Rockford, Illinois

📍 👥 Pop. 148,173 🏠 ZIP 61101
71
/100
ReloCompare™
Median Income
$50,744
per household/year
Home Value
$114,100
median
Rent
$906
per month
Unemployment
4.6%
vs 3.7% national
Air Quality
68
Moderate
Internet
N/A
Mbps max • No fiber

📋 Living in Rockford, IL — Overview

Very Affordable Mild Summers

Rockford, Illinois scores 71.8/100 on ReloCompare™, indicating a solid overall quality of life across key metrics. With 148,173 residents, it's a mid-size city that balances urban amenities with a more manageable pace of life. Housing is notably affordable here — the home price-to-income ratio of 2.2x is well below the national average, making homeownership realistic for many residents. Winters are harsh with lows averaging 0°F — budget for heating costs and winter clothing. The area has seen 10 federally declared disasters over 20 years, representing moderate natural risk.

💰 Exceptional value — top-tier affordability score

Score Breakdown

💰 Affordability
100
Home Value: $114,100
Rent: $906/mo
Electricity: ¢/kWh
💼 Job Market
55
Unemployment: 4.6%
Median Income: $50,744
Job Growth: % YoY
🌡️ Climate
50
Summer High: 0.0°F
Winter Low: 0.0°F
Sunny Days: /year
🌿 Environment
70
Air Quality: AQI 68 (Moderate)
Toxic Sites: 0 in area
Water: No violations ✓
🌐 Infrastructure
50
Internet: N/A Mbps
Fiber: Not available
Solar: kWh/m²/day
⚠️ Natural Risks
95
Disasters (20yr): 10
Flood Zone: None
Earthquake: Low
💰 Affordability Analysis: Rockford stands out as highly affordable — the home price-to-income ratio of 2.2x is well below the national median of roughly 5x. Renters spend about 21% of household income on housing, leaving more room for savings and discretionary spending.
⚠️ Safety Analysis: Rockford has experienced 10 federally declared disasters over 20 years, representing moderate risk. Homeowners insurance typically remains reasonable at this level.
🌿 Environment Analysis: Rockford has moderate air quality (AQI: 68). Most residents won't notice issues, but sensitive individuals may want to check daily readings during peak seasons.
📊 See Full City Rankings →

Rockford Weather & Climate Overview

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Annual precipitation: 0.4" • Sunny days: /year • Source: NOAA Climate Normals

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🎯 What Makes Rockford Stand Out

Rockford's strongest attributes are affordability and safety, where it outperforms many comparable cities. Overall, Rockford may be the best fit for budget-conscious families, safety-conscious retirees.


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