Rockford, Illinois Zip Codes: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Rockford, Illinois, a vibrant city in the heart of the Midwest, boasts a rich heritage and diverse community. With a population of over 140,000, Rockford encompasses several distinct neighborhoods, each with its unique charm and identity. Navigating Rockford's geography can be simplified by understanding its zip code system, which plays a crucial role in mail delivery, census data collection, and local planning efforts. This article will delve into the various zip codes of Rockford, providing a comprehensive guide to the city's postal landscape.
Zip Code Overview
The city of Rockford is served by seven primary zip codes: 61101, 61102, 61103, 61104, 61107, 61108, and 61109. These zip codes cover the entire city, ensuring efficient mail delivery to all residents.
North Rockford Zip Codes
The northern part of Rockford is served by two zip codes:
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61103: Encompasses the wealthy and historic Rockford East and Ridgewood neighborhoods.
-
61109: Covers the densely populated Blackhawk Gardens and Cherry Valley areas, including the Rockford International Airport.
Central Rockford Zip Codes
The central part of Rockford is served by three zip codes:
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61101: Covers the downtown area, including the historic Rialto Theatre and Anderson Gardens.
-
61102: Encompasses the Bloomington Center and Kilburn Park neighborhoods, known for their Victorian architecture.
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61108: Includes the Edgebrook and Kenrock Gardens areas, home to the Discovery Center Museum.
South Rockford Zip Codes
The southern part of Rockford is served by two zip codes:
-
61104: Covers the Forest City and Newburg neighborhoods, including the Coronado Performing Arts Center.
-
61107: Encompasses the Corkhill and Harlem areas, home to the Rockford Rescue Mission and Rockford College.
Zip Code Demographics
According to the 2020 US Census, the zip code with the largest population in Rockford is 61109 (Blackhawk Gardens/Cherry Valley), with over 27,000 residents. The zip code with the smallest population is 61103 (Rockford East/Ridgewood), with just over 12,000 residents.
| Zip Code |
Population |
Median Household Income |
| 61101 |
16,543 |
$48,200 |
| 61102 |
15,398 |
$52,100 |
| 61103 |
12,137 |
$65,300 |
| 61104 |
17,615 |
$49,800 |
| 61107 |
14,271 |
$51,900 |
| 61108 |
16,482 |
$54,200 |
| 61109 |
27,569 |
$58,100 |
Interesting Stories
The Case of the Misdelivered Letter
One resident of Rockford was surprised to receive a letter addressed to a person in New York City. The zip code on the letter, however, was clearly 61108 - a Rockford zip code. It turned out that the postal worker had accidentally loaded the letter onto a truck bound for the East Coast. The letter was eventually delivered