2021

Rockford, IL MSA

Quick Reference Guide

RockfordIL.com

01

CONTENTSRegional Investment .....................................................................................................02

Economic Development KPIs .............................................................................................02Major Industrial Sectors .......................................................................................................02

Major Employers ............................................................................................................03Incentives and Credits ..................................................................................................04Logistics ..........................................................................................................................05

Air Services ............................................................................................................................05Distribution......................................................................................................................06

Transit Time by Truck ...........................................................................................................05Transit Time by Truck, & Rail..............................................................................................05Motor Freight Carriers .........................................................................................................05

Utilities .............................................................................................................................06Electric, Natural Gas, Water ................................................................................................06Fiber Optics ............................................................................................................................06Landfill Services ....................................................................................................................06Waste Managements Services .............................................................................................06

Workforce.......................................................................................................................07Occupational Salaries ...........................................................................................................07Availability .............................................................................................................................077:2:1 Ratio ...............................................................................................................................07

Demographics ...............................................................................................................08Age ..........................................................................................................................................08Gender ....................................................................................................................................08Race .........................................................................................................................................08Attainment .............................................................................................................................08Income ....................................................................................................................................08

Education .......................................................................................................................09Career, Technical, & Other ...................................................................................................09Undergraduate Programs ....................................................................................................09

Our Community .............................................................................................................09Cost of Living ........................................................................................................................10Health Care Accessibility .....................................................................................................10Retail Sales Tax Rates ............................................................................................................10Retail Trade ............................................................................................................................10

Quality of Place .............................................................................................................11Spectator Sports .....................................................................................................................11Events & Entertainment .......................................................................................................11Culture & Arts .......................................................................................................................11

Active Lives ....................................................................................................................12Sports & Recreation ..............................................................................................................12Other Resources ....................................................................................................................12

02

REGIONAL INVESTMENTThe regional economic impact figures and industry specific capital investment includes data from January 2016 through December 2020 for Winnebago County. The employment concentration figures for specific industry clusters are MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) level data; which includes Winnebago and Boone Counties.

New & Renovated Space5,619,989 sq. ft.

Capital Investment$1,271,141,316

New & Retained Jobs7,416

Capital Investment

$542,904,169

Employment Concentration

18.1%

NotesThis includes but is not

limited to aerospace, medical, automotive, and additive

manufacturing.

Manufacturing

Capital Investment

$43,750,000

Employment Concentration

9.1%

NotesThis includes but is not limited to warehouse,

airport improvements, and distribution.

Logistics & Distribution

Capital Investment

$647,348,089

Employment Concentration

5.6%

NotesThis combines data from our region’s four health systems,

VA services, and other medical establishments.

Healthcare

Capital Investment

$37,600,000

Employment Concentration

45%

NotesThis includes universities,

private schools, RPS205, HSD 122, and HCSD 206.

Education

Source: Bureau of Labor & Statistics May 2019; RAEDC Project Database

03

MAJOR EMPLOYERSCollins Aerospace

2,200Woodward

1,675

Aerospace

UPS2,203

Wal-Mart Stores1,470

Lowe’s1,110

Logistics, Retail, & Distribution

Rockford Public Schools District

4,075

Harlem Consolidated Schools1,1330

Belvidere Community Unit Schools

1,045

Healthcare

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)

3,580

Magna816

Syncreon600

Education

Mondelez850

General Mills675

Taylor Company*671

*Manufactures food production equipment

Automotive

Winnebago County1,461

Food Processing

Government

Mercyhealth4,520

SwedishAmerican3,375

OSF Healthcare2,200

City Of Rockford

1,216

Source: Company, news, & statistical websites Notes: Not all figures have been updated due to a lack of information from lay-offs and furloughs from COVID-19

04

INCENTIVES & CREDITSSource: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Region 1 Planning Council

Communities within the Rockford MSA work enthusiastically with new and expanding companies to create a higher standard of living for the region’s residents.

Incentives are an investment in the future economic well-being of a company and, as such, a return on investment of jobs, tax revenue, community cooperation, and capital investment is expected.

The Rockford Region offers an array of incentive programs for new and expanding businesses as well as entrepreneurs. These programs are designed to assist a wide selection of qualifying companies in various stages of their economic growth.

For additional information visit RockfordIL.com/incentive.

