Average Rent in Rockford, IL (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Rockford, IL is $884/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 17 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +6.7% year over year. Rents range from $810 to $1,130.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$884/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 17 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↑ +6.7%
Source: Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Rockford, IL is $884/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 17 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 6.7% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Rockford is 26% below the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Rockford, IL ranges from $810 to $1,130 across 17 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Rockford, IL is approximately 6.7% for 2026. An increase above 6.7% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Rockford, IL?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Rockford, IL is $884/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 17 ZIP codes. Rents range from $810 to $1,130 depending on neighborhood — a $320/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $35,360/year.
Is rent going up in Rockford?
Rents in Rockford have increased 6.7% year over year based on local market data. This is a notably high rate of increase, indicating strong upward rent pressure in Rockford.
What is a fair rent increase in Rockford?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 6.7% is in line with the Rockford market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in Rockford
+6.7%
Rents in Rockford are rising at +6.7% year-over-year.
− Estimated trend
Market sources range from +0.2% to +8.9%
Sources: Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Rockford?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Rockford typically rents for $801 – $865.
Rents above $995 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Rockford typically rents for $884 – $955.
Rents above $1,098 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Rockford typically rents for $1,161 – $1,254.
Rents above $1,442 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Rockford typically rents for $1,536 – $1,659.
Rents above $1,908 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Rockford typically rents for $1,576 – $1,702.
Rents above $1,957 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Rockford
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$801
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$884
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$1,161
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$1,536
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$1,576
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Rockford
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific. YoY from Apartment List or Zillow ZORI where available.
How Does Rockford Compare?
Questions about rent in Rockford
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Rockford, IL?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Rockford, IL is $884/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 17 ZIP codes in the city. This is 26% below the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $810 to $1,130 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Rockford?
A rent increase up to about 6.7% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Rockford. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $884/month.
Are rents going up or down in Rockford?
Rents in Rockford have increased 6.7% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 17 ZIP codes in the Rockford, IL MSA area.
How much do rents vary across Rockford?
1-bedroom rents across Rockford range from $810 to $1,130 on this page, a $320/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Rockford?
We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Rockford. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.
How much should I spend on rent in Rockford?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Rockford at $884/month, a household would need approximately $35,360/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
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Renter Tools
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See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in Illinois →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in Illinois.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →