Firstly why Rockford, Illinois?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Rockford
• State: Illinois
• Population: 144,804 people
• Rockford’s quick summary would be Known for its vibrant arts scene and the Anderson Japanese Gardens.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 15,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: 3000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 2,000
• Number of Homeless people: 750

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features strong industrial roots attracting workers in manufacturing

Perk #1: Rockford Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 56%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $46,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Rockford is $55,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $9000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Rockford’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $3,082
• Property Tax %: 2.78%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown Rockford
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Rockford, Loves-Park, Machesney-Park, Belvidere, and probably could include South-Beloit
• Avg. Age of Homes in Rockford: 76 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.8%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Rockford’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Rockford are  Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
• Rockford Job Scene: stable job market in healthcare and manufacturing
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech scene primarily driven by manufacturing and local services , ,
• Rockford Resident’s pay $1,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Rockford: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 100 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 12

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Rockford

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-90 runs through Rockford connecting it to the Chicago area
• Commute Time: 23 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on State Street
• Transportation Score: 39 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Rockford: 104,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.7
• No. of Car Washes: 8 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Rockford: cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index.html
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 61 of 100
• Local Airport: Chicago Rockford International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Rockford’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Rockford is best described as features cold winters and hot summers with distinct seasonal differences providing beautiful spring blossoms and rich autumn colors
• Winter Weather in Rockford i’d describe as very cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Rockford can be described as cool with rain likely
• Summer’s in Rockford are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Rockford is usually cool and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 1 days in summer
• Days in a row in Rockford below Freezing: 22
• Average Annual Rainfall: 38 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by local emissions
• Rockford Winter Air average air quality with some localized pollution effects

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Rockford Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Rockford 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Rockfords’s city limits are 4
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Rockford Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Rockford Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Rockford only Doctors is about 90
• Local Hospitals here is  7
• Full-time Rockford only Police Officers is about 350
• Crime Rate Index: 65/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Rockford’s Monthly utility bill average is $90
• Rockford’s Monthly Gym Membership: $38
• Rockford’s Water Quality Score: 68

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Rockford

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: mid-sized city with a mix of industry and natural spaces
• You might enjoy performances at the Coronado Performing Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Rockford  offers a mix of local bars and restaurants ideal for casual outings and friendly gatherings

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Rockford

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a variety of American-style diners and fast food options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Rockford
• The Popular Sports Team is Rockford IceHogs
• Top Level Political Climate in Rockford can be described as working-class city with a mix of liberal and conservative politics
• Rockford’s Longer standing religious establishment is First Church of the Nazarene

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Rockford Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Rockford has 30 Parks?
• Riverview Park is Rockford’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Rockford Farmers Market normally open Thursday 3pm-7pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Rockford Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Rockford can be described as moderate speed with a mix of manufacturing and cultural activities
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Rockford visiting parks going to fairs attending sports
• The Cities people commute to from Rockford are Machesney-Park 14 miles away Belvidere 14 miles away South-Beloit 17 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Rockford or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: backups on State Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Rockford’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Downtown Rockford is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Rockford are Machesney-Park 14 miles away Belvidere 14 miles away South-Beloit 17 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 65 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Rockford has 22 days in a row below freezing and 1 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Rockford people have an average (positive or negative) $9000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   750 homeless people living in Rockford. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general working-class city with a mix of liberal and conservative politics could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Rockford.

Retiree & Senior Life in Rockford

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for state tax assistance reducing property tax burden
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Atrium
• Rockford Senior Center provides diverse programs activities and resources tailored for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Rockford, Illinois?

If Rockford, Illinois ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Rockford, Illinois, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!