixed due to:

• lower test scores

• graduation rates in certain districts.

Many families prefer school districts on the Iowa side of the Quad Cities.

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Harsh Midwest winters

Winters can be cold with snow and ice:

• average January temperatures around 23°F (-5°C).

For people from warmer climates, winters can feel long.

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Some economic and population challenges

Like many Midwestern industrial cities:

• poverty rate around 14–16%.

• some older neighborhoods and infrastructure.