Cost of Living in Rochelle, IL

Population 9,477 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

59
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Rochelle is a smaller Illinois community of around 9000 residents, where median household incomes of $63,373 and housing costs ($153,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 25 miles south of Rockford, Rochelle falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 27% higher than Rockford's $121,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 50
Rent 73

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Rochelle

The median home value in Rochelle is $153,000 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $962/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,373/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 57.7°F and lows of 37.9°F. Overall, Rochelle has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$153,000
50% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$188,109
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$962/mo
27% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$651
1 BR
$741
2 BR
$899
3 BR
$1,196
4 BR
$1,364
Owner-occupied 53.2%
Renter-occupied 46.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$962
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,576/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
25.5 min
6% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.7%
Carpooled
6.1%
Walked
1.0%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
6.0%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$63,373
15% below avg
Per Capita Income
$33,577
Unemployment Rate
7.7%
60% above avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
Labor Force Participation
68.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.6%
Graduate degree 7.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.1
Male median age 35.8
Female median age 40.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.7°F
Avg Low
37.9°F
Annual Precip
37.4"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 283246597080828074624633
Low °F 131727374858615850392919
Precip" 1.671.922.483.624.594.543.774.083.422.982.292.05

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rochelle, IL?

Rochelle has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.

What is average rent in Rochelle, IL?

The median gross rent in Rochelle is $962 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rochelle?

The median home value in Rochelle is $153,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Rochelle?

The median household income in Rochelle is $63,373 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rochelle, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rochelle is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Rochelle, IL affordable?

Yes, Rochelle is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Rochelle?

Rochelle has average high temperatures of 57.7°F and average lows of 37.9°F. Annual precipitation is 37.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Rochelle at a Glance

Population
9,477
Median Income
$63,373
Home Value
$153,000
Median Rent
$962/mo
Unemployment
7.7%
Avg High Temp
57.7°F
Sales Tax
8.7%
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🗺️ County data for Illinois

Explore county-level cost of living data

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