Moving from Westminster, CO to Rockford, IL
A move from Westminster, CO to Rockford, IL covers 953 mi and around 16h 48m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
953 mi · 16h 48m by car · IL → IA → NE → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IA → NE → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 80, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, Greeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Westminster | Rockford | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 92.154 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 89.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 70.076 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Rockford are 12.9% below Westminster — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Rockford typical home at $177,225 is 12.9% under Westminster at $527,654 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Westminster -3.3%, Rockford +9.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Westminster | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 49°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 15°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 44.8" | 37.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.5" | 37.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.4°F vs 49.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Rockford sees 37.1 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORTHGLENN, CO US, ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Westminster | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,546 | 147,649 |
| Median household income | $96,145 | $53,328 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 14.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.4 |
Median household income in Rockford is 12.9% below Westminster ($96,145 vs $53,328, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rockford MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 17,580 | $41,900 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,500 | $41,140 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 15,320 | $41,130 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,130 | $30,050 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,300 | $34,130 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rockford averages 37.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Westminster vs Rockford?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,328 in Rockford vs $96,145 in Westminster — a 44.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Rockford, IL from Westminster, CO?
The driving distance is 953 mi and the route typically takes 16h 48m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Westminster to Rockford?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 953 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Rockford compared to Westminster?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $177,225 in Rockford vs $527,654 in Westminster — a 66.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Westminster and Rockford?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.4°F in Rockford vs 52.4°F in Westminster (3.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 37.1 in vs 44.8 in. Annual precipitation: 37.2 in vs 14.5 in.
How does the job market in Rockford compare to Westminster?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,810 in the Rockford MSA vs $58,490 in the Westminster MSA, on total employment of 138,920 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Rockford more expensive than Westminster?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rockford is 12.9% lower than Westminster (92.154 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Westminster.
City profiles: Westminster, CO · Rockford, IL.