Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Rockford, IL is cheaper. The median home price in Peoria, IL is approximately $235,500 and in Rockford, IL it is approximately $83,800 — a difference of $151,700.

Question 2

Is Peoria, IL or Rockford, IL safer?

Accepted Answer

Peoria, IL scores higher on safety. Peoria, IL has violent crime rated Moderate and property crime rated Moderate. Rockford, IL has violent crime rated High and property crime rated High.

Question 3

Is Peoria, IL or Rockford, IL more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Peoria, IL is more walkable. Peoria, IL has a Walk Score of 15/100 and Rockford, IL has a Walk Score of 12/100.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Peoria, IL has higher-rated schools. Peoria, IL has a school rating of 6.8/10 and Rockford, IL has a rating of 6.6/10.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Category	Peoria, IL	Rockford, IL
Housing
Verdict	Hard pass	Hard pass
Median Price	$236K	$84K ✓ Lower price
Median Rent	$826 ✓ Lower rent	$922
Median Income	$20K	$45K ✓ Higher income
Price Volatility	Moderate ✓ More stable	High
Getting Around
Walk Score	15/100 ✓ More walkable	12/100
Transit Score	10/100 ✓ Better transit	1/100
Bike Score	18/100 ✓ More bikeable	1/100
Commute	197 min	118 min ✓ Shorter commute
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	Moderate	Moderate
Community
Schools	6.8/10 ✓ Better schools	6.6/10
Best for	low‑income rentersretireesstudents	budget buyersfirst_time rentersretirees with low income

Peoria, IL vs Rockford, IL

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