Rock Falls, Illinois

Rock Falls, Illinois
City
City of Rock Falls
Downtown Rock Falls Downtown Rock Falls
Location of Rock Falls in Whiteside County, Illinois.
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	Illinois
County	Whiteside
Founded	1867
Incorporated	1872
Government
• Type	Mayor-council
• Mayor	Bill Wescott
Area
• Total	7.13 sq mi (18.47 km2)
• Land	6.93 sq mi (17.95 km2)
• Water	0.20 sq mi (0.52 km2)
Elevation	571 ft (174 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	9,412
• Density	1,357.2/sq mi (524.4/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (CST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code(s)	61071
Area code(s)	815
FIPS code	17-65067
GNIS feature ID	0415422
Website	www.rockfalls61071.net

Rock Falls is a city located in Whiteside County, Illinois, United States. It is situated on the Rock River, opposite its twin city, Sterling. The city was founded in 1867 and incorporated in 1872. As of the 2020 census, the population of Rock Falls was 9,412.

Geography

Rock Falls is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.47 square kilometers (7.13 square miles), of which 17.95 square kilometers (6.93 square miles) is land and 0.52 square kilometers (0.20 square miles) is water.

History

Rock Falls was originally settled in the mid-19th century by European immigrants, primarily of German and Irish descent. The city's name is derived from the rock formations along the river, which created a natural waterfall. These falls were an important source of power for early industries in the area.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Rock Falls experienced rapid growth due to the establishment of manufacturing industries, including steel mills, foundries, and agricultural equipment factories. The city became known for its production of steel and other metal products, which contributed to its economic prosperity.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 9,412 people residing in Rock Falls. The racial makeup of the city was 85.6% White, 7.9% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.2% Asian, and 4.9% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.3% of the population.

Economy

Rock Falls has a diverse economy, with industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare and retail. The city is home to several manufacturing companies, including those in the metal fabrication, automotive parts, and food processing sectors. The healthcare industry is also a significant contributor to the local economy, with multiple hospitals and medical facilities located in the area.

Education

Rock Falls is served by the Rock Falls Elementary School District and the Rock Falls Township High School District. The city has several public schools, including Rock Falls High School, Rock Falls Middle School, and several elementary schools. There are also private schools and alternative education options available in the area.

Attractions

Rock Falls offers a variety of attractions and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. The city is known for its scenic location along the Rock River, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, located nearby, offers hiking and biking trails, as well as camping facilities.

Other notable attractions in Rock Falls include the Coloma Township Park District, which features parks, sports fields, and a community center. The city also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Rock Falls River Chase, a boat race held annually on the Rock River.

Notable People

• Ronald Reagan - 40th President of the United States, born in nearby Tampico, Illinois, but spent part of his childhood in Rock Falls.

External links

• Official website
• Rock Falls, Illinois on City-Data.com
• Illinois.gov