Rockford, IL Census Data
The 5th largest city in Illinois by population · 29 cities ranked
Rockford is the 5th largest city in Illinois by population and ranks 28th of 29 for median household income. With 147,649 residents, its poverty rate of 21.9% ranks among the higher rates in Illinois. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
147,649
48.7% male · 51.3% female
Median Age
37.5
1.2 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$53,328
$25,210 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
23.2%
11.8% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 84.9%
Poverty Rate
21.9%
9.5% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 7.0%
Broadband Access
91.4%
1.7% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$120,900
Median rent: $954 · 54% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
8.6%
Labor force participation: 54.8%
Per Capita Income
$33,519
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.2%
Disability rate: 16.7%
How Rockford Compares to Other Illinois Cities
Rankings among all 29 Illinois cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 5th of 29 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 28th of 29 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 28th of 29 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 26th of 29 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 28th of 29 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Rockford, IL Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rockford, IL?
The population of Rockford, IL is 147,649 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 37.5 years.
What is the median household income in Rockford?
The median household income in Rockford, IL is $53,328, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $33,519.
What is the poverty rate in Rockford?
The poverty rate in Rockford, IL is 21.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 7.0% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Rockford residents have a college degree?
23.2% of adults (25+) in Rockford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 84.9% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Rockford?
The median home value in Rockford, IL is $120,900. Median rent is $954 per month, with 54% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Rockford?
Rockford's population is 55.5% White, 21.8% Black, 20.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Rockford rank among Illinois cities?
Rockford is the 5th largest city in Illinois by population, the 28th highest for median household income, the 28th lowest for poverty rate, the 26th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 29 ranked Illinois cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Rockford?
The unemployment rate in Rockford, IL is 8.6%, with a labor force participation rate of 54.8%. Per capita income is $33,519.
Cities Similar to Rockford
Other Illinois cities with comparable population and income levels.