Median Income
$82,228
9% higher than US avg
Home Value
$265,900
6% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
69/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.6%
23% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,254
8% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
81% lower than US avg
How Rockford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,521
Median Age42.7 yrs
Density1,787/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$82,228
Per Capita$44,814
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty2.4%
County GDP$7,314M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$265,900
Rent$1,254
Ownership81.6%
Zillow$350,217
Housing Units1,810
Rent Burden22.3%
Crime
F
Violent69/100K
Property1,923/100K
Health
Obesity33.3%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking11.8%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation964 ft (294 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.6%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+14.8%
School Score6.92
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute29 min
Broadband91.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Rockford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rockford receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. 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 $82,228, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rockford is $265,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,254 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Rockford is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,923 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.9/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Rockford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Rockford has a population of 4,521 with a density of 1,787 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 42.7 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (89.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.6% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.7yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.6%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
The median household income in Rockford is $82,228, which is 9% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,814 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,077, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,984 business establishments, including 224 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 12.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,228 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,814 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,077 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $91,811 |
| Gini Index | 0.379 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.4% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,984 |
| County GDP | $7,314M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 224 |
| Healthcare | 366 |
| Retail | 401 |
| Manufacturing | 188 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,714 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.0% |
The median home value in Rockford is $265,900, 6% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $350,217, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 101.1% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,254 (8% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,810 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1997. The average annual property tax is $4,714 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $265,900 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $350,217 |
| Median List Price | $432,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $432,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $178 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.1% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,254 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,810 |
| Median Year Built | 1997 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,714 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.77% |
In Rockford, 33.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 27.4% have high blood pressure. 11.8% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 18.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,541. The dentist ratio is 1:2,509. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rockford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.3% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.4% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 4.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.8% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.7% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 9.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,541 |
| Dentists | 1:2,509 |
| Mental Health | 1:748 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.4% |
| Dental Visits | 71.0% |
| Premature Death | 5,106/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 366 |
Rockford has a violent crime rate of 69 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,923 per 100,000, 2% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rockford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rockford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 69.1/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,923.4/100K |
| 2% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 64 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rockford has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 964 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.5°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 258 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 964 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (6.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,787/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0912°N, 93.7452°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wright County County |
| Nearest Airport | Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain (MSP)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0501 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
99 km |
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
487 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 38 fatalities, 1,154 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
37 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
35 km |
3 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
31 km |
6 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1951 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| Jul 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1987 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
41 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1958 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 4 (5,887 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
UNIT 4 |
5,887 |
46 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 37 38 39 A |
4,879 |
43 km |
| 1998 |
UNITS 1617 |
4,649 |
47 km |
| 2005 |
RX HFR 05 |
4,253 |
47 km |
| 2009 |
BU9 |
4,112 |
47 km |
| 2007 |
WUI 07 - UNIT 36 |
4,025 |
42 km |
| 2000 |
UNIT 25 |
3,412 |
42 km |
| 2009 |
BU11 |
3,242 |
44 km |
| 1997 |
BIG |
2,987 |
43 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
53 km |
| 2003 |
UNITS 34 33 W |
2,637 |
42 km |
| 2024 |
UNIT 8E RX |
2,551 |
45 km |
| 1992 |
SHARPTAIL |
2,288 |
41 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
85 km |
| 2010 |
WUI 10 UNIT D |
2,042 |
41 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,906 |
42 km |
| 2006 |
UNIT 4 |
1,732 |
48 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 23 24 26 |
1,644 |
43 km |
| 1995 |
ANTLER |
1,603 |
41 km |
| 2004 |
WUI UNIT 16 |
1,592 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Rockford has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 14°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.3") and February 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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $945 |
| Preschool | $891 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rockford
What is the population of Rockford?
Rockford has a population of 4,521 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,787 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is Rockford expensive to live in?
Rockford has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $82,228, 9% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $265,900 (6% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,254 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, 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 69 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,923 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Rockford?
The job market in Rockford is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,077. There are 3,984 business establishments in the area, including 224 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 12.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rockford?
The median home value in Rockford is $265,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $350,217. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,254. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,714.
How are the schools in Rockford?
Schools in Rockford score 6.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 41.6% of adults in Rockford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 14.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rockford?
The obesity rate in Rockford is 33.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.8% of adults are smokers. 18.7% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,541.
What is transportation like in Rockford?
The average commute in Rockford is 29 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rockford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockford is 89.2% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 94.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
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