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Rockford, IL
Rockford · IL 61101
Updated November 2, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Think twice
Verdict
$110K
Median Price
16/100
Walk Score
6.6/10
Schools
118 min
to Chicago Loop, IL
Score Breakdown
AAffordability
92/100
D+Safety
55/100
CSchools
66/100
B-Quietness
70/100
FCommute
15/100
FWalkability
16/100
WYLT Score52/100
Our Take
Rockford, 61101 offers exceptionally affordable housing and decent schools, but comes with significant trade-offs. Prospective residents must weigh the high flood risk and extreme car dependency against the low cost of living.
B.
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The Good
- ✓Very affordable median home prices and rent compared to national averages.
- ✓Decent overall school ratings, with several schools scoring 7 or 9.
- ✓Lower cost of living can make budgeting easier for residents.
- ✓Likely a quieter environment due to low walkability and car-dependent nature.
Real Talk
- !The area is in a High (AE) flood zone, which can mean mandatory flood insurance and potential damage risks.
- !Extremely car-dependent; a Walk Score of 16 means almost all errands require a car.
- !Median household income is significantly lower than national averages, indicating economic challenges.
- !A 2-hour commute to the Chicago Loop makes daily commuting impractical for most.
- $Mandatory flood insurance for homes with mortgages in the AE flood zone.
- $Higher transportation costs due to reliance on private vehicles.
- $Potential for increased home maintenance costs, given the lower home values which can indicate older housing stock.
Best For
Budget-conscious buyers seeking very affordable homeownership.Families prioritizing lower housing costs over amenities and walkability.Individuals who prefer a quiet, car-centric lifestyle.Those not tied to a Chicago-area commute.
Risk Snapshot
Flood riskHigh
Violent crimeModerate
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityModerate
Price volatilityModerate
Crime & Safety
Rockford, IL
D+
Safety grade
Safety score55 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Moderate3.9incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+
5% higher than the national average
🔒Property Crime
Moderate19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+
2% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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