Rockford, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Rockford, Illinois is 147,649 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 5th-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $53,328, the median home value is $120,900, and the median age is 37.5.
The population has declined 3.7% since 2010 (153,147 → 147,486).
147,649
Population
2261
People / sq mi
$53,328
Median Income
$120,900
Median Home Value
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Rockford covers 65.3 sq mi of land at 2261 people per square mile.
About Rockford, IL
Housing cost is the defining feature of Rockford: the median home is valued at $120,900. Rockford is a city in Illinois with a population of 147,649. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Illinois in the country, at #5 by population.
The typical household earns $53,328, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.7%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $120,900, with typical rent around $954.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 23.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 7.9% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Rockford city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Rockford city had a population of 153,147 in 2010 and 147,486 in 2024, a -3.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 153,147 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.27%.
147,486
Population (2024)
153,147
Population (2010)
153,147
Peak (2010)
-0.27%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 153,147 |
| 2011 | 152,129 |
| 2012 | 151,258 |
| 2013 | 150,608 |
| 2014 | 149,378 |
| 2015 | 148,465 |
| 2016 | 147,796 |
| 2017 | 147,008 |
| 2018 | 146,307 |
| 2019 | 145,609 |
| 2020 | 148,696 |
| 2021 | 147,792 |
| 2022 | 146,937 |
| 2023 | 146,799 |
| 2024 | 147,486 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 55.5% |
| Black or African American | 21.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$53,328
Median Household Income
$30,409
Per Capita Income
16.7%
Poverty Rate
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$120,900
Median Home Value
$954
Median Rent
53.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
84.9%
High School+
23.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.0%
Drive Alone
77.2%
Public Transit
7.9%
Work From Home
21.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
17.6%
Foreign Born
78.6%
Non-English at Home
6.2%
Veterans
16.7%
With Disability
93.0%
Health Insurance
91.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 23.7% |
| Manufacturing | 18.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.4% |
| Retail Trade | 7.6% |
| Construction | 5.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.6% |
| Information | 3.5% |
| Public Administration | 2.3% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.4% |
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City rankings
Common questions about Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Rockford, Illinois has a population of 147,649 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 5th-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in Rockford, Illinois is $53,328, with 16.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Rockford, Illinois is $120,900, with median monthly rent at $954 and a homeownership rate of 53.8%.
The median age in Rockford, Illinois is 37.5 years. The population is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
The population has declined 3.7% since 2010 (153,147 → 147,486).
Where to stay in Rockford
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.