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

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Rockford older or younger than people in Ottawa?
- The Median Age in Rockford is 2.1 years younger than in Ottawa.

Are housing costs cheaper in Rockford or Ottawa?
- Rockford housing costs are 12.1% less expensive than Ottawa housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Rockford or Ottawa?
- The average commute for residents of Rockford is 0.5 minutes longer than it is for residents of Ottawa.

Things to do in Ottawa?
Ottawa, IL is an inviting town northwest of Chicago full of amazing places to explore like La Salle Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area displaying its distinctive landscape or Canal Corridor Association hosting outdoor activities; their annual event Ottawa Two Rivers Wine Festival brings people together with food and games every April.

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!

 Ottawa, ILRockford, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock148,942329,725,481
 Median Income$61,083  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.638.4
 Avg. Home Price$151,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock10.1%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time20.1  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Ottawa    6 Reviews

Over 8 years ago

Have all of the radiation sites been cleaned up? If not, did the tornado stir up and blast some radiation from these sites to other  More

   |    Reply

Over 11 years ago

Good location with low cost of living and close enough to Chicago and suburbs to take advantage of their  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

Although Ottawa is a very nice place to live, living here is becoming rediculous...as taxes go. I bought a house less then four years ago and my taxed went from  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Ottawa

Reviews for Rockford    54 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Rockford


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.