2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Carbondale, IL vs Rockford, IL

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Highlights
Are people in Rockford older or younger than people in Carbondale?
- The Median Age in Rockford is 12.8 years older than in Carbondale.

Are housing costs cheaper in Rockford or Carbondale?
- Rockford housing costs are 14.2% more expensive than Carbondale housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Rockford or Carbondale?
- The average commute for residents of Rockford is 6.7 minutes longer than it is for residents of Carbondale.

Things to do in Carbondale?
Carbondale, Illinois is a vibrant city located in the heart of Southern Illinois. Visitors will find plenty to do and explore, including popular attractions like the Giant City State Park and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. The town boasts a thriving cultural scene with festivals, events, and live music venues all year round. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy browsing through the abundance of eclectic specialty stores and boutiques. Those looking for outdoor adventure can take part in activities like kayaking or mountain biking at nearby Shawnee National Forest. With its diverse culture and plenty of recreational opportunities, Carbondale is an ideal destination for visitors looking to experience the best that Southern Illinois has to offer.

Things to do in Rockford?
Rockford, Illinois is a vibrant city located in the heart of Winnebago County. Home to the beautiful Sinnissippi Park and Settlers Park, visitors can explore nature at its finest when visiting Rockford. There are also plenty of cultural attractions including museums, galleries, and performance venues such as the Coronado Performing Arts Center. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Rockford has something for everyone!

 Carbondale, ILRockford, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock148,942329,725,481
 Median Income$24,452  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$116,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock10.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time13.91  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Carbondale    7 Reviews

I've lived in C'dale for over 30 years. I got an excellent education here - Giant City School was great, though fairly insular and not very diverse (among its drawbacks  More

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Over 17 years ago

I like Carbondale. It is relaxing and an easy way to go about getting a college degree. It has its ups and downs, mainly with the people in the town not recognizing the  More

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All of the comments are negative here and seem to me to be misleading. The idea that you have to have a lot of money in Carbondale is ridiculous. The price of cultural  More

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Reviews for Rockford    54 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I've lived here my whole life . I love  More

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I was raised in the area and lived here 3/4 of my life. Rockford has definitely made efforts to bring events into the area so there are things to do and they have  More

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Over 6 years ago

Rockford has made great strides in the past 20 years. Downtown used to be a ghost town. Now, there are activities almost every weekend. City government has worked to  More

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