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

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

Are housing costs cheaper in Ottawa or Rockford?
- Ottawa housing costs are 13.8% more expensive than Rockford housing costs.

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

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!

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.

 Rockford, ILOttawa, ILUnited States
 Population  Unlock18,719329,725,481
 Median Income$47,002  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock39.738.4
 Avg. Home Price$132,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock7.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time20.6  Unlock26.38
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

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


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.