Crossroads of the Heartland
An in-depth analysis of the Davenport-Moline-Clinton-Muscatine Combined Statistical Area, a dynamic bi-state region spanning Iowa and Illinois along the Mississippi River.
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Regional Overview
Defining the CSA
The Greater Quad Cities, officially designated the Davenport–Moline, IA–IL Combined Statistical Area (CSA), is a federally defined region comprising seven counties across Iowa and Illinois.[1] This classification signifies strong economic and social ties that link a core metropolitan area with adjacent micropolitan areas, creating a cohesive regional entity.
Population & Demographics
The CSA serves as a significant population center in the American Midwest. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the total population was 471,551. A subsequent estimate in March 2017 indicated a slight increase to 472,153 residents, ranking it as the 147th largest metropolitan statistical area in the United States.[2] The region's largest city is Davenport, Iowa.
Core Statistical Areas
The Greater Quad Cities CSA is an agglomeration of three distinct statistical areas that function as an integrated economic unit:
- Quad Cities Metropolitan Area: The largest component, with a population of 383,681.
- Clinton, IA Micropolitan Area: A significant contributor with 48,420 residents.
- Muscatine, IA Micropolitan Area: An integral part of the region with a population of 54,118.
Constituent Counties
Iowa Counties
The CSA includes four counties on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River, each contributing to the region's demographic and economic profile. The populations are as follows:
- Scott County: 170,385
- Clinton County: 48,420
- Muscatine County: 42,836
- Louisa County: 11,282
Illinois Counties
On the Illinois side, three counties form the eastern portion of the CSA, anchored by significant industrial and commercial centers. Their respective populations are:
- Rock Island County: 147,258
- Henry County: 49,860
- Mercer County: 16,178
Geographic Profile
The region is characterized by its position along the Mississippi River, with a landscape that transitions from urban centers to rolling agricultural terrain. The topography features a notable elevation range:
- Highest Elevation: 850 ft (259 m)
- Lowest Elevation: 590 ft (180 m)
The total area is documented at 170 square miles (400 km²), with a population density of approximately 1,600 people per square mile.
Cities and Communities
Principal Urban Centers
The CSA is anchored by a core group of cities known collectively as the Quad Cities. These urban centers serve as the primary hubs for commerce, culture, and population within the region.
- Davenport, Iowa (Largest City)
- Moline, Illinois
- Bettendorf, Iowa
- Rock Island, Illinois
- East Moline, Illinois
Iowa Communities
Beyond the major cities, the Iowa portion of the CSA is home to a diverse array of smaller cities, towns, and unincorporated communities that contribute to the region's character and economy.
Illinois Communities
The Illinois side features a similar network of communities, ranging from industrial suburbs to rural towns, all interconnected within the CSA's framework.
Regional Transportation Network
Airports
Air travel is a critical component of the region's infrastructure, served by several public airports. The primary commercial hub is Quad City International Airport. Enplanements for 2013 were:
- Quad City International (MLI): 49,170
- Davenport Municipal (DVN): 28,251
- Muscatine Municipal (MUT): 14,106
- Clinton Municipal (CWI): 14,106
Highways and Interstates
The CSA is strategically located at the confluence of major national and regional highway systems, facilitating robust ground transportation for commerce and commuters.
Key Interstates:
- I-80, I-74, I-88, I-280
Principal U.S. Highways:
- US 6, US 30, US 61, US 67, US 150
Public Transit Systems
A network of public transit authorities provides essential mobility within and between the communities of the Greater Quad Cities area. These systems are vital for daily commuting and regional connectivity.
- Bettendorf Transit
- Clinton Municipal Transit Administration
- Davenport Citibus
- MuscaBus
- Quad Cities MetroLINK
- River Bend Transit
Education and Culture
Higher Education Institutions
The Greater Quad Cities is a center for higher learning, hosting a variety of public and private colleges and universities that serve as educational and economic anchors for the region.
- Augustana College
- Black Hawk College
- Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (incl. Scott Community College)
- Palmer College of Chiropractic
- St. Ambrose University
- Western Illinois University-Quad Cities
Commercial Centers
The region supports a healthy commercial sector, with several major shopping centers serving as primary retail destinations for residents of the bi-state area.
- NorthPark Mall (Davenport, IA)
- SouthPark Mall (Moline, IL)
- Muscatine Mall (Muscatine, IA)
Regional Attractions
The cultural landscape of the CSA is rich and varied, featuring museums, festivals, sports, and historical sites that reflect the area's heritage and contemporary identity.
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References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website does not constitute professional demographic, economic, or urban planning analysis. For official data and planning purposes, please consult primary sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and local government authorities.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.