Rockford, IL vs Surprise, AZ
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Rockford
74.8
#554 nationally
Surprise
71
#1038 nationally
Surprise leads in crime level (3.0 vs 29.6). Rockford leads in walk score (41 vs 21). Surprise leads in median household income ($87,756 vs $50,744).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Surprise, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.8 (#554) | 71 (#1038) |
| Population | 146,120 | 158,285 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $186,815 | $419,342 |
| Median Household Income | $50,744 | $87,756 |
| Average Commute | 21.4 min | 30.5 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 21 |
| Crime Level | 29.6 | 3.0 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 115 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+0.6 | R+3.5 |
C
74.8 Score
Rockford, IL
Mid-size Illinois city with community character
Median Home
$186,815
Population
146,120
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
41
Midwest
View Rockford, IL →
C-
71 Score
Surprise, AZ
Mid-size Arizona city with community character
Median Home
$419,342
Population
158,285
Crime
Low
Walk Score
21
Southwest
View Surprise, AZ →