Rockford

Rockford, Illinois Overview

Rockford faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (39.7/100) and ranking #20 of 20 cities in Illinois. Even so, the city scores 79/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 6/100.

Income & Employment in Rockford

Rockford’s median income of $59,451 is 24% below the state median, but positive population growth of 0.5% signals that affordability or other factors are still attracting residents. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%.

Safety in Rockford

With a violent crime rate of 1153.8 per 100,000, Rockford exceeds the Illinois average of 393. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 2745.5 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Rockford

Rockford has a cost of living index of 90.1 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $120,900. Median monthly rent is $954. Renters spend 19.3% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Rockford

The adult obesity rate in Rockford is 44.7%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. Diabetes prevalence is elevated at 15.4%. Residents report an average of 19 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Illinois ranks #21 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Rockford

The student-teacher ratio is 17.4:1. Local districts invest $19,016 per student, well above the national median. The city has 44 public schools serving 27,661 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Rockford

The annual average temperature in Rockford is 51.5°F. Summers average 72.6°F. Winters average 31.6°F. Annual precipitation is 33 inches. The mean commute time is 19.9 minutes, compared to 25 for Illinois overall.

Frequently Asked Questions