71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
71
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
It's a tie 1–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Neither wins 1–1 overall (71/100)
💰 Rockford is more affordable
💼 Houston has lower unemployment
🛡️ Rockford has fewer disasters
📋 Houston vs Rockford — The Verdict
It's a close call — Houston (71.2/100) and Rockford (71.8/100) each win 1 categories. On affordability, Rockford has a clear edge with home prices 51% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Rockford has a notably lower disaster history with 11 fewer declarations in 20 years. Rockford may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Rockford are 51% lower — a difference of $120,900 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Rockford saves you $329/month — that's $3,948 per year.
💵
Households in Houston earn $9,696 more per year (19% higher median income).
🌬️
Houston has cleaner air with an AQI 56 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Rockford has experienced 11 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$235,000
$114,100
Median Rent /mo
$1,235
$906
Median Income
$60,440
$50,744
The affordability gap is significant — Rockford offers home prices 51% lower than Houston, translating to $120,900 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
4.6%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
12
68 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Houston wins on air quality with an AQI 56 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
21
10
Rockford has a markedly lower disaster history — 11 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Houston to Rockford: Common Questions
Is Houston or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Rockford is more affordable overall. Home prices are $120,900 lower in Rockford. Monthly rent is $906 in Rockford vs $1,235 in Houston.
Does Houston or Rockford have better weather?
Rockford scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Houston or Rockford better for finding a job?
Houston currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.3% in Houston vs 4.6% in Rockford. Median household income is $60,440 in Houston and $50,744 in Rockford.
Which city is safer — Houston or Rockford?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Rockford is safer. Houston has had 21 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Rockford. Houston scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Rockford.
Should I move from Houston to Rockford?
Based on our data, Rockford scores 71.8/100 vs Houston's 71.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Rockford is more affordable, while Rockford has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.