218 movers in Rockford
What to know when moving to Rockford, IL
Rockford at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 49.4% of residents are renters and the median household income is $45,260.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable housing with a median gross rent of $975, which is accessible for many households.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 31.2% suggests economic challenges for many residents.
- Commute:
- Only 2.2% of commuters use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $975 per month in rent to find a comfortable place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Rockford has a population of about 19,671, where nearly half of the residents (49.4%) are renters. The area shows a low educational attainment level, with only 14.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. This community faces a significant economic challenge, reflected in a poverty rate of 31.2%. With only 2.2% commuting via public transit, living here typically means relying on personal vehicles for transportation.
Probably not your spot if you are seeking a highly educated community or robust public transit options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent stands at $975, while the median home value is approximately $89,800.
- Only 14.7% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a lower educational level in the community.
- With a poverty rate of 31.2%, economic challenges are prevalent.
- Almost half of the population, at 49.4%, are renters, suggesting a significant rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Illinois shows a mixed picture, with violent crime rates decreasing significantly.
- Violent crime rate in Illinois is 245.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 24.5% lower than the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime rate stands at 1549 per 100,000 residents, slightly above the national average of 1546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has dropped by 52.6% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Illinois).
Schools & Higher Ed
Rockford has access to several postsecondary institutions, all located in the area.
- Postsecondary institutions: 7
- With College Scorecard data: 7
- Notable schools include Rockford University and Rock Valley College.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is not available, Rockford offers several parks and outdoor spaces for recreation.
- Rock Cut State Park (4.6 stars, 4,233 reviews)
- Discovery Center Museum (4.8 stars, 2,147 reviews)
- Burpee Museum of Natural History (4.7 stars, 1,077 reviews)
- Baumann Park (4.7 stars, 1,022 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Winnebago County reflects some economic challenges, though there are employment opportunities.
- Unemployment rate: 6.1% as of December 2025.
- Total employment stands at 122,046.
- The labor force consists of 130,021 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
