Rockford, IL
Population 147,649 · Illinois
About Rockford, IL
Rockford is a major city located in Illinois with a population of 147,649 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,328 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rockford features a median home value of $120,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rockford one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $954, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 68,027 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (33,093 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (28,388 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rockford shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rockford have an average one-way commute time of 21.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.2% of Rockford 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 16.5% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 12.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rockford Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Rockford, IL
Compared to national averages, Rockford has a median household income of $53,328 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $120,900, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $954 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Rockford's income is 29% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 27% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Rockford, IL?
Rockford offers affordable housing with a median home value of $120,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $954/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,328) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Rockford provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Rockford has a population of 147,649 with a median age of 37.5 years. Compare Rockford with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Rockford
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville | 149,424 | $150,937 | $509,900 | Compare |
| Joliet | 149,785 | $88,026 | $248,600 | Compare |
| Aurora | 179,867 | $90,109 | $260,400 | Compare |
| Elgin | 114,106 | $88,316 | $252,400 | Compare |
| Springfield | 113,714 | $65,537 | $155,200 | Compare |
| Peoria | 112,126 | $58,716 | $149,500 | Compare |
| Waukegan | 88,919 | $70,578 | $177,600 | Compare |
| Champaign | 88,822 | $57,544 | $199,700 | 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 Rockford With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockford
What is the population of Rockford, IL?
The population of Rockford, IL is 147,649 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Rockford?
The median household income in Rockford, IL is $53,328 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rockford?
The median home value in Rockford, IL is $120,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rockford?
The median monthly rent in Rockford, IL is $954, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rockford?
The unemployment rate in Rockford, IL is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rockford, IL a good place to live?
Rockford offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 147,649 and a median age of 37.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rockford, IL?
23.2% of residents in Rockford 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 Rockford?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rockford, IL: median home value is $120,900 (51% below national), median rent is $954/month, and median household income is $53,328. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rockford?
The poverty rate in Rockford, IL is 21.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Rockford, IL?
Rockford's population is 16.5% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 21.1% two or more races. 12.3% of residents are foreign-born.