Is Rochelle Safe, Pros and cons of living in Rochelle
Rochelle, Illinois, is a city that balances small-town charm with growing opportunities. Located in Ogle County, it offers a unique blend of community atmosphere and practical amenities for its residents. The city is known for its strategic location, providing access to larger metropolitan areas while maintaining its own distinct identity.
This overview aims to provide a comprehensive look at life in Rochelle, covering essential aspects for anyone considering a move. From safety and cost of living to employment and education, we will explore the key factors that define this Illinois community. Understanding these elements is crucial for making an informed decision about whether Rochelle is the right place to call home.
Is it Safe to Live in Rochelle?
Rochelle’s crime rates present a mixed picture, with some areas showing lower incidents than national averages. Overall crime rates are reported as 4% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, violent crimes are notably lower, with a rate 12% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Rochelle is approximately 1 in 46 (as reported by AreaVibes). In terms of violent crime specifically, the rate is 2.116 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). The murder rate is 0.0428 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Rochelle offers a median listing price of $179.9K (as reported by realtor.com®). Homes in Rochelle typically spend 41 days on the market (as reported by realtor.com®). The median home value is reported as $141,773 (according to Livability.com).
For those considering renting, the average rent in Rochelle is approximately $992 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure is about 50.4% lower than the national average rent (as reported by Zillow). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $825 per month, while a two-bedroom averages $1,050 per month (as reported by Zumper).
Cost of Living
Rochelle’s overall cost of living is favorable, being 9% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Housing costs are particularly attractive, sitting 30% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Monthly expenses for a single person in Rochelle are estimated at $2,330, and for a family of four, it’s around $5,131 (as reported by Salary.com). These costs are 6% lower than the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Rochelle’s economy is supported by a range of industries, with manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade being prominent sectors. Major employers in the area include Walmart, McDonald’s, Target, and Amazon.com (as reported by Indeed.com).
Manufacturing companies such as Hormel Foods, Avon, and Zekelman Industries also contribute significantly to employment opportunities (as reported by Indeed.com). Logistics and distribution companies like AmeriCold are also key players, benefiting from Rochelle’s transportation infrastructure (as reported by Rochelle, IL Economic Development).
Employment and Wages
As of a recent report, employment in Rochelle, IL, has seen a slight decline, with the workforce numbering around 24,207 (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Rochelle stands at 8.2% (according to Point2Homes).
The median wage in Rochelle is approximately $46.2K per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The average salary for employees at the City of Rochelle Illinois is reported at $88,065 per year (as reported by City of Rochelle Illinois).
Climate and Environment
Temperatures and Rainfall
Rochelle experiences distinct seasons, with temperatures typically ranging from 14°F to 82°F throughout the year (as reported by World Climate). Summers are warm and wet, while winters are cold, snowy, and windy (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The average annual precipitation is around 37 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). June is typically the wettest month, with an average of 4.0 inches of rain, while January is the driest, receiving about 0.6 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Seasonal Conditions
The warm season in Rochelle lasts from mid-May to late September, with average daily high temperatures above 71°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 82°F and lows of 62°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Conversely, the cold season spans from December to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 39°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 14°F and highs of 29°F (as reported by World Climate).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Rochelle Township High School is rated as B+ on Niche, with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 (as reported by Niche). Rochelle Middle School has a lower rating, with a grade of C (as reported by Niche).
The Rochelle Community Consolidated School District 231 has an average testing ranking in the bottom 50% of Illinois school districts (as reported by Public School Review). Proficiency scores in math and reading for this district are below state averages (as reported by Public School Review).
Demographics
Rochelle has a population of approximately 9,529 people (as reported by Data USA). The racial composition includes a majority of White residents, followed by Hispanic and Black or African American populations (as reported by Data USA).
The median age in Rochelle is 36 years (as reported by Data USA). For every 100 females, there are approximately 102.7 males (as reported by Data USA).