IllinoisPop. 147,521Mid-size cities
Is Rockford a Good Place to Live? Rockford, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Rockford ranks #1248 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #243 of 256 mid-size cities and #28 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($129,000, #5 of 256) and low rents ($985/mo, #13 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (900 per 100,000, #222 of 235) and high unemployment (6.1%, #220 of 241).
Rockford by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Rockford's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Rockford?
Rockford's cost of living index is 92.2, 8% below the US level of 100 and #327 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $985/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $186,897, 37% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Rockford | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 92.2#327 of 1,308 | 100 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $186,897#93 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,195/mo#96 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $129,000#51 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $985/mo#199 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 2.4x#27 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 21.6%#632 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Rockford housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Rockford is in the Rockford, IL metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Rockford safe?
Rockford recorded 900 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 3.6 times Illinois's 251. That ranks #1033 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #222 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rockford Police Department. Property crime runs 2,531 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Rockford | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 900#1033 of 1,085 | 251 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,531#874 of 1,085 | 1,508 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Rockford?
The median household in Rockford earns $54,752, 34% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 6.1% (US 4.3%). 21.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Rockford | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $54,752#1159 of 1,312 | $83,211 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 6.1%#985 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 21.3%#1157 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Rockford?
The median resident of Rockford is 37.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 23.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1044 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Rockford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.7 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 23.5%#1044 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 54.9% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Rockford's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Rockford; its public schools have 17.4 students per teacher and spend $19,016 per pupil. 44.7% of adults are obese and 15.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Rockford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17.4#782 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $19,016#261 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 44.7%#1278 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15.4%#1186 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19%#1049 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 14%#1023 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 27,027 students are enrolled in Rockford's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Rockford?
The average commute in Rockford is 21.9 minutes (Illinois 28.3); 1% of workers take transit and 10.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Rockford scores 7.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.9°F and winters 24.9°F, with 37.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Rockford | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 21.9 min#492 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6.3%#750 of 1,312 | 10.4% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 74.3% | 66% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.3% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 10.1% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.7#1122 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29.1 | 14.5 | 1.6 |
| Feb | 33.4 | 17.8 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 46.5 | 28.1 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 59.7 | 38.5 | 3.8 |
| May | 71.2 | 49.5 | 4.2 |
| Jun | 80.7 | 59.6 | 5.2 |
| Jul | 83.9 | 63.6 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 82 | 61.8 | 4.2 |
| Sep | 75.3 | 53.5 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 62.3 | 41.8 | 2.6 |
| Nov | 47.1 | 30.5 | 2.3 |
| Dec | 34.3 | 20.2 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rockford Gtr Rockford Airport.
| Measure | Rockford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 49.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 71.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 24.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 37.2 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rockford Gtr Rockford Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Rockford?
Winnebago County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Winnebago County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Rockford | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 6#761 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.14%#559 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Winnebago County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Winnebago County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0061% | 75% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.098% | 68% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 62% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0025% | 57% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0018% | 39% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Rockford compare with similar-size cities?
Rockford is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #243 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 147,521.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #1248 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 | 21.9 min |
| Mesquite, TXPop. 149,299 | #1039 | 49.2 | $72,537 | $1,513/mo | 453 | 32.1 min |
| Bridgeport, CTPop. 149,153 | #873 | 52.1 | $58,685 | $1,450/mo | 250 | 30.5 min |
| Pomona, CAPop. 147,943 | #1171 | 46.0 | $79,479 | $1,810/mo | 645 | 31.8 min |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #891 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro | 20.7 min |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #1012 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 | 18 min |
| Gainesville, FLPop. 145,702 | #1062 | 48.6 | $46,195 | $1,296/mo | 634 | 18.8 min |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #98 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 | 20.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Rockford compare with the rest of Illinois?
Rockford ranks #28 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 42.5 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 34% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 3.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 37% below the typical Illinois home.
| City | Rank in IL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, ILPop. 150,692 | #1 | 73.2 | $155,105 | $1,885/mo | 70 |
| Wheaton, ILPop. 53,557 | #2 | 72.0 | $120,008 | $1,799/mo | 34 |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #3 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #4 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #5 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #6 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 |
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #7 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 |
| Skokie, ILPop. 66,219 | #8 | 68.7 | $95,337 | $1,552/mo | 151 |
| Hoffman Estates, ILPop. 51,175 | #9 | 68.0 | $106,806 | $1,734/mo | 75 |
| Schaumburg, ILPop. 76,868 | #10 | 67.0 | $97,514 | $1,812/mo | 68 |
| Joliet, ILPop. 150,445 | … #24 | 56.6 | $92,201 | $1,276/mo | 344 |
| Waukegan, ILPop. 89,076 | #25 | 55.0 | $71,919 | $1,205/mo | 375 |
| Springfield, ILPop. 113,330 | #26 | 51.1 | $66,064 | $975/mo | 895 |
| Peoria, ILPop. 112,169 | #27 | 46.5 | $59,410 | $1,005/mo | 1,256 |
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #28 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 |
| Decatur, ILPop. 69,815 | #29 | 41.9 | $51,592 | $845/mo | 682 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Rockford among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $83,211, violent crime 251 per 100,000.
How is Rockford's score calculated?
Rockford scores 42.5 out of 100, #1248 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Illinois's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Rockford. Similar-size median 52.9.
31.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Rockford's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
31.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Rockford. Similar-size median 53.8.
28.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Rockford's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
57.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Rockford's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
85.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Rockford. Similar-size median 51.2.
24.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Rockford. Similar-size median 42.1.
35.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Rockford. Similar-size median 50.1.
46.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Rockford's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
35.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
59.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Rockford's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Rockford has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Rockford
Is Rockford, IL a good place to live?
Rockford ranks #1248 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #243 of 256 mid-size cities and #28 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($129,000, #5 of 256) and low rents ($985/mo, #13 of 256), and trails on high violent crime (900 per 100,000, #222 of 235) and high unemployment (6.1%, #220 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Rockford?
Rockford's cost of living index is 92.2, 8% below the US level of 100 and #327 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $985/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $186,897, 37% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Rockford?
Rockford recorded 900 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 3.6 times Illinois's 251. That ranks #1033 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #222 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rockford Police Department. Property crime runs 2,531 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Rockford?
The median household in Rockford earns $54,752, 34% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 6.1% (US 4.3%). 21.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Rockford?
Median rent in Rockford is $985/mo (Census), #199 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,195/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Rockford?
The typical home value in Rockford is $186,897, up 9.7% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $129,000.
How are the public schools in Rockford?
There is no city graduation rate for Rockford; its public schools have 17.4 students per teacher and spend $19,016 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Rockford?
The average commute is 21.9 minutes, #492 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Illinois. 6.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Rockford?
Rockford averages 49.4°F over the year, 71.9°F in summer and 24.9°F in winter, with 37.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Rockford walkable?
Rockford scores 7.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Rockford at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Winnebago County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 60% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Rockford?
Winnebago County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 6 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Rockford?
Rockford has 147,521 residents. The median resident of Rockford is 37.7 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 23.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1044 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Rockford compare with the rest of Illinois?
Rockford ranks #28 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 42.5 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 34% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 3.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 37% below the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Rockford?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Rockford's population of 147,521 are Mesquite, TX (#1039 overall), Bridgeport, CT (#873 overall), Pomona, CA (#1171 overall), Savannah, GA (#891 overall), and Jackson, MS (#1189 overall). Rockford is #1248.