Moline

Moline — encyclopedia article coming soon.

Local Organizations in Moline

Moline is supported by a robust network of non-profits, civic organizations, and community groups that contribute to its high quality of life.

* Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce: Driving economic development and business advocacy for Moline and the broader Quad Cities region. * The Moline Foundation: A community foundation providing grants to health, human services, education, and the arts in the region. * Rotary Club of Moline: Active in local and international service projects, including park clean-ups and youth scholarships. * Moline Breakfast Lions Club: Dedicated to community service, particularly supporting vision and hearing initiatives. * United Way of the Quad Cities: Supports local initiatives focusing on education, income, and health. * River Bend Food Bank: Serves the greater Moline area to combat food insecurity. * Moline Community Development Corporation (MCDC): Focuses on neighborhood revitalization and affordable housing.

Education Statistics

Moline is served primarily by the Moline-Coal Valley School District No. 40, alongside excellent higher education institutions.

* High School Graduation Rate: Approximately 85% for the local public school district. * Higher Education Enrollment: Moline is home to Western Illinois University-Quad Cities (WIU-QC) and Black Hawk College, serving thousands of students annually. * Educational Attainment: Around 90% of adults aged 25+ have a high school diploma or higher; roughly 26% hold a Bachelor's degree or higher. * Public School System: Moline High School is well-regarded for its vocational and Advanced Placement (AP) programs. * Literacy Rate: Parallels the United States national average (approximately 99%).

*Note: Specific university global rankings are not highly applicable to the regional branch campuses in Moline, though WIU is consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.*

Public Utilities

Moline's utility infrastructure is managed through a combination of municipal departments and private regional providers.

* Electricity: MidAmerican Energy Company. * Natural Gas: MidAmerican Energy Company. * Water: City of Moline Water Division (sources and treats water from the Mississippi River). * Sewer & Wastewater: City of Moline Water Pollution Control Department. * Waste Management & Recycling: Municipal garbage collection provided by the City of Moline Public Works, with recycling services often contracted (e.g., Midland Davis or Republic Services). * Internet/Telecommunications: Mediacom, Metronet (fiber), and AT&T.

Safety

Moline is generally considered a safe, family-friendly city, though like any urban area, it experiences some crime.

* Emergency Numbers: 911 for Police, Fire, and Medical emergencies. * Non-Emergency Police: (309) 797-0401 (Moline Police Department). * Crime Overview: Property crime is the most common issue, generally clustering around busy commercial corridors. Violent crime rates are below the national average for cities of its size. * Safety Tips for Visitors: * Lock vehicle doors and do not leave valuables visible, especially in hotel parking lots or downtown areas. * Exercise standard caution when enjoying the riverfront trails (Ben Butterworth Parkway) at night. * During winter, be cautious of icy roads and severe winter weather conditions.

Environment

Nestled between the Mississippi River to the north and the Rock River to the south, Moline boasts a unique riverine environment.

* Air Quality: Generally ranges from "Good" to "Moderate" according to the AQI, with occasional alerts during hot, stagnant summer days or from distant wildfires. * Water Quality: The city continually meets or exceeds all Illinois EPA and federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards. * Parks and Protected Areas: Sylvan Island, a 35-acre abandoned industrial site turned natural park, is highly popular for hiking and mountain biking. Ben Butterworth Parkway provides miles of scenic riverfront trails. * Sustainability Initiatives: Moline has active municipal recycling programs, river clean-up days, and is continually upgrading city facilities for energy efficiency.

Future Development

Moline is undergoing significant revitalization, capitalizing on its riverfront and historic downtown.

* I-74 Bridge Corridor: Following the completion of the new, state-of-the-art I-74 River Bridge, Moline is redeveloping the former bridge corridor into public green spaces and new commercial plots. * Moline Center (Downtown): Ongoing revitalization includes historic building restorations, new boutique hotels, and mixed-use residential/commercial spaces to attract young professionals. * Quad Cities 2030: A regional strategic plan aiming to increase population, improve equitable access to resources, and boost regional GDP. * Riverfront Expansion: Continued development of the Mississippi River trail network and expanded amenities near the Vibrant Arena.

