Median Income
$54,000
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,000
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.8%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$525
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.4%
32% higher than US avg
How Rockford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population776
Median Age48.9 yrs
Density234/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 64%
Veterans5.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$54,000
Per Capita$23,209
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty16.4%
County GDP$252M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,000
Rent$525
OwnershipN/A
Rent Burden27.0%
Health
Obesity40.8%
UninsuredN/A
Depression24.9%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain60.2 in/yr
Elevation742 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.8%
High School+86.4%
School Score4.40
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute26 min
Broadband87.1%
Libraries2
Is Rockford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rockford receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Rockford offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rockford is $54,000, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. The poverty rate of 16.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rockford is $95,000, 66% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $525 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
27.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Rockford enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 60.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Rockford has a population of 776 with a density of 234 people per square mile. The median age is 48.9 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (64%), with 6.7% Hispanic, 29.3% Black.
Population
48.9yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 100.0% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
The median household income in Rockford is $54,000, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,000 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,209 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $988 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,161 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 158 |
| County GDP | $252M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 19 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,355 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.1% |
The median home value in Rockford is $95,000, 66% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $525 (55% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $162 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $525 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,355 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.43% |
In Rockford, 40.8% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 24.9% report depression. 28.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Rockford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.7% |
| Depression | 24.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 77.7% |
| Premature Death | 14,410/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 4.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Crime Rates: Rockford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
Safety Score
Rockford has an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation is 60.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 62.5°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 60.2 inches |
| 58% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 742 ft (226 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 234/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.8969°N, 86.2083°W |
| County FIPS | 01037 |