Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Rockford, IL

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Rockford are Northwest Rockford, Rolling Green, and Midtown/East. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Rockford, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of November 9, 2025, the average rent in Rockford is $981, which is 3.8% 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

$878/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.1%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

23 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Rockford neighborhood on a budget, check out Northwest Rockford. The average rent is $878, compared to the city average of $981. Rent prices have increased by 2.1%. Northwest Rockford is convenient to Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rock Valley College, and Kishwaukee College. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 51.

Rolling Green

Average Rent

$996/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.4%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

10 Rentals

Rolling Green is an affordable neighborhood in Rockford with an average rent price of $996. Compare this to the city average of $981. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.4%. Rolling Green provides easy access to Alpine Village, Rasmussen College-Illinois, and Burpee Museum of Natural History. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 60.

Midtown/East

Average Rent

$1,023/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.8%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

46 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Rockford, Midtown/East might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,023, while the city’s average stands at $981. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.8%. Midtown/East is near Midway Village Museum, Chicago/Rockford International, and Discovery Center Museum.

East Rockford

Average Rent

$1,066/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.5%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

27 Rentals

East Rockford is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in East Rockford is $1,066 while the city average is $981. This is a 2.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Rock Valley College, Rockford University, and Discovery Center Museum. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 48.

Great Oaks

Average Rent

$1,083/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

18 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Rockford neighborhood on a budget, check out Great Oaks. The average rent is $1,083, compared to the city average of $981. Great Oaks is convenient to Espenscheid Memorial Preserve, Colonial Village Mall, and Rock Valley College. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 10.

South Rockford

Average Rent

$1,099/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

6.9%

TransitScore® Rating

36/100

Units Available

24 Rentals

South Rockford is an affordable neighborhood in Rockford with an average rent price of $1,099. Compare this to the city average of $981. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 6.9%. South Rockford provides easy access to Kishwaukee College, Rock Valley College, and Kishwaukee Gorge South Preserve. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 54.

Midtown Rockford

Average Rent

$1,131/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

10 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Rockford, Midtown Rockford might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,131, while the city’s average stands at $981. Midtown Rockford is near Rock Valley College, Rockford Plaza, and Swim Club Shooping Center.

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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.