Rochelle, IL
Population 9,477 · Illinois
About Rochelle, IL
Rochelle is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 9,477 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,373 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rochelle features a median home value of $153,000, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rochelle in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $962, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,148 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (2,103 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (1,850 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rochelle shows an unemployment rate of 7.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rochelle have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.3% of Rochelle residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 22.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 8.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rochelle, IL
Compared to national averages, Rochelle has a median household income of $63,373 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $153,000, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $962 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Rochelle's income is 16% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 8% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Rochelle, IL?
Rochelle offers affordable housing with a median home value of $153,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $962/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,373) that falls below the national average. However, Rochelle’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rochelle has a population of 9,477 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare Rochelle with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Rochelle
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaSalle | 9,471 | $54,246 | $109,500 | Compare |
| Steger | 9,449 | $59,691 | $134,100 | Compare |
| Itasca | 9,525 | $111,898 | $375,600 | Compare |
| Flossmoor | 9,666 | $137,768 | $309,100 | Compare |
| Bethalto | 9,244 | $66,469 | $158,600 | Compare |
| Sugar Grove | 9,233 | $116,250 | $372,000 | Compare |
| Sauk Village | 9,724 | $56,946 | $101,900 | Compare |
| Mahomet | 9,755 | $114,904 | $293,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rochelle With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rochelle
What is the population of Rochelle, IL?
The population of Rochelle, IL is 9,477 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Rochelle?
The median household income in Rochelle, IL is $63,373 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rochelle?
The median home value in Rochelle, IL is $153,000, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rochelle?
The median monthly rent in Rochelle, IL is $962, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rochelle?
The unemployment rate in Rochelle, IL is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rochelle, IL a good place to live?
Rochelle offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,477 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rochelle, IL?
19.3% of residents in Rochelle aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Rochelle?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rochelle, IL: median home value is $153,000 (38% below national), median rent is $962/month, and median household income is $63,373. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rochelle?
The poverty rate in Rochelle, IL is 10.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rochelle, IL?
Rochelle's population is 22.2% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 4.0% two or more races. 8.2% of residents are foreign-born.