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Cost of Living in Rockford, IL

Population 147,521 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$985
Median home value$129,000
Median household income$54,752

The median rent in Rockford, IL is $985/month, 23% lower than the Illinois median and 30% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $129,000, 61% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $54,752 a year, 34% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 21.6%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $39,400/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 2.4×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $652/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Rockford vs. Illinois vs. U.S.

RockfordIllinoisU.S.
Median rent$985$1,274$1,413
Median home value$129,000$263,300$332,700
Median household income$54,752$83,390$80,734
Homeownership rate54.9%67.1%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher23.5%37.8%35.7%
Poverty rate21.3%11.8%12.5%
Unemployment rate8.5%5.8%5.2%
Work from home10.1%15.9%15.1%
Median age37.739.038.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Rockford, IL?

The median gross rent in Rockford, IL is $985 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Rockford, IL?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $39,400 a year in gross income.

Is Rockford, IL expensive to live in?

Rent there is 30% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 2.4 times the median household income.

Other cities in Illinois

Chicago, ILRent $1,440 · Income $77,902Aurora, ILRent $1,596 · Income $93,633Naperville, ILRent $1,885 · Income $155,105Joliet, ILRent $1,276 · Income $92,201Elgin, ILRent $1,361 · Income $90,282Springfield, ILRent $975 · Income $66,064

Cities with a similar cost of living

Clovis, NMRent $988 · Income $54,820Lewiston, MERent $986 · Income $55,393Lansing, MIRent $993 · Income $54,382Roanoke, VARent $996 · Income $55,378Las Cruces, NMRent $974 · Income $55,422Lawton, OKRent $967 · Income $54,433

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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