Local Incentives• TIF District (Tax

Increment Financing)• Rockford• Cherry Valley • Loves Park• Machesney Park• Rockton• South Beloit

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds

• Host Fee Loan Program

Federal Incentives• New Markets Tax

Credits• State of Illinois

New Markets Tax Credits

• Opportunity Zones• Foreign Trade Zone –

FTZ #176• Employment Based

Visa Programs• HUB Zone

State Incentives• EDGE Tax Credit• Advantage Illinois• High Impact Business Program• Apprenticeship Education Expense

Tax Credit• Data Center Investment Tax

Exemptions/Credits• Enterprise Zones

• Belvidere/Boone County• Loves Park• Machesney Park• Rockford I-90• Rockford EZ-1

• River Edge Redevelopment Zones• Property Assessed Clean Energy

(PACE)

Lake Michigan

Chicago

MilwaukeeMadison

Beloit

BelvidereRockford

South Beloit

Schaumburg

NapervilleAurora

Joliet

Evanston

Janesville

Quad Cities

Dubuque

WISCONSIN

ILLINOIS

IOWA

IND

IAN

A

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)

O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Rochelle

05

LOGISTICSAir ServiceSource: Airports Council International; Airport Authority Websites

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) • Top 20 air cargo airport in the Nation• 2018’s Fastest growing cargo airport in the

world• Amazon’s Ecommerce freight hub• UPS’s second-largest North American air hub• Driving distance from I-39/90 Interchange: 11

miles• AAR maintenance, repair, and overhaul

facility• 10,000 and 8,200 feet of hard surface runway • Can land any aircraft operating today• Category III instrument landing system• Centerline and touchdown zone lighting• Foreign Trade Zone benefits (FTZ #176)• 24/7 customs, federal inspections• CES (Centralized Examination Station)• Multiple FBOs - full spectrum of aviation

services• 3,000+ acres of airport land for development• 200+ airside acres• 2,000+ acres for industrial, commercial projects• Home to Global Trade Park, shovel ready sites

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)• Driving distance from I-39/90 interchange: 61

miles• 3rd busiest passenger airport & top 20 in cargo

in the world (2018)• 49 passenger, 30 cargo airlines• Nonstop service to 49 international

destinations

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)• Driving distance from I-39/90 interchange: 86

miles• Nonstop service to 73 cities• 26th busiest passenger airport in U.S. (2018)

Rail Service Rail carriers serving area:

BNSF, CN, CP Shortline rail serving area:

Illinois RailwayServices Include:• Continuous switching service• Intermodal service available• Transload service available

We are #1 in interstate and railroad connections – 4 interstates run through the region, businesses located here can reach 75% of U.S. businesses within a 24-hour truck drive.

All of this with the proximity to the major markets of Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee, but without all the congestion!

Rockford MSA

Atlanta2 Days

New Orleans3 Days

Dallas3 Days

New York

3 DaysDenver3 Days

Los Angeles4 Days

Kansas City2 Days

Minneapolis<1 Day

Detroit< 1 DayChicago

<1/2 Day

St. Louis<1 Day

06

DISTRIBUTIONTransit Time by Truck

Motor Freight CarriersLocal ............................................................ 45Long-Distance Truckload ......................... 74Long-Distance Less Than Truckload ...... 17Specialized ................................................. 37

Rail & Truck Transit Times Comparison

City Highway

MilesDays by

RailDays by

TruckHours by

TruckChicago 90 1 <1/2 1.5

Cleveland 422 4 1 6.5Kansas City 412 2 <1 7Milwaukee 90 1 <1/2 1.5New York 889 5 3 13.5St. Louis 297 2 <1 4.5

07

UTILIT IES

Utilities Source: Region 1 Planning Council

The Rockford MSA has competitive utility costs and a modern infrastructure, offering a lower cost of doing business with high-quality resources.

Illinois is ranked 3rd in the country for grid modernization, 10 spots ahead of our closest Midwest neighbor.

ElectricComEd (Investor-owned): Serves most of the MSA. Top 10% in reliability nationally. Business incentives are available.

Rock Energy (Co-Op): Serves a small northern portion of the MSA. It is a non-profit serving 27,000 customers in two states.

Natural GasNicor Gas (Investor-owned): Serves most of the MSA. It is the largest natural gas distributor in Northern Illinois. Energy rebates are available.

Rock Energy (Co-Op): Serves small northern portion of MSA. It is a non-profit serving 27,000 customers in two states.

Water & SewerThe region is considered attractive for its water capacity, quality, and service.