Demographics

*Based on the 2020 US Census and recent American Community Survey estimates for Moline, IL.*

| Category | Distribution/Statistic | | :--- | :--- | | Total Population | ~42,985 | | Median Age | 39.5 years | | White (Non-Hispanic) | ~68% | | Hispanic or Latino | ~17% | | Black or African American | ~8% | | Asian | ~2% | | Two or More Races | ~5% | | Primary Language | English (83%), Spanish (12%) | | Median Household Income | ~$59,000 |

20 Interesting Facts About Moline

1. Moline is known globally as the corporate headquarters for Deere & Company (John Deere).
2. The city's name derives from the French word "moulin," meaning mill, due to the numerous mills once powered by the Mississippi River.
3. Moline is one of the "Quad Cities," alongside Rock Island (IL), Davenport (IA), and Bettendorf (IA).
4. The John Deere Pavilion in downtown Moline is one of the largest agricultural exhibits in the world.
5. Moline was officially incorporated in 1848.
6. Vibrant Arena at The MARK (formerly the TaxSlayer Center) is a premier 12,000-seat arena hosting major concerts and sports events.
7. Moline has a rich Belgian heritage, once home to the largest Belgian population in the U.S. outside of Detroit.
8. "Rolle Bolle," a traditional Belgian bowling game, is still played in Moline's parks today.
9. The city operates the Quad Cities International Airport (MLI), the third-busiest commercial airport in Illinois.
10. Sylvan Island in Moline is a popular site for mountain biking, built on the ruins of a former steel mill.
11. The Channel Cat Water Taxi operates from Moline, carrying passengers across the Mississippi River.
12. Moline is situated in Rock Island County.
13. Western Illinois University established a riverfront campus (WIU-QC) in Moline in 2012.
14. The Ben Butterworth Parkway offers a continuous 4-mile scenic trail along the Mississippi River.
15. The historic Deere-Wiman House and Butterworth Center offer glimpses into the lives of John Deere's descendants.
16. Moline is home to the Quad City Steamwheelers, an indoor football team.
17. A state-of-the-art I-74 bridge connecting Moline to Bettendorf was completed in 2021, featuring a pedestrian path with an oculus.
18. The city's elevation is approximately 585 feet (178 meters) above sea level.
19. The Quad City Storm, a minor league professional ice hockey team, plays in Moline.
20. Moline's downtown, known as Moline Center, is a recognized National Register of Historic Places district.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Moline known for? A: Moline is most famous as the global headquarters of John Deere and is a central hub of the Quad Cities metropolitan area.

Q: What are the Quad Cities? A: A region of five closely connected cities: Moline, East Moline, and Rock Island in Illinois, and Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa.

Q: What is the weather like in Moline? A: Moline has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

Q: What airport serves Moline? A: The Quad Cities International Airport (MLI) is located directly in Moline.

Q: Is Moline a safe place to live? A: Yes, Moline is generally considered a safe, family-friendly community with crime rates typical of mid-sized Midwestern cities.

Q: What county is Moline in? A: Moline is in Rock Island County, Illinois.

Q: How do I get around Moline without a car? A: MetroLINK provides public bus transportation throughout Moline and the Illinois side of the Quad Cities, and there are extensive bike paths.

Q: Can you tour the John Deere facilities? A: Yes, the John Deere Pavilion is open to the public, and you can also visit the historic Deere family homes.

Q: What river is Moline on? A: Moline is situated on the Mississippi River to the north and the Rock River to the south.

Q: What is the population of Moline? A: As of the 2020 census, Moline's population is roughly 42,000 residents.

Q: What sports teams play in Moline? A: The Quad City Storm (hockey) and Quad City Steamwheelers (indoor football) play at the Vibrant Arena in Moline.

Q: What is Moline Center? A: Moline Center is the historic downtown district of Moline, featuring dining, shopping, nightlife, and riverfront attractions.

Q: What is the Belgian connection in Moline? A: Moline attracted thousands of Belgian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to work in the factories; their cultural impact remains visible today.

Q: Are there good parks in Moline? A: Yes, Moline has an excellent park system, including the riverside Ben Butterworth Parkway and Prospect Park.

