Cost of Living in Rockford, MI
Population 6,162 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Rockford a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $295,000. At 8.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 13 miles northeast of Grand Rapids, Rockford falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 31% higher than Grand Rapids' $226,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rockford
The median home value in Rockford is $294,800 — 3% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,088/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $100,156/year is 34% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Michigan's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Rockford has a cost of living index of 91 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% less expensive.
Rockford has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rockford, MI?
Rockford has a cost index of 91 (100 = national average). It is 9% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rockford, MI?
The median gross rent in Rockford is $1,088 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rockford?
The median home value in Rockford is $294,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rockford?
The median household income in Rockford is $100,156 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rockford, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rockford is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Rockford, MI affordable?
Rockford is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 91 (100 = US average).
Rockford at a Glance
- Population
- 6,162
- Median Income
- $100,156
- Home Value
- $294,800
- Median Rent
- $1,088/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs