Median Income
$62,759
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$90,200
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
55/100K
86% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.2%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$779
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
36% lower than US avg
How Rockford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population833
Median Age41.9 yrs
Density1,344/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,759
Per Capita$36,233
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty7.9%
County GDP$1,165M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$90,200
Rent$779
Ownership77.1%
Zillow$199,165
Housing Units448
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent55/100K
Property1,127/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking17.8%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,003 ft (306 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.2%
High School+92.0%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute22 min
Broadband88.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Rockford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rockford receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include 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 $62,759, 16% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rockford is $90,200, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $779 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rockford is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 55 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,127 per 100,000, 42% below the national average.
Education
21.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Rockford experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 37.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rockford has a population of 833 with a density of 1,344 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 41.9 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (93.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.9yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
The median household income in Rockford is $62,759, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,233. The average weekly wage is $1,057, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 478 business establishments, including 23 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,759 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,233 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,057 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,922 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.9% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 478 |
| County GDP | $1,165M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 23 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 57 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,764 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.17% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.4% |
The median home value in Rockford is $90,200, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,165, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $779 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 448 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,764. 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $90,200 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $199,165 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $779 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.9% |
| Housing Units | 448 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,764 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.17% |
In Rockford, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.9% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,569. The dentist ratio is 1:1,704. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rockford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,569 |
| Dentists | 1:1,704 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,189 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,140/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Rockford has a violent crime rate of 55 per 100,000 residents, 86% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,127 per 100,000, 42% below the U.S. average. Overall, Rockford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rockford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 55.0/100K |
| 86% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,127.3/100K |
| 42% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rockford experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches. The area receives 37.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,003 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.5°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,003 ft (306 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,344/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0524°N, 92.9477°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Floyd County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 47.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
655 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 58 fatalities, 1,173 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
56 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
34 km |
13 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
93 km |
5 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
64 km |
6 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
81 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
70 km |
5 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
95 km |
6 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
63 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Rockford has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 17°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Rockford. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $641 |
| Toddler | $553 |
| Preschool | $553 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $426 |
| Preschool | $426 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rockford
What is the population of Rockford?
Rockford has a population of 833 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,344 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Rockford expensive to live in?
Rockford is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,759, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $90,200 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $779 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rockford safe?
Rockford is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 55 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,127 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rockford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rockford?
Rockford has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 37.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Rockford?
Rockford has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,057. There are 478 business establishments in the area, including 23 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 4.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rockford?
The median home value in Rockford is $90,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $199,165. For renters, the median monthly rent is $779. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,764.
How are the schools in Rockford?
Schools in Rockford score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.2% of adults in Rockford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.0% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rockford?
The obesity rate in Rockford is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 76.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,569.
What is transportation like in Rockford?
The average commute in Rockford is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rockford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockford is 93.8% White. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 16.4% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
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