Median Income
$56,625
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,400
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
183/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.9%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$806
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.2%
58% lower than US avg
How Rockford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population893
Median Age40.2 yrs
Density1,038/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans2.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,625
Per Capita$30,739
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty5.2%
County GDP$3,995M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,400
Rent$806
Ownership73.5%
Zillow$214,989
Housing Units456
Rent Burden32.0%
Crime
F
Violent183/100K
Property3,693/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking18.0%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation808 ft (246 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.9%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+9.1%
School Score7.02
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 16%
Commute21 min
Broadband90.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Rockford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rockford receives an overall livability score of 3.2 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 below-average incomes. 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 $56,625, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rockford is $120,400, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $806 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Rockford is below the national average at 183 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,693 per 100,000, 88% above the national average.
Education
19.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 7/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Rockford experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches, including 28.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rockford has a population of 893 with a density of 1,038 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 40.2 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (86.3%), with 4.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 2.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.2yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Rockford is $56,625, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,739 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $974, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,218 business establishments, including 98 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,625 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,739 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $974 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,019 |
| Gini Index | 0.389 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.2% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,218 |
| County GDP | $3,995M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 98 |
| Healthcare | 83 |
| Retail | 165 |
| Manufacturing | 86 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,098 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Rockford is $120,400, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,989, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $806 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 456 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $4,098 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,400 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,989 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $100 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $806 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.5% |
| Housing Units | 456 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,098 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.40% |
In Rockford, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 29.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,015. The dentist ratio is 1:2,823. 72.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rockford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 40.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,015 |
| Dentists | 1:2,823 |
| Mental Health | 1:923 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,561/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 83 |
Rockford has a violent crime rate of 183 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,693 per 100,000, 88% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Rockford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rockford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 183.2/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,693.4/100K |
| 88% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rockford experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.8 inches. The area receives 28.8 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 808 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 51.4°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 808 ft (246 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,038/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.6910°N, 84.6499°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Mercer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.8"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
121 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
31 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
39 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
48 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
31 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
2 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
96 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
486 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 52 fatalities, 1,247 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
14 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
8 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
13 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
44 km |
3 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
64 km |
4 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
86 km |
17 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
45 km |
3 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
16 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Rockford has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 26°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.9").
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) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rockford
What is the population of Rockford?
Rockford has a population of 893 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,038 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.2 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is Rockford expensive to live in?
Rockford is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $56,625, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,400 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $806 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rockford safe?
Rockford is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 183 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,693 per 100,000 (above 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 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.8 inches, with 28.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Rockford?
The job market in Rockford is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $974. There are 1,218 business establishments in the area, including 98 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 7.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rockford?
The median home value in Rockford is $120,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,989. For renters, the median monthly rent is $806. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,098.
How are the schools in Rockford?
Schools in Rockford perform well, with an average test score of 7 out of 10 / above the national benchmark. 19.9% of adults in Rockford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 9.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rockford?
The obesity rate in Rockford is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 29.4% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 72.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,015.
What is transportation like in Rockford?
The average commute in Rockford is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rockford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rockford is 86.3% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 2.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability. 92.9% have health insurance coverage.
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