Living in Rockford, IL
Rockford is the 192nd-largest city in the US, home to about 147,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (92.2 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 147,384-1.1% since 2020
- Median home value
- $129,0002.4 years of median income
- Median rent
- $985/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $54,752median, per year
- Price level
- 92.2US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 29° / 84°lows 15° / 64°
- Average commute
- 22 min10% work from home
- State income tax
- 4.95%top rate, flat
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County: Winnebago County, Ogle County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 715 ft
Metro area: Rockford, IL
Cost of living in Rockford
The median home in Rockford is worth $129,000 and the median household earns $54,752 a year, so a typical home costs about 2.4 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $985 a month, about 22% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Rockford, IL metro area at 92.2, with housing at 70.1 and goods at 93.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $69,100 here. Illinois taxes wages at a top rate of 4.95% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Illinois is 8.98%.
What would my salary be worth in Rockford?
Rockford weather
Average highs run from 29°F in January to 84°F in July, and January nights average 14°F. It gets 37 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 37 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 136 times a year. The most comfortable months are May and July to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Rockford
People and work
The median resident is 37.7 years old, and 24% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 55% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 22 minutes; 10% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 37.7349th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 24%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 55%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,25765.3 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%1% walk, 0.1% bike
- Unemployment
- 8.5%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 21.3%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1963median year
Who moves to Rockford, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Phoenix (Maricopa County), Houston (Harris County) and Las Vegas (Clark County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Phoenix (Maricopa County), Toledo (Lucas County) and Las Vegas (Clark County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Winnebago County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, inland flooding, hail, strong wind.
Home prices
+8.1% in a year
Up 64% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Rockford, IL area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
69% good days
6 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Rockford, IL area (355 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Rockford
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Northern Illinois University 30 miles
- Rock Valley College 5 miles
- Rockford University 4 miles
- Beloit College 15 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Rockford
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Rockford International Airport RFD | 7 mi | 132,154 |
| Dane County Regional Airport MSN | 60 mi | 1,156,399 |
| O'Hare International Airport ORD | 64 mi | 38,575,693 |
| Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport MKE | 75 mi | 3,104,054 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Rockford
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Valley College | 5 mi | 4,359 | $3,385 | 38% |
| Rockford University | 4 mi | 972 | $22,581 | 44% |
| Beloit College | 15 mi | 926 | $23,216 | 75% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Rockford
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 24, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 6 and the first frost comes around October 17.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Rockford Gtr Rockford Airport, IL, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Rockford.
Wildfire smoke in Rockford
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Rockford on about 136 days a year, including about 38 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Rockford
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 61,324 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Rockford
Downtown Rockford is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford School District 205 | Pre-K to 12 | 28,467 | 46 | 17.4 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Belvidere Consolidated Unit School District 100 (7,523 students), Harlem Unit School District 122 (6,108 students), Hononegah Community High School District 207 (1,814 students), Kinnikinnick Community Consolidated School District 131 (1,681 students), Rockton School District 140 (1,579 students), Meridian Community Unit School District 223 (1,469 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Rockford's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Rockford's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Toledo, OH80% matchCompare
- Akron, OH80% matchCompare
- Scranton, PA77% matchCompare
- Sioux City, IA71% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Rockford
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Rockford
- Alpine Valley Resort 45 miles
- Wilmot Mountain 48 miles
- Tyrol Basin 63 miles
- Chestnut Mountain 67 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Rockford
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 2.4 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 8% below the US average (BEA).
Cons
- Data Home prices have climbed fast: up 64% in five years (FHFA).
Rockford report card from locals
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Rockford through locals' eyes
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Cities near Rockford
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elgin, IL | 44 mi | 115,476 | $273,000 | 103.6 | Compare |
| Schaumburg, IL | 54 mi | 77,249 | $330,400 | 103.6 | Compare |
| Aurora, IL | 56 mi | 181,505 | $274,800 | 103.6 | Compare |
| Madison, WI | 56 mi | 286,233 | $372,900 | 97.3 | Compare |
| Arlington Heights, IL | 58 mi | 76,216 | $414,500 | 103.6 | Compare |
| Naperville, IL | 60 mi | 153,114 | $540,200 | 103.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Rockford with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Rockford a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, homes that cost under four years of median income, short commutes. Compare Rockford side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Rockford?
The Census Bureau estimates Rockford had 147,384 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 149,036 in April 2020 (-1.1%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Rockford?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $69,100 in the Rockford area. The median household here earns $54,752.
When is the best time to visit Rockford?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May and July to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 84°F and January 29°F for daytime highs.
What county is Rockford in?
Most of Rockford (95% of its land) is in Winnebago County. Smaller parts lie in Ogle County. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Rockford in?
Rockford is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Rockford?
About 715 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Illinois have a state income tax?
Yes. Illinois has a flat income tax with a top rate of 4.95% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Rockford. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Rockford, IL metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Rockford Gtr Rockford Airport, IL station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.