Rockford, IL vs Wheaton, IL
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Rockford
74.8
#554 nationally
Wheaton
75.2
#497 nationally
Wheaton leads in crime level (1.4 vs 29.6). Wheaton leads in median household income ($113,523 vs $50,744). Rockford leads in cost of living index (87 vs 126).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.8 (#554) | 75.2 (#497) |
| Population | 146,120 | 52,938 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $186,815 | $518,505 |
| Median Household Income | $50,744 | $113,523 |
| Average Commute | 21.4 min | 26.5 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 40 |
| Crime Level | 29.6 | 1.4 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 126 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+0.6 | D+13.3 |
C
74.8 Score
Rockford, IL
Mid-size Illinois city with community character
Median Home
$186,815
Population
146,120
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
41
Midwest
View Rockford, IL →
C
75.2 Score
Wheaton, IL
Illinois community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$518,505
Population
52,938
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
40
Midwest
View Wheaton, IL →