Rockford, Illinois Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Rockford, Illinois had a total population of 147,521, the 5th largest city in Illinois, with a median household income of $54,752, which is 34% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 21.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Rockford is the 5th largest city in Illinois with a population of 147,521.
- Household income is 34% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x.
- Unemployment rate of 8.5% is notably above the national average.
Rockford Quick Facts
How Rockford Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,649 | 147,521 | -0.1% |
| Median household income | $53,328 | $54,752 | +2.7% |
| Median home value | $120,900 | $129,000 | +6.7% |
How Rockford Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 61 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Rockford Rankings in Illinois
Explore Illinois Rankings
Other Cities in Winnebago County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loves Park | 23,502 | $61,868 | 14.4% | $160,400 |
| Machesney Park | 22,630 | $75,489 | 13.7% | $173,700 |
| Roscoe | 10,706 | $93,036 | 5.5% | $227,800 |
| Rockton | 7,974 | $119,058 | 5.5% | $235,400 |
| South Beloit | 7,946 | $78,616 | 8.0% | $173,000 |
| Cherry Valley | 3,749 | $74,655 | 8.3% | $232,800 |
| Winnebago | 2,981 | $92,614 | 6.6% | $194,000 |
| Lake Summerset | 2,364 | $108,355 | 3.0% | $237,300 |
| Pecatonica | 2,024 | $73,162 | 7.0% | $143,900 |
| Durand | 1,592 | $65,688 | 7.0% | $135,500 |
Cities Similar to Rockford
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joliet | 150,445 | $92,201 | $265,800 | 25.5% | 11.1% |
| Peoria | 112,169 | $59,410 | $156,200 | 37.6% | 21.0% |
| Springfield | 113,330 | $66,064 | $162,100 | 36.3% | 16.8% |
| Aurora | 179,898 | $93,633 | $274,800 | 38.5% | 9.5% |
| Elgin | 114,934 | $90,282 | $273,000 | 27.0% | 9.8% |
Population Overview
Rockford is a major urban center located in Illinois, within Winnebago County. The total population is 147,521. It ranks as the 5th most populous out of 1,445 Census-designated places in Illinois.
Age Demographics
The median age in Rockford is 37.7 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 39.0 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Rockford is $54,752. This is 34% lower than the state median of $83,390. It is also 32% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 21.3%. This is 81% higher than the state poverty rate of 11.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 8.5%. This is 45% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $129,000. Housing costs are 51% lower than the state median of $263,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.4x, Rockford is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 54.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% lower than the state average of 67.1%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Rockford is White (non-Hispanic), making up 49.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 21.6%.
Education
23.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 38% lower than the state rate of 37.9%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 84.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Rockford, Illinois is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Illinois state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,445 Census-designated places in Illinois. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rockford, Illinois?
Rockford, Illinois has a population of 147,521 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Rockford, IL?
The median household income in Rockford is $54,752, which is 32% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Rockford, IL?
The poverty rate in Rockford is 21.3%. This means approximately 30,726 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Rockford, Illinois?
Rockford's population is 49.6% White, 19.2% Black, 21.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Rockford, IL?
The median home value in Rockford is $129,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x.
How educated is Rockford, Illinois?
23.5% of adults (25+) in Rockford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.