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Rockford, IL
Rockford · Winnebago County · IL 61101
Updated June 19, 2026 · Would You Live There?
Hard pass
Verdict
$84K
Median Price
12/100
Walk Score
6.6/10
Schools
118 min
to Chicago Loop
Score Breakdown
AAffordability
92/100
FSafety
18/100
CSchools
66/100
DQuietness
40/100
FCommute
15/100
FWalkability
12/100
WYLT Score41/100
Our Take
Rockford offers very cheap homes and low rents, but the city suffers from high crime, a flood‑prone river, a long commute to Chicago, and poor walkability. If you’re looking for an affordable place with decent schools, it might work for a tight budget, but the risks outweigh the benefits for most families or remote workers.
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The Good
- ✓Very low median home cost ($83,800)
- ✓Affordable monthly rent ($922)
- ✓Decent average school rating (6.6)
- ✓Local parks and community centers
Real Talk
- !High violent and property crime rates
- !River flood zone AE – high flood risk
- !118‑minute commute to Chicago Loop
- !Almost no public transit or bike infrastructure
- !Limited nightlife and dining options
- $Annual flood insurance premiums
- $Potential property damage repair costs
- $Higher property taxes than neighboring suburbs
- $Possible increased utility bills due to older infrastructure
Best For
budget buyersfirst_time rentersretirees with low incomesmall families seeking inexpensive housing
Risk Snapshot
Flood riskHigh
Violent crimeHigh
Property crimeHigh
Air qualityModerate
Price volatilityHigh
Crime & Safety
Rockford, IL
F
Safety grade
Safety score18 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
High9.2incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+
149% higher than the national average
🔒Property Crime
High38.4incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+
97% higher than the national average
Verify with real-time data
City-Data stats →From Residents
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