The City of Rockford, Illinois, is situated along the Rock River in the northern part of Illinois, which places it around 90 miles northwest of Chicago.
Prospective residents of the city can find a suburban city with an urban feel that attracts so many residents that it is the second most populated city in the state.
So, why do so many Illinoisans love living in Rockford?
Many residents tout the low costs of living and affordable housing as the primary reasons they stay.
Others are seeking shelter in nearby cities as the downsides of living in Rockford are negatively impacting their quality of life.
Learn more about the pros and cons of living in Rockford in our guide below, which highlights some of the most positive and negative aspects of residents living in this suburban Chicago neighborhood.
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Pros of Living in Rockford, IL
Rockford is home to over 150,000 residents who proudly call the city their home.
Many residents love living in Rockford because of its affordable housing and lower cost of living.
Below, we discuss a few more of the factors that people love about living in this Midwestern city.
1. Affordable Housing Options Are the Norm
A low cost of living in Rockford, IL, means there is an abundance of affordable housing options to be found throughout the city.
Prospective residents can easily find affordable homes, townhomes, and apartment rentals within the city limits.
Low-income residents can also find affordable housing options through the Rockford and Winnebago County Housing Authorities.
2. Plenty of Recreational Opportunities
Rockford residents have an abundance of parks and recreational facilities in the form of parks, recreation centers, sports fields, swimming pools, ice rinks, and golf courses.
Having plenty of options for outdoor recreation means that residents can stay busy and entertained during the warmer months in Rockford.
3. Close to Chicago
One of the main perks of living in Rockford is having easy access to the job opportunities, amenities, and entertainment offerings in Downtown Chicago.
Rockford residents can early commute to the Windy City for work, school, or entertainment.
They also have easy access to other transportation options like Ohare and Midway airports.
4. Diverse Economy
Residents of Rockford enjoy having access to a diverse economy that includes a network of manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and education opportunities.
People with specialized skills and training can do well in this area and earn higher wages than those with fewer skills and less education.
Opportunities are abundant for locals with college-level education and beyond to find employment in a variety of sectors.
5. Low Cost of Living
Rockford has a much lower cost of living than many similar-sized cities in Illinois and the US.
As such, this means residents can afford to spend less money on housing and basic needs and more on savings, education, and entertainment.
The lower cost of living in the city makes it easier for residents to budget their income and live comfortably while meeting their basic needs for housing, food, entertainment, and leisure.
6. Family-Friendly Activities
Low costs of living and affordable housing in Rockford make it easier for families with children to enjoy the area’s family-centric activities like parks and recreation venues, boating, fishing, and swimming on the Rock River and exploring new discoveries at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, Discovery Center Museum, and the Rockford Art Museum.
7. Strong Community Bonds
The population of Rockford hovers at just over 150,000 residents.
This big city has a small-town feel where residents are cohesive and supportive of each other.
Rockford residents of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, and socio-economic status form solid bonds and show community support through volunteering, community events, and social services agencies providing help for residents in need.
8. Busy Arts and Culture Scene
Rockford is home to a host of arts and cultural activities that provide hours of fun, education, and entertainment for locals and visitors alike.
The city has interactive museums like the Discovery Center and live theatrical performances at the Rockford Dance Company and Coronado Theaters.
Residents who tire of the local scene can easily make a short jaunt to Chicago for more arts, culture, and fun!
Cons of Living in Rockford, IL
While living in Rockford has many upsides, like most other US cities, it also has a few major downsides.
One of the primary concerns of locals is the extremely high property crime and violent crime rates that leave many residents looking for a new address in safer pastures.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the negative aspects commonly reported by residents living in Rockford, Illinois.
1. Incredibly High Crime Rates
Many Rockford residents live with an underlying fear of becoming a victim of crime in this affordable city.
High numbers of incidents of violent crimes and property crimes place this city at the bottom of the safest cities list.
It is important for prospective residents to note that crime reports show Rockford as being one of the most dangerous cities in the state of Illinois and in the US because of its extremely high rates of crimes against people and property.
Online reports from sources like Neighborhood Scout show that Rockford is less safe than approximately 95% of other similar-sized cities in the US.
High crime rates can lead to a lower quality of life, lower property values, and negatively impact education.
2. Extreme Weather Conditions in Winter
Rockford experiences some of the coldest winters around, with average winter temperatures hovering near 20 degrees at its peak.