Q: What is Sylvan Island? A: It is a 35-acre park situated in the Mississippi River, renowned for its rugged trails, fishing, and industrial ruins.

Q: How far is Moline from Chicago? A: Moline is about 165 miles west of Chicago, roughly a 2.5 to 3-hour drive via I-88.

Q: Are there colleges in Moline? A: Yes, Western Illinois University-Quad Cities and Black Hawk College are located in Moline.

Q: What is the sales tax rate in Moline? A: The combined sales tax rate in Moline is typically around 8.5%, though this is subject to change.

Q: Can you cross the river by walking? A: Yes, the new I-74 River Bridge features a wide, dedicated pedestrian and bicycle path connecting Moline to Bettendorf, Iowa.

Q: What is there to do in Moline during winter? A: Visitors can attend hockey games at Vibrant Arena, visit the John Deere Pavilion, explore local craft breweries, or cross-country ski in local parks.

Image Search Suggestions

* Downtown Moline Center historic buildings * John Deere Pavilion Moline * Vibrant Arena at The MARK Moline * I-74 River Bridge pedestrian path * Ben Butterworth Parkway Mississippi River * Sylvan Island Moline trails * Quad Cities International Airport * Deere-Wiman House Moline * Moline Illinois aerial skyline * Quad City Storm hockey game Moline

Video Search Suggestions

* Moline Illinois drone footage * Walking tour downtown Moline Center * John Deere Pavilion inside tour * Quad Cities travel guide Moline * I-74 Bridge Moline crossing * Sylvan Island mountain biking Moline * Moline local food and brewery tour * History of John Deere in Moline * Belgian heritage in Moline Illinois * Channel Cat Water Taxi Moline

Map Search Suggestions

* Moline Illinois street map * Quad Cities metropolitan area map * Moline downtown Center parking map * Ben Butterworth Parkway trail map * Sylvan Island park map Moline * MetroLINK Quad Cities transit map

Social Pulse Community Ideas for Moline

* Volunteer Opportunities: River Bend Food Bank, local riverfront clean-ups, or ushering at the Vibrant Arena. * Local Charities: The Moline Foundation, United Way of the Quad Cities, Christian Care. * Community Groups: Moline Historic Preservation Society, Quad Cities Bicycle Club, Belgian Culture Center. * Events Calendar: Quad City Marathon (September), John Deere Classic golf tournament (nearby in Silvis), summer concerts at Bass Street Landing. * Local History Archive: Share photos of the old "Mill Town" days, vintage John Deere factory shots, or the construction of the original I-74 bridge. * Family Tree: Connect with descendants of the historic Belgian immigrant community or the original Swedish settlers of the region. * Buy/Sell/Trade & Real Estate: Centralized listings for Moline residential areas like the Overlook neighborhood or loft apartments in Moline Center.

SEO Metadata

* SEO Title: Moline, Illinois: The Global Headquarters of John Deere & Quad Cities Hub * SEO Description: Discover Moline, IL. Explore the John Deere Pavilion, the Mississippi riverfront, historic Moline Center, demographics, events, and community resources. * Keywords: Moline IL, Quad Cities, John Deere headquarters, Moline Center, Vibrant Arena, Rock Island County, Mississippi River * Hashtags: #MolineIL #QuadCities #MolineCentre #JohnDeere #VisitQuadCities #Illinois * Alternate Spellings: Moline, Moline IL, City of Moline * Nearby Locations: Rock Island, IL; East Moline, IL; Davenport, IA; Bettendorf, IA; Coal Valley, IL; Silvis, IL * Categories: Cities, Travel Destinations, Midwestern Towns, Industrial History * Tags: Riverfront, Agriculture History, Live Music, Manufacturing

References

* [City of Moline Official Website](https://www.moline.il.us/) * [Visit Quad Cities (Tourism Bureau)](https://visitquadcities.com/) * [United States Census Bureau - Moline City, Illinois](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/molinecityillinois) * [Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce](https://quadcitieschamber.com/) * [Moline-Coal Valley School District 40](https://www.molineschools.org/) * [Western Illinois University - Quad Cities](http://www.wiu.edu/qc/) * [John Deere Attractions](https://www.deere.com/en/connect-with-john-deere/visit-john-deere/)