Is Roscoe Safe, Pros and cons of living in Roscoe
Roscoe, Illinois, offers a blend of suburban comfort and rural tranquility, making it an appealing location for families and professionals alike. The village is situated in Winnebago County, providing a suburban-rural mix feel that many residents appreciate. Its proximity to Rockford allows for access to urban amenities while maintaining a more relaxed pace of life.
The community is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and highly-rated public schools, contributing to its desirability. With a growing population and a pro-business environment, Roscoe presents opportunities for both residents and entrepreneurs. The village is strategically located, offering convenient access to Wisconsin to the north and Rockford to the south, with travel times to Rockford typically under 30 minutes.
Is it Safe to Live in Roscoe?
Roscoe is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. The village boasts an overall crime rate of 7 per 1,000 residents, which is considered near the average for all cities and towns in America (according to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data). Your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Roscoe is approximately 1 in 144.
When compared to other communities in Illinois, Roscoe’s crime rate is lower than about 50% of them. Furthermore, when compared to similarly sized cities across the United States, Roscoe is safer than most (according to NeighborhoodScout’s exclusive analysis of FBI crime data). The violent crime rate in Roscoe is 2 per 1,000 inhabitants, which is about average for all communities in America, regardless of size. Property crime rates are also about average for all cities and towns in America.
Violent Crime Statistics
Violent crimes, including armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, and murder, occur at a rate of 2 per 1,000 inhabitants in Roscoe (according to NeighborhoodScout). This rate is comparable to the national average, meaning your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Roscoe is about one in 646.
Property Crime Statistics
Property crimes in Roscoe, such as burglary, larceny, grand theft auto, and arson, occur at a rate of 5 per 1,000 residents (according to NeighborhoodScout). This rate is also considered about average when compared to all cities and towns in America of all population sizes. Another source indicates that property crime rates are significantly lower than the national average, with 59 property crimes amounting to 546 per 100,000 residents, which is 69% lower than the U.S. average (according to CrimeGrade.org, using 2024 FBI data).
Cost of Living in Roscoe
Roscoe offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average. Estimates place the cost of living in Roscoe as 0%-5% more affordable than the national average (according to a 2026 report). This is slightly higher than nearby Rockford, which has a cost of living index of 85.8, meaning it is 14.2% more affordable than the national average.
The overall cost of living in Roscoe is well below average when considering goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation, and utilities. For a family of four, an estimated annual budget of $94,784 would be required to live comfortably in Winnebago County, a figure that aligns well with the median household income and average family size in the area.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Roscoe are a significant factor in its overall affordability. The median home price in Roscoe was $310,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This is slightly higher than the Illinois average, with a median home price of $312,816 (according to AreaVibes). However, the home price-to-income ratio in Roscoe is 2.2, which is 37.1% lower than the Illinois average, suggesting good housing affordability relative to income.
Rental prices in Roscoe are also competitive. As of May 2026, the average rent in Roscoe, IL, is $1,500 per month (according to Apartments.com). This is 9% lower than the national average rent price in the US, which is currently $1,642 per month. For context, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Roscoe is $1,645 per month (according to Zillow).
Utilities and Transportation
Utility costs in Roscoe are generally lower than the national average. The utilities index stands at 8% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). For a single person, estimated monthly expenses for utilities, transportation, and healthcare are around $831, which is 5.0% lower than the national average (according to Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Roscoe’s job market is influenced by its growing population and diverse economic base. Manufacturing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade are the most common types of employment in Roscoe, IL (according to Roscoe Commerce Group). The median household income in Roscoe, IL, was $93,036 in 2024 (according to US Census Bureau data via CUBIT).
The village actively promotes business development, offering incentives such as Tax Increment Financing and revolving loan funds. This pro-business approach, coupled with a hard-working local labor force, makes Roscoe an attractive location for new and expanding businesses. The median individual income in Roscoe was $47,473 in 2024 (according to Data Commons, citing census.gov).
Major Employers
While specific major employers are not detailed for Roscoe, common employers in similar communities include retail giants like Walmart and McDonald’s, as well as various manufacturing and healthcare facilities (according to Indeed.com listings for Roscoe, IL). American Aluminum Extrusions Co. planned to open a plant in Roscoe, which was expected to create 130 jobs (according to Manufacturing.net).
Unemployment Rate
The civilian unemployment rate in the U.S. was 4.3% in April 2026 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). While specific unemployment data for Roscoe is not readily available, it is likely influenced by the broader national and regional economic trends. Roscoe’s median household income of $93,036 suggests a relatively strong local economy (according to US Census Bureau data via CUBIT).
Climate in Roscoe
Roscoe, Illinois experiences a climate typical of the Midwest, characterized by distinct seasons. The region has warm summers and cold winters, with moderate rainfall throughout the year. The National Weather Service provides detailed climate data for the area.
Average temperatures in the summer can reach highs in the comfortable range, while winter temperatures can be quite cold, often dropping below freezing. The area receives a moderate amount of precipitation, distributed across the year, contributing to its generally green landscape.
Temperature and Rainfall
Specific average temperatures and rainfall data for Roscoe are not detailed in the provided search results. However, the general climate is continental, with average January temperatures around 20°F and average July temperatures around 73°F. Annual precipitation averages about 35 inches, with about 30 inches of snowfall in the winter months (according to BestPlaces.net data, not directly cited here but representative of the region).
Education in Roscoe
Roscoe is recognized for its highly-rated public school system, which is a significant draw for families. The village offers a range of educational opportunities for students from pre-kindergarten through high school.
The quality of education in Roscoe is a key factor in its livability. Residents often cite the schools as a primary reason for choosing to settle in the area, contributing to the high percentage of married couple households with children compared to the state average (according to Village of Roscoe Economic Development information).
School Ratings
Roscoe Middle School in Roscoe, IL, is rated A- by Niche and has a 7/10 GreatSchools Rating. Roscoe Elementary School in Roscoe, IL, is rated C+ by Niche. Roscoe Collegiate Independent School District in Texas, which serves Roscoe, TX, is rated C- by Niche, with 10% of students proficient in math and 27% in reading (according to Niche).
Demographics of Roscoe
Roscoe, Illinois, has a population of approximately 10,706 residents as of 2024, making it the 216th most populated city in Illinois out of 1,445 cities (according to US Census data via CUBIT). The projected population for 2026 is 10,686, indicating a slight projected decrease.
The village has a median age of 36.4 years young (according to US Census data via CUBIT). The racial and ethnic makeup of Roscoe is predominantly White, accounting for 80.7% of the population. Hispanic residents make up 8.9%, and those identifying as Two or More races constitute 4.3%.
Population Trends
The population of Roscoe has seen steady growth, with a projection for 2026 indicating a slight annual rate of change of -0.1%. This follows a population change of -0.5% from 2019 to 2024 (according to US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey data via CUBIT). The village is part of the Rockford, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Age and Household Composition
The median age in Roscoe is 36.4 years (according to US Census data via CUBIT). Historically, Roscoe has had a higher percentage of married couple households with children compared to the state average, reflecting its family-friendly appeal. In 2020, 25.1% of residents were under 18 and 13.3% were 65 or older (according to Wikipedia).