People coming from warmer climates to live in Rockford will notice a stark contrast in the climate.
They also average approximately 50 inches of snow each winter, which can make travel times extended and miserable for locals who have to dig their cars out from underneath mountains of powdery snow and navigate slick and icy roads to make it to everyday destinations like work, school, home, and shopping for essentials.
3. Limited Educational Opportunities
High poverty rates and crime in Rockford drastically affect the educational system and learning opportunities for local students.
School districts often suffer from a lack of resources, placing the quality of education for local area students in jeopardy.
Larger class sizes make the likelihood of getting one-on-one instruction virtually impossible for students in need.
They can lead to noticeable achievement gaps between Rockford public school students and students from higher-performing districts in the state.
4. Limited Public Transportation Options for People without Cars
Limited access to public transportation in Rockford can lead to transportation difficulties for residents without their own cars.
Little or no transportation can make it difficult for carless residents to get to work, school, and leisure activities, which can lead to a reduced quality of life in this area.
Some residents experiencing economic hardships report a sense of increased isolation as they aren’t able to travel around their community without being car-dependent.
5. High Property Taxes
Despite its reputation for low costs of living and affordable housing, property taxes for Rockford residents are high.
Doling out quarterly or annual payments for high property taxes can lead to a reduction in disposable income for locals and limit some housing options due to an inability to afford the taxes.
In some cases, high property taxes can force some residents to move out of their homes as they seek more affordable housing options with lower taxes in nearby areas.
6. High Unemployment Rates
Finding suitable employment in Rockford can be taxing for some residents with low levels of education and a lack of viable transportation options.
High unemployment rates often lead to reduced income, financial hardships, and higher rates of crime as residents try to meet their basic daily needs without money.
7. Crumbling Infrastructure
A rapidly crumbling infrastructure in Rockford means that many of the city’s roads are in poor condition and filled with potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces that can make it difficult to drive and cause extensive damage to vehicles on subpar roads.
Residents also report issues with an aging water system that regularly experiences water main breaks that leave them without fresh running water for extended periods.
Many sections of the city sewer system are also in disrepair, which can lead to overflowing sewers and localized water pollution.
8. Limited Job Opportunities
Although the city of Rockford has a diverse economy, lower educational attainment and lack of job opportunities can lead to stress and anxiety when residents are unable to find higher-paying jobs.
People who can’t find suitable employment in the city can be left unemployed or with long treacherous commutes to find work outside the city limits in other nearby neighborhoods and the city of Chicago.
Pros and Cons of Living in Rockford, IL – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Rockford, IL | Cons of Living in Rockford, IL |
|---|---|
| 1. Affordable Housing Options Are the Norm | 1. Incredibly High Crime Rates |
| 2. Plenty of Recreational Opportunities | 2. Extreme Weather Conditions in Winter |
| 3. Close to Chicago | 3. Limited Educational Opportunities |
| 4. Diverse Economy | 4. Limited Public Transportation Options for People without Cars |
| 5. Low Cost of Living | 5. High Property Taxes |
| 6. Family-Friendly Activities | 6. High Unemployment Rates |
| 7. Strong Community Bonds | 7. Crumbling Infrastructure |
| 8. Busy Arts and Culture Scene | 8. Limited Job Opportunities |
Rockford Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Rockford Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the cost of living in Rockford, IL, so low?
Rockford’s Midwestern location, lower transportation costs, and lower costs for everyday essentials like housing, heating, and cooling are some of the factors that contribute to its lower cost of living.
Why are the crime rates in Rockford so high?
Research reports show that more than 20% of Rockford’s residents are living below the poverty line.
High rates of poverty, unemployment, gang activity, and drug trafficking are all drivers of incredibly high property crimes and violent crimes against area residents.
What are the public schools like in Rockford?
The public school system in Rockford is rated as “good” by some, “okay” by others, and poor by locals, with children attending school within the system.
High-crime and high-poverty neighborhoods have a lower rating than schools in lower-crime and higher-income districts.
Is it easy to find affordable housing in Rockford?
One of the pros of living in Rockford is that the city has a wide variety of affordable housing solutions for lower-income families.
How long does it take to get from Rockford to Chicago?
Travel times between Rockford and Chicago can vary by time of year, time of day, and weather conditions.
People driving from Rockford to Chicago can typically make the trip within about one hour and 46 minutes on a day without heavy snow or traffic.
