Let the numbers do the talking.
Decatur, IL vs Rockford, IL
Decatur, IL vs Rockford, IL: What the data shows
Decatur, IL is in Decatur, 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 — $35,200 less than Decatur, IL's $119,000. WYLT rates Decatur, IL as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Rockford, IL as “Hard pass” — a neighborhood WYLT does not recommend.
Decatur, IL has the stronger safety profile of the two. Decatur, IL has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. Rockford, IL has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Decatur, IL has Low flood risk and Rockford, IL has High flood risk.
Rockford, IL is the more walkable neighborhood. Decatur, IL scores 8/100 (car-dependent) versus Rockford, IL's 12/100 (car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Rockford, IL has the higher school rating — Decatur, IL rates 6/10 and Rockford, IL rates 6.6/10.
| Category | Decatur, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Hard pass |
| Median Price | $119K | $84K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $850 ✓ Lower rent | $922 |
| Median Income | $63K ✓ Higher income | $45K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate ✓ More stable | High |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 8/100 | 12/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 2/100 ✓ Better transit | 1/100 |
| Bike Score | 2/100 ✓ More bikeable | 1/100 |
| Commute | 210 min | 118 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | B ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6/10 | 6.6/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Local workersFamiliesStudents | budget buyersfirst_time rentersretirees with low income |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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