Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Rockford, IL is cheaper. The median home price in Rockford, IL is approximately $83,800 and in Waukegan, IL it is approximately $150,700 — a difference of $66,900.

Question 2

Is Rockford, IL or Waukegan, IL more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Rockford, IL is more walkable. Rockford, IL has a Walk Score of 12/100 and Waukegan, IL has a Walk Score of 9/100.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Rockford, IL has higher-rated schools. Rockford, IL has a school rating of 6.6/10 and Waukegan, IL has a rating of 6/10.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Category	Rockford, IL	Waukegan, IL
Housing
Verdict	Hard pass	Think twice
Median Price	$84K ✓ Lower price	$151K
Median Rent	$922 ✓ Lower rent	$1K
Median Income	$45K	$59K ✓ Higher income
Price Volatility	High	Moderate ✓ More stable
Getting Around
Walk Score	12/100 ✓ More walkable	9/100
Transit Score	1/100	22/100 ✓ Better transit
Bike Score	1/100 ✓ More bikeable	N/A
Commute	118 min	56 min ✓ Shorter commute
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	F	F
Violent Crime	High	High
Property Crime	High	High
Flood Risk	High	Low ✓ Lower risk
Air Quality	Moderate	Moderate
Community
Schools	6.6/10 ✓ Better schools	6/10
Best for	budget buyersfirst_time rentersretirees with low income	Budget-conscious familiesFirst-time home buyersSuburban commuters

Rockford, IL vs Waukegan, IL

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