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OnRockford.com

Rockford, IL
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Rockford, IL: A city rich in history and cultural heritage, thriving amidst innovation.

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149K Population
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$53K Median Income
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$130K Median Home Price
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64 Square Miles

About Rockford, IL

Rockford, Illinois is a city known for its rich industrial history and diverse cultural landscape. Originally a regional center for manufacturing and machine tools, Rockford emerged in the 19th century as a crucial part of the industrial Midwest. Over the decades, the city has expanded its economic base, diversifying into various industries while preserving its historical architecture and cultural offerings. Situated on the picturesque Rock River, Rockford offers a vibrant combination of urban living and natural beauty, making it a unique place to live and visit.

Today, Rockford is characterized by its commitment to fostering community-driven initiatives that enrich the city's arts and cultural heritage. The city embraces various festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating its diverse community and historical landmarks. The public takes pride in notable attractions like the Anderson Japanese Gardens and the Rockford Art Museum, which showcase Rockford's artistic spirit. Economically, Rockford continues to grow through key sectors like aerospace, healthcare, and logistics, driving the region forward while offering a welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.

A cultural hub in the Midwest, Rockford balances progress with tradition, providing an eclectic mix of experiences to explore. Whether exploring the vast greenspaces like the Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden or delving into the city's past in its historical districts, Rockford offers an enriching environment that is both engaging and dynamic.

Quality of Life Scores

Data-driven insights into what makes Rockford special

37
🚶 Walkability
31
🛡️ Safety
63
🍽️ Food Scene
72
🎭 Arts & Culture
55
🌙 Nightlife
60
⚽ Sports Culture
25
🌬️ Air Quality
72
🚗 Traffic Flow

Quality of life scores are aggregated from publicly available data sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI Crime Statistics, EPA Air Quality Index, walkability studies, and local municipal data. Scores are calculated on a 0-100 scale and updated periodically to reflect current conditions.

Demographics & Economy

Understanding the community and economic landscape

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Demographics

Median Age 36.3 years
Diversity Index 60.0%

Rockford, IL, is a culturally diverse city with a growing population, emphasizing community and innovation.

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Economy

Median Income $52,605
Unemployment Rate 5.8%
Job Growth Rate 1.5%

Strong economic foundation driven by diverse industries including manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, logistics, education.

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Housing

Median Home Price $130,000
Cost of Living Index 85
Rent/Own Ratio 42.3%

Real estate market offers opportunities for residents and investors with balanced housing options across neighborhoods.

Education Excellence

World-class learning opportunities and achievements

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Education Levels

Bachelor's Degree or Higher 20.1%
High School Graduation Rate 85.7%
College Enrollment Rate 58.2%
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Institutions

  • Schools: 50
  • Universities: 2
  • Libraries: 5
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16.3:1

Sports & Entertainment

Home to professional and collegiate athletics

College & Development

Minor League
USHL: Rockford IceHogs
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Major Venues

BMO Center: 5,800

Transportation & Infrastructure

Getting around Rockford

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Roads & Highways

Major Highways: I-39, I-90, US-20, US-51, IL-2

Average Commute: 22 minutes

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Public Transit

Rockford Mass Transit District

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Airports

RFD - Chicago Rockford International Airport

Places & Attractions

Discover what makes Rockford unique

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Landmarks

  • Coronado Performing Arts Center
  • Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum
  • Veterans Memorial Hall
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Attractions

  • Anderson Japanese Gardens
  • Discovery Center Museum
  • Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
  • Burpee Museum of Natural History
  • Rock Cut State Park
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Museums

  • Burpee Museum of Natural History
  • Rockford Art Museum
  • Midway Village Museum
  • Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum
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Parks

  • Rock Cut State Park
  • Sinnissippi Park
  • Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden
  • Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
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Healthcare

  • Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital
  • SwedishAmerican Hospital
  • OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center

Key Industries

Economic drivers powering Rockford

Manufacturing Healthcare Aerospace Logistics Education

Living Here

Essential information about life in Rockford

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Climate & Geography

Climate: Humid Continental

Elevation: 719 feet

Time Zone: America/Chicago

County: Winnebago County

Metro Area: Rockford, IL Metro Area

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Contact Information

Area Code: 815, 779

ZIP Codes: 61101, 61102, 61103, 61104, 61107, 61108, 61109, 61114

Location

Find Rockford on the map

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