Industrial ServicesSource: U.S. Census Bureau MSA Business Patterns (2016)

The Rockford MSA has robust industrial and advanced manufacturing supply chains and is a top logistics distribution center.

Machine Shops.................................................154Tool and Die Shops .......................................... 25

Landfills Source: U.S. Census Bureau MSA Business Patterns (2016)

Winnebago Reclamation Services, Veolia ES Orchard Hills Landfill, Rochelle Sanitary Landfill, or Area Disposal Service Inc.Waste Management/ Remediation Services .......................................21

Fiber Optic Source: Region 1 Planning Council, Industry Reports

Business and residential customers within the Rockford MSA have access to robust fiber optic and broadband services.

Dark fiber exists throughout the region, particularly along interstates 90 and 39.

A redundant fiber loop connects the Rockford MSA to Chicago and other networks.

Comcast Business: More than 250 miles of fiber optics in the area, delivering Internet speeds up to 10 Gbps with options for even greater speeds.

iFiber: Provides up to 1 Gbps network transport services for the public and private sector on a 900-mile fiber network across nine Northern Illinois counties.

08

WORKFORCE

AvailabilitySource: Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), 2020

Commutable Non-Farm WorkforceWithin Rockford MSA .........................174,57930 Minutes .............................................217,01245 Minutes .............................................265,053

Employed in ManufacturingSource: Bureau of Labor and Statistics, May 2019

Rockford MSA .........................................16.0%State of Illinois ...........................................9.5%USA .............................................................6.2%

Occupational Salaries Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2018 1-year estimates

Occupation Annual Mean SalaryManagement Occupations (General) .................... $95,930Chief Executives ..................................................... $203,308Marketing Managers ............................................. $100,340Industrial Production Manager ............................. $98,680Construction Manager ............................................. $84,840Education Administrator ........................................ $88,090 (Kindergarten - Secondary)Architectural & Engineering Manager ................ $114,970Logistician ................................................................. $53,540Project Management ............................................... $68,850 & Business Operations SpecialistMechanical Engineer ............................................... $82,530Healthcare Practitioners ......................................... $85,680 & Technical OccupationsRegistered Nurse ...................................................... $66,910Nurse Practitioners ................................................ $119,450Family Medicine Physician ................................... $276,590Customer Service Representative .......................... $35,710Construction & Extraction Occupations ............... $65,470Carpenters ................................................................. $61,560Plumbers, Pipefitters, Steamfitters ......................... $84,100Installation, Maintenance, ...................................... $48,640 Repair OccupationsAircraft Mechanics & Service Technicians ........... $56,500Maintenance Workers, Machinery ......................... $50,570Production Occupations .......................................... $42,180First-Line Supervisors of Production ................... $65,860 & WorkersMiscellaneous Assembler, Fabricator .................... $45,160Welder, Cutter, Solderer, Brazer ............................. $41,160Computer Numerically Controlled ....................... $50,340 Tool Programmer

The Rockford MSA has a workforce with twice the national average of manufacturing employment along with strong technical and engineering skills. We have built the pipelines needed to support our establish and developing industry clusters and this workforce solution is what sets the region apart.

Our region has established nimble, industry specific, and customized education-to-workforce pipelines ensuring the region has the skilled workforce essential for fulfilling the requirements

of jobs that are good today, tomorrow, and in the future.

Learn more about continuing education, certification, apprenticeship, skilled trade, technical, or vocational training opportunities at

• Rockford.edu• RockValleyCollege.edu• ProjectFirstRate.com• RockfordCareerCollege.edu• RRVTMA.com

7:2:1

Area AttainmentSource: U.S. Census Bureau; MSA level data; Individuals 25 yeas old and older

PercentHigh school graduate/ ..............................88.8

equivalence or higherBachelor’s degree or higher ........................16Graduate or Professional degree ..............8.8

09

DEMOGRAPHICS

Wider Population Source: Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), 2019

Rockford MSA .................................................345,079Within 25 miles ................................................472,245Within 50 miles .............................................1,864,434Within 100 miles .........................................13,473,897

AgeSource: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program; MSA level data

Total Percent0 - 5 17,415 6.25 - 9 ..........................................10,478................6.510 - 14 ......................................18,434................6.515 - 19 ......................................17,963................6.420 - 24 ......................................17,492................6.225 - 34 ......................................34,366..............12.235 - 44 ......................................34,265..............12.145 - 54 ......................................34,795..............12.355 - 59 ......................................20,210................7.260 - 64 ......................................18,613................6.665 - 74 ......................................29,777.................1175 - 84 ......................................14,892................5.385+..............................................5,962................2.1

