RANK #1 / 996 · POP 284,591 · IL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +5.6%
Winnebago County, Illinois, is distinguished by its natural scenery and recreational opportunities, particularly Rock Cut State Park in Loves Park. The park spans over 3,254 acres, featuring Pierce Lake and Olson Lake, and offers year-round activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, and cross-country skiing. Located in north-central Illinois, Winnebago County is approximately an hour and a half from Chicago. Its county seat, Rockford, was historically known as "the Forest City" and now as the "City of Gardens," boasting attractions like the Anderson Japanese Gardens. The Rock River, a prominent natural feature, flows through the county, with bike and walking paths along its banks. Life in Winnebago County offers a blend of community and access to nature. The county has a higher rate of home ownership and public schools are rated above average. Public transportation, including the Rockford Mass Transit District and the Stateline Mass Transit District, serves various towns, with new rural services launching in July 2025. The economy is driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, with Rockford serving as a regional hub for industry and innovation. Recent economic developments include increased visitor spending and the ongoing construction of the Hard Rock Casino.
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.9x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Winnebago County has a Boom Town Index score of 100/100, ranking #1 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.9% and a median household income of $61,738, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Winnebago County is $146,800 with median rent at $941/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4206, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.9%. Home values changed +9.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.23% of Winnebago County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.