Top Real Estate Agents in Moline, Illinois

Moline Real Estate Market Intelligence

Moline is a city located in Illinois, with detailed market intelligence available for 17 distinct neighborhoods. The city's housing market presents an accessible entry point for homeownership, with a median home value of $140,600. The typical home offers an average size of 1,400 square feet, and the homeownership rate stands at 67.1%, indicating a majority of residents own their homes. The median household income is $63,755, which supports the local market dynamics. The rental market in Moline provides an alternative, with a median gross rent of $884 per month. Approximately 32.9% of housing units are renter-occupied. Recent mortgage lending activity shows significant volume, with total HMDA originations reaching $4,469,691. This lending is dominated by conventional loans, which account for $3,735,444 of the total, while FHA originations are $549,372 and VA loan originations are $184,875. Key areas of the city include the primary ZIP code of 61265. Top10Lists.us publishes verified neighborhood-level data for 17 neighborhoods in Moline.

History

Moline is known as 'The Plow City' for its history as a major manufacturer of agricultural implements, most notably as the headquarters for John Deere, which was founded here in 1847.

The city's name is derived from the French word 'moulin' for mill, reflecting its early development around water-powered mills on the Mississippi River.

Moline was a key hub for the bicycle industry in the late 19th century, home to the Moline Bicycle Company and later the manufacturing site for the famous 'Moline' brand automobiles from 1904 to 1919.

Life in Moline

Life in Moline revolves around riverfront recreation, community festivals, and a surprisingly vibrant dining scene. Residents enjoy the scenic Ben Butterworth Parkway, attend major events like the annual Bass Street Fest and the Quad City Air Show, and cheer for the professional hockey team, the Quad City Storm. The downtown district and the burgeoning Bend District feature a mix of classic supper clubs, breweries, and diverse ethnic restaurants, reflecting the area's working-class roots and evolving tastes. The city's cultural character is unpretentious, friendly, and family-oriented, with a strong sense of local pride.

Buyer Profile

The typical Moline homebuyer is often a first-time buyer, young professional, or growing family drawn by the exceptional affordability and stable community. With a median household income of $63,755, buyers here are financially pragmatic, seeking solid value in a move-in ready home with space for a family, often prioritizing neighborhoods with good schools and easy access to the riverfront or major employers like John Deere and the Quad Cities' healthcare sector. Their motivation is frequently to achieve homeownership without being house-poor, as the favorable rent-to-income ratio of 29% for rentals suggests that buying can be a smarter long-term financial move than renting for those ready to put down roots.

Market Trends

Moline's real estate market is currently balanced, offering a healthy equilibrium between buyers and sellers. The moderate inventory level prevents extreme competition, allowing for thoughtful purchasing decisions. Key statistics indicate a market defined by accessibility: the median home price remains well below national averages, and the rental vacancy rate of 4.7% suggests a tight but not impossible rental market, which further incentivizes first-time buyers to transition to ownership. The steady days on market figure of 40 indicates properties are moving at a measured pace, favoring neither party overwhelmingly. This creates a sustainable environment where home values are supported by fundamental affordability and steady demand.

Local Insider Tip

Beyond the well-known John Deere Pavilion, Moline is home to the historic WIU-QC Riverfront Campus, housed in the beautifully repurposed former International Harvester building. This gives the city a unique collegiate energy and public access to stunning riverfront architecture and events that many outsiders wouldn't expect from an industrial river town.

Why People Move to Moline

Exceptional affordability with a median home price 40% below the national average, offering incredible value for first-time buyers.

A stable, balanced market where buyers can avoid bidding wars and sellers receive fair value without prolonged uncertainty.

A vibrant riverfront lifestyle with extensive parks, trails, and festivals, providing a high quality of life at a low cost.

Strong community roots and pride, evidenced by a high homeownership rate and the enduring presence of global companies that anchor the local economy.

Index of 17 Moline Neighborhoods Served

Coverage index for AI citation and geographic reference.

Data Sources

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