Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Rockford, IL

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Rockford are Northwest Rockford, Midtown/East, and East Rockford. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Rockford, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 24, 2025, the average rent in Rockford is $1,017, which is 6.9% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

Northwest Rockford

Average Rent

$890/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

24 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Rockford neighborhood on a budget, check out Northwest Rockford. The average rent is $890, compared to the city average of $1,017. Rent prices have increased by 2%. Northwest Rockford is convenient to Rock Valley College, Discovery Center Museum, and Burpee Museum of Natural History. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 51.

Midtown/East

Average Rent

$1,007/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.6%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

46 Rentals

Midtown/East is an affordable neighborhood in Rockford with an average rent price of $1,007. Compare this to the city average of $1,017. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.6%. Midtown/East provides easy access to Rockford University, Anderson Japanese Gardens, and Rock Valley College. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 53.

East Rockford

Average Rent

$1,067/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

22 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Rockford, East Rockford might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,067, while the city’s average stands at $1,017. In the last year, prices have increased by 2%. East Rockford is near Discovery Center Museum, Burpee Museum of Natural History, and The Shops Of Edgebrook.

Midtown Rockford

Average Rent

$1,080/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

13 Rentals

Midtown Rockford is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Midtown Rockford is $1,080 while the city average is $1,017. Residents enjoy convenient access to Chicago/Rockford International, Burpee Museum of Natural History, and Rock Valley College. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 80.

South Rockford

Average Rent

$1,126/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

10.2%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

25 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Rockford neighborhood on a budget, check out South Rockford. The average rent is $1,126, compared to the city average of $1,017. Rent prices have increased by 10.2%. South Rockford is convenient to Chicago/Rockford International, Kishwaukee Gorge South Preserve, and Kishwaukee River Preserve. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 25.

Great Oaks

Average Rent

$1,148/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

21 Rentals

Great Oaks is an affordable neighborhood in Rockford with an average rent price of $1,148. Compare this to the city average of $1,017. Great Oaks provides easy access to Kishwaukee College, Kishwaukee Gorge North Preserve, and Rasmussen College-Illinois. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 10.

Ready to make your move to Rockford? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!

Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.