ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — While violent crime in Rockford has declined for the third consecutive year, the city still ranks among the highest in Illinois for overall crime rates.

Yet, many residents say they feel safe.

“I don’t feel unsafe walking on one end of town compared to the other,” said Bailey Johnson, a Rockford native and Auburn High School graduate. “It’s a good town. We’ve got bad spots and good spots — but that’s everywhere.”

According to recent data, Rockford saw more than 1,000 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2024. Of those, approximately 50% were related to domestic violence. Gang and drug-related incidents made up an estimated 15 to 20 percent, while random, stranger-to-stranger attacks accounted for about 10 to 12 percent.

For some, those numbers are concerning. For others, they’re a sign of progress.

“I leave work late at night and it’s dark outside,” said Madi Rhea, who works downtown. “I’ve never been scared. It’s really nothing to be worried about.”

Still, Rhea and others say they remain vigilant.

“Just always be aware of your surroundings, no matter where you are,” Johnson said. “Keep some pepper spray on you. Lock your doors. Close your windows at night.”

Johnny Williams, another lifelong Rockford resident, echoed that sentiment.

“I grew up here,” he said. “I really don’t have too many problems. I just go to work and come home. I don’t have to look over my shoulder or nothing like that.”

For Johnson, the deeper concern lies not in the crime itself, but in its roots. She’s more concerned with the fact that most men who commit acts of violence in Rockford were exposed to domestic or sexual abuse growing up than being the victim of a random attack.

“It’s just as important for everybody to get that kind of help — not just one gender or one race,” she said.” We’re all human.”

Rockford 2024 crime statistics at a glance

Violent Crime Rate per 100,000 People

• Total violent crime rate: 1,162 per 100,000 residents
• Breakdown per 1,000 residents:
  • Assault: 9.67
  • Robbery: 1.25
  • Rape: 0.58
  • Murder: 0.12

By neighborhood

• Safest: Northeast Rockford (1 in 539 chance of being a victim)
• Most Dangerous: West Rockford (1 in 137 chance)
• Highest total crime counts: Southeast Rockford (971/year)
• Lowest crime counts: Southwest Rockford (42/year)

Domestic violence

• Percentage of violent crimes: 50%
• Trend: Up from 44% in 2023 and 38% in 2022 

Drug-related violent crime

• Estimated percentage: 10–15%
• Based on cost-of-crime data and police reports 

Gang-related violent crime

• Estimated percentage: 15–20%
• Gang Risk Index: 13.1 (national average is 7.0)
• Estimated gang members: 3,750 across 25 active gangs 

 Random attacks

• Estimated percentage: 10–12% of violent crimes
• These include unprovoked assaults, stranger-on-stranger incidents, and opportunistic robberies.
• Most common in high-traffic public areas and during late-night hours 

About the data

The statistics and insights provided in this report on violent crime in Rockford, Illinois for 2024 are compiled from a combination of official sources, local law enforcement reports, and crime analytics platforms:

Primary Sources

• Rockford Police Department (RPD): Annual crime reports, press releases, and community safety briefings.
• City of Rockford Public Safety Updates: Data shared by Mayor Tom McNamara and Police Chief Carla Redd.
• Illinois State Police: Statewide crime trends and gang activity assessments.

Crime analytics platforms

• CrimeGrade.org: Provides neighborhood-level crime risk scores and victimization probabilities.
• NeighborhoodScout: Offers per capita crime rates and comparative analysis with state and national averages.
• City-Data.com: Aggregates crime statistics by ZIP code and demographic factors.

Estimates and derived metrics

• Gang and drug-related crime percentages: Based on gang risk indices, local law enforcement estimates, and community impact studies.
• Random attack estimates: Derived from public safety briefings and crime pattern analysis in high-traffic areas.

Timeframe

• All data reflects calendar year 2024, with comparisons to 2023 and 2022 where relevant.

How Rockford measures up

Compared to the rest of Illinois and the nation, Rockford’s violent crime rate remains significantly higher. In 2024, the city reported approximately 1,162 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, more than three times the Illinois state average of around 360 per 100,000, and well above the national average of 380 per 100,000.

However, the city has seen a steady decline in violent crime since 2020, with notable reductions in shootings, robberies, and aggravated assaults. In 2024 alone, shootings dropped by 32%, and robberies fell by more than 20% compared to the previous year.

City officials and community leaders attribute the trend to increased police-community engagement, targeted intervention programs, and expanded mental health and domestic violence resources.