Let the numbers do the talking.
Bolingbrook, IL vs Rockford, IL
Bolingbrook, IL vs Rockford, IL: What the data shows
Bolingbrook, IL is in Bolingbrook, IL while Rockford, IL is in Rockford, IL — both in the same state. On home prices, Rockford, IL is the more affordable option at $83,800 median — $158,300 less than Bolingbrook, IL's $242,100. WYLT rates Bolingbrook, IL as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Rockford, IL as “Hard pass” — a neighborhood WYLT does not recommend.
Bolingbrook, IL has the stronger safety profile of the two. Bolingbrook, IL has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Rockford, IL has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Bolingbrook, IL has Low flood risk and Rockford, IL has High flood risk.
Rockford, IL is the more walkable neighborhood. Bolingbrook, IL scores N/A/100 versus Rockford, IL's 12/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Bolingbrook, IL has the higher school rating — Bolingbrook, IL rates 6.7/10 and Rockford, IL rates 6.6/10.
| Category | Bolingbrook, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Hard pass |
| Median Price | $242K | $84K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $922 ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $87K ✓ Higher income | $45K |
| Price Volatility | Low ✓ More stable | High |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | Car-dependent | 12/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 24/100 ✓ Better transit | 1/100 |
| Bike Score | N/A | 1/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 47 min ✓ Shorter commute | 118 min |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.7/10 ✓ Better schools | 6.6/10 |
| Best for | Families with childrenFirst‑time homebuyersCommuters to Chicago | budget buyersfirst_time rentersretirees with low income |
Bottom line
If you’re a family or commuter who values decent schools and a reasonable commute to Chicago, Bolingbrook is the better choice. Rockford may appeal only to those with very tight budgets and who are willing to accept higher crime and poorer walkability.
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