Question 1

Is Naperville, IL or Rockford, IL cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Rockford, IL is cheaper. The median home price in Naperville, IL is approximately $482,200 and in Rockford, IL it is approximately $83,800 — a difference of $398,400.

Question 2

Is Naperville, IL or Rockford, IL safer?

Accepted Answer

Naperville, IL scores higher on safety. Naperville, IL has violent crime rated Low and property crime rated Low. Rockford, IL has violent crime rated High and property crime rated High.

Question 3

Is Naperville, IL or Rockford, IL more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Rockford, IL is more walkable. Naperville, IL has a Walk Score of 11/100 and Rockford, IL has a Walk Score of 12/100.

Question 4

Which has better schools, Naperville, IL or Rockford, IL?

Accepted Answer

Naperville, IL has higher-rated schools. Naperville, IL has a school rating of 6.6/10 and Rockford, IL has a rating of 6.6/10.

Question 5

Should I live in Naperville, IL or Rockford, IL?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Naperville, IL	Rockford, IL
Housing
Verdict	Settle here	Hard pass
Median Price	$482K	$84K ✓ Lower price
Median Rent	$2K	$922 ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$144K ✓ Higher income	$45K
Price Volatility	Moderate ✓ More stable	High
Getting Around
Walk Score	11/100	12/100 ✓ More walkable
Transit Score	Minimal transit	1/100 ✓ Better transit
Bike Score	N/A	1/100 ✓ More bikeable
Commute	49 min ✓ Shorter commute	118 min
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	A ✓ Safer	F
Violent Crime	Low ✓ Lower risk	High
Property Crime	Low ✓ Lower risk	High
Flood Risk	Low ✓ Lower risk	High
Air Quality	Good ✓ Cleaner air	Moderate
Community
Schools	6.6/10	6.6/10
Best for	FamiliesCommuters to ChicagoProfessionals with high salaries	budget buyersfirst_time rentersretirees with low income

Naperville, IL vs Rockford, IL

Bottom line