Economic Deveoplment
Demographics
Rockford’s demographics reflect a dynamic and diverse population that fuels our workforce and economy. Positioned in the heart of the Midwest, Rockford provides businesses with a strong labor pool, affordable living, and a thriving community.
Population & Growth
- City of Rockford Population: Approx. 145,000 (2024)
- Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Population: 338,356 (2024)
- Median Age: 38.4 years (2024)
Households & Income
- Number of Households: 132,500 (2024)
- Median Household Income: $62,500 (2024)
- Cost of Living: Approx. 25% below the national average
- Home Ownership Rate: Approx. 67%
- Median Home Value: $242,000 (2024)
- Median Home Listing: $124,900 (2024)
Labor Force & Employment
- Labor Force Size: 171,968 within the Rockford MSA
- Unemployment Rate: 5.2% (2024)
- Key Industry Employment:
- Manufacturing: 18.8% of total employment
- Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: 20.8%
- Educational and Health Services: 15.9%
Educational Attainment
- High School Diploma or Higher: 89%
- Associate’s degree or Some College: 32%
- Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 33%
- Apprenticeship & Technical Training: 4%
Diversity & Community
- White (Non-Hispanic): 66.2%
- Black or African American: 12.4%
- Hispanic (Any Race): 15.97%
- Asian: 2.69%
- American Indian: .12%
Other / Two or More Races: 2.62%
We believe in Data-Driven Decisions for Business & Life
Whether you’re an employer looking for skilled talent, a company seeking build to suit opportunities, or a family searching for your next home - Rockford’s advantages are evident.
Need more data? Contact us for customized reports and insights tailored to your business needs – (Angela & Doug )This should prompt us to contact Gina C. at TWC or R1 for a Data request)
Note: This data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Illinois Department of Employment Security, and local economic reports.