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
Get Rockford's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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% |
Largest cities in Illinois
Largest counties in Illinois
Part of Illinois
Metro areas in Illinois
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).
Rockford city, IL Climate
Rockford city, IL has an average annual temperature of 9.1°C (48°F) and receives about 899 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.1°C
Avg Temp
899
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 33 mm |
| February | -4° / 25° | 29 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 61 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 90 mm |
| May | 16° / 60° | 89 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 109 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 102 mm |
| August | 22° / 72° | 104 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 98 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 68 mm |
| November | 3° / 38° | 66 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 50 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Rockford city, IL
The most comfortable months to visit Rockford city, IL are typically June, August and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Rockford
Visiting or relocating to Rockford, IL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Rockford
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Rockford?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Rockford, IL by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Illinois
Population 2,707,648
Population 179,867
Population 149,785
Population 149,424
Population 114,106
Full rankings of Illinois cities by population
Statewide data for Illinois
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Illinois
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.