Median Age ................................39.8

GenderSource: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Program

Total ................... PercentMale 138,060 ............................48.9Female 144,512 ............................51.1

Income Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020 1-year estimates; Winnebago County level data

Median Household Income ...........................$53,866Mean Household Income ...............................$73,962Per Capita Personal Income ...........................$28,977

The Rockford Region is strong because of its diverse demographics and connected location — central in the Midwest and right next to the expanding Chicagoland market. And it is strong because of the cooperative, attractive cities and villages of all sizes across north-central Illinois.

RaceSource: ESRI 2020, MSA Level Data

Label TotalAmerican Indian............................................1,276Asian ...............................................................9,241Black and African American ......................40,813Hispanic ........................................................52,755Multiple Races .............................................12,131 Other Races ..................................................23,634Pacific Islander ..................................................126White ...........................................................257,858

Places of WorshipProtestant Churches ..............................................269Catholic Churches ...................................................17Latter-Day Saints Congregations ............................5Orthodox Churches ..................................................3Buddhist Temples......................................................4Mosques ......................................................................1Unitarian Universalist Churches ............................2Jewish Synagogues ...................................................2Baha’i Centers ............................................................1

10

EDUCATION

Winnebago County features award winning schools. Rockford Public Schools District 205 (RPS205) has attained level 4/5 in the Ford Next Generation Model Community and two schools have been awarded Model Status from the National Career Academy Coalition.

Undergraduate ProgramsSource: School, Ranking, & News websites

EnrollmentNorthern Illinois University .............................13,457Uni. of Wisconsin ...............................................11,133 Beloit College ........................................................1,402Rockford University ............................................1,211Judson University ................................................1,230Northern Illinois University ..................................972St. Anthony College of Nursing ............................202Uni. of Illinois-College of Medicine .....................387Upper Iowa University ...........................................120

Career, Technical, & OtherSource: School, Ranking, & News website

EnrollmentRock Valley College ............................................... 5,415Kishwaukee College .............................................. 2,295Blackhawk Technical College .............................. 2,470Highland Community College ............................ 1,730Rasmussen College ................................................... 571 Rockford Career College ......................................408

11

OUR COMMUNITYThe Rockford MSA is comprised of communities focused on exceptional quality of life for our residents and companies. The region is home to both large and small communities providing a wide array of lifestyle options from downtown lofts to quiet tree-lined historic neighborhoods. Live downtown, near a river, or in a rural home with plenty of space around you.

In the Rockford MSA, life is affordable and convenient, Our low cost of living makes creating a life here the easy choice. Reclaim your day by trading windshield time for activities with friends and family.

Cost of Living Index Source: C2ER (2020 Annual Average). Costs include housing, food, utilities, transportation, miscellaneous goods, and health care.

New York (Manhattan), NY .........................244.7Honolulu, HI ..................................................198.6San Diego, CA ................................................141.3Chicago, IL .....................................................120.0Denver, CO .....................................................110.8Madison, WI ...................................................106.6Minneapolis, MN ..........................................106.2Joliet-Will County, IL ....................................100.6Detroit, MI ........................................................99.5Austin, TX ........................................................99.3Phoenix, AZ......................................................98.9Cleveland, OH .................................................96.6Cedar Rapids, IA .............................................95.8Chattanooga, TN .............................................94.7Mobile, AL ........................................................94.3Peoria, IL ...........................................................92.6Columbus, OH .................................................92.2Indianapolis, IN ...............................................92.1Quad Cities, IL - IA .........................................91.7Wichita, KS .......................................................90.8Des Moines, IA.................................................89.6Rockford, IL ..............................................88.9Champaign-Urbana, IL...................................87.7St. Louis, MO ...................................................87.6

Retail TradeSource: 2017 U.S. Census Bureau; MSA level data

Number of Retail Establishments ...............1,026Total Retail Sales ............................$4,342,023,000

Retail Sales Tax

State ..................................................................6.25%County ...............................................................1.5%Municipal* .............................................. 0.0 to 2.0%*Special business districts in certain communities have higher rates.

TransportationRockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) • 21 day routes, 6 night routes, 6 Sunday only

routes, 41 vehicles• Service hours: Mon-Fri 5:15 am - 11:15 pm, Sat

6:00 am - 5:45 pm, Sun 9:15 am - 5:15 pm

Intercity Bus: Coach USA/Van Galder Bus Company• Daily service to O’Hare: 18 trips inbound, 20

outbound between 2:20 am and 12:30 am• 13 trips daily both to/from Downtown

Chicago/Union Station• 13 trips daily both to/from Midway Airport

Means of Transportation Total PercentCar/Truck/Van (alone) .............129,708 ............ 84.3Car/Truck/Van (carpool) ............13,790 .............. 9.0Public Transportation ..................1,634 .............. 1.1Walk .............................................. 1,486 .............. 1.0Taxi/Motorcycle/Bike/Other ...... 1,830 .............. 1.2

Mean travel time to work ...................22.7 minutes *Some data in this category may be impacted by COVID-19

12

QUALITY OF PLACE

Events & EntertainmentThere’s always something fun to do all season long in our region like discovering handmade artisan creations, learning about the Sock Monkey, or simply strolling our beautiful conservatory and gardens, visit downtown and sample the delicious food, or check out our unique storefronts for a bit of shopping.

Our spectacular events attract people from near and far. For a more complete list of activities visit: GoRockford.com.

• 815 Day• Farmers & Craft Markets• Friday Night Flix• Heritage Days• Hometown Christmas• Old Settlers Days• Rock River Anything That Floats Race• Rockford ProAm• Screw City Beer Festival• Stroll on State• Tough Mudder• WWII Days

HealthcareSource: Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, Online Sources, Area Health Resources Files

Rockford MSA residents enjoy the highest-quality and accessibility in medical care from four health systems.

Hospital Number of BedsMercyhealth ........................................................... 268 SwedishAmerican Hospital ................................. 359SwedishAmerican Medical Center Belvidere ..... 39 OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center ................... 254

Number of Physicians (M.D.) ........................... 1,003Number of Dentists (D.D.S.) ................................ 202

The positive business climate throughout our region is matched by a great quality of life! We have world-class attractions and activities throughout the year; which are within close proximity to major metropolitan areas. The advantages include big-city lifestyle but with a small-town feel.

Spectator SportsWhile spectator sports usually means watching, in our area that translates to being fully involved cheering for your favorite teams and players and having the chance to say you saw them play before they became famous.

• Rockford IceHogs, AHL hockey team (affiliates of the Chicago Blackhawks)

• Rockford Rivets, collegiate baseball• Rockford Speedway, the highest ranked

quarter mile oval short track raceway tabbed as “Mid-America’s Finest Racetrack”

15 Museums

14 Public Libraries

12 Art Galleries

07 Theaters

01 Symphony Orchestra

Culture and Arts

13

ACTIVE LIVES

Sport & RecreationSource: Online sources; MSA level data

Public Parks ........................................................... 185Parkland Acres ................................................. 8,629+Forest Preserve/Conservation Acres........... 17,209+

Public Swimming Pools .......................................... 6Water Parks ............................................................... 1

Fitness & Recreational Sports Facilities .............. 28

Ice Arenas .................................................................. 3

Indoor Sports Centers .............................................. 2Outdoor Sports Centers .......................................... 2

Public Golf Courses ............................................... 22Country Clubs .......................................................... 3

Other AmenitiesSource: Online sources; Winnebago County & MSA level data

31 Hotels, Motels, & Extended Stay

308 Restaurants

10,000 Seats

101 Financial Institutions

12 fm Radio Stations

7 TV Stations

2 Daily Newspapers

8 Campgrounds

1 Civic Center

5 Weekly Newspapers

6 am Radio Stations

The Rockford region has been a pioneering sports town since the mid-1980s. The UW Health Sports Factory downtown is designed for championship caliber basketball, volleyball and much more with its 105,000 square feet of competition space.

Across town, Mercyhealth Sportscore Two has turf and natural grass fields and the mega indoor sports complex is designed for everything from softball and soccer to ultimate frisbee and adaptive sports.

Our fields and facilities, along with public parks, forest preserves, golf courses and outdoor recreation spaces bring millions of adventure seekers to our region each year.

RockfordIL.com

Legal DisclaimerInformation contained herein has been compiled to the best of our knowledge. Any inaccuracies can be reported to information@RockfordIL.com.

100 Park Ave, Suite 100, Rockford, Illinois 61101T: 815.987-8118 | Information@RockfordIL.com

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