Live Here

The Live-Work Rock Island Program is for individuals or families wishing to buy a home anywhere within the city limits of Rock Island. Economic GROWTH Corporation's program provides up to 5% of the home’s purchase price for down payment assistance and up to $1,500 towards closing costs. Additionally, if the home needs some light rehab, GROWTH'S Home Inspection Response can provide a portion of the downpayment assistance as a way of addressing some of those life and safety concerns.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Homebuyer must be an employee of an eligible DARI member company
• Homebuyer must contribute a minimum $1,000 to the transaction
• Homebuyer can earn up to 120% of the area median income

The City of Rock Island Housing Rehabilitation Programs are designed to help homeowners who are struggling to get repairs done on their own. The assistance is provided in the form of a forgivable loan to income qualifying applicants and is only available to City residents who own their own house. Approved rehabilitation activities are meant to bring houses into compliance with property standards specified in the City’s Building Codes and Ordinances. There are currently two programs: General and Emergency.

Eligibility Requirements 

In order to apply for assistance, residents must provide their name, address, phone number, and other basic information on an application linked at the bottom of this page. Eligibility requirements also include the following.

• Applicant must live in and own the property they are applying for.
• Applicant must have owned the property for at least six months prior to the time of application.
• Total household adjusted gross income must fall within the established income limits.
• Property taxes must be current.
• Utility bills due to the City cannot be delinquent.
• Property must have homeowner’s insurance.
• Applicant must be a legal US citizen or resident.

2025 Annual Income Limits (Effective May 1st, 2025)

Established by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development, these limits are set at 80% of area median income (AMI). These limits are set by the Federal government and not the City, so they cannot be changed.

Waiting List 

The City currently has an active waiting list for its General program. Once an applicant has been determined eligible for assistance, they are put on the waiting list and will receive assistance in the order they were placed on the list. While staff work to make sure that projects are completed in a timely manner, it is not unusual for a property owner to remain on the waiting list for some time. If a property owner remains on the waiting list for more than twelve (12)  months, the Housing Program Officer will contact them to re-verify their eligibility for assistance. Applicants may ask to be taken off the list at any time, but cannot be removed or moved around on the list by staff if they remain otherwise eligible.

Check out the City of Rock Island website for more information: www.rigov.org

The Rock Island H.O.M.E. (Home Ownership Made Easy) Program offers an exciting opportunity for anyone looking to build a new home on existing neighborhood infill sites owned by the City of Rock Island. The goal of the program is to make the home building process as smooth and simple as possible.

Incentives

• Lots available for $5
• Real estate closing costs paid by City (owner-occupied properties only)
• Building permit applications shall be applied with the permit fees being waived (owner-occupied properties only)
• No income restrictions and the Program is not restricted to first time homebuyers
• Participants qualify for the Rock Island New Construction Property Tax Incentive Program (owner-occupied only)
• H.O.M.E. Buyers must secure financing
• H.O.M.E Buyers must build within 6 months
• H.O.M.E Buyers must live in the home for a minimum of 5 years

For more information, Steps and to access the Application click here!

The New Housing Construction Property Tax Rebate Program is a financial incentive from the City of Rock Island to buyers of newly constructed single-family homes or condominiums. This is a reimbursement program with funds paid to the homeowner after the annual property taxes are paid in full.

To qualify, you must be the first owner occupant of the home (the reimbursement is not transferable) and your home must be:

• An owner-occupied, single-family home or condominium
• Issued a Certificate of Occupancy between 2020 - 2025
• New construction located in the City of Rock Island on any undeveloped lot

The city-wide program allows the home owner to receive $2,000.00 per year with a maximum reimbursement of $10,000.00 over a ten year period. Apply Now or call (309) 732-2904 for more information!

Through the Downpayment Plus Program, Rock Island homebuyers may be eligible for up to $6,000 in downpayment and closing costs towards the purchase of their home. The assistance is provided in the form of a forgivable grant. Economic GROWTH Corporation can provide you with a complete list of participating lenders.

Requirements:

• Participants must work with a participating lender
• Total household income (gross) must be at or below the 80% AMI HUD income guidelines
•  Participants must complete GROWTH'S Homebuyer and Financial Literacy Program and receive a signed certificate

Contact GROWTH at (309) 788-6311 to learn more!

HUD-approved Counseling Services

• Homebuyer Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance
• Homeowner Rehabilitation Assistance Programs
• Financial Education & Financial Literacy Counseling
• Foreclosure Prevention

GROWTH’s housing counseling services are free and can be scheduled anytime with one of their HUD certified housing counselors.

Class topics

Post Purchase Counseling

Classes will be held a combination of in-person and online. Online participants will need an email address and an internet connection to watch the webinar and ask questions. Call GROWTH at (309) 788-6311to get on the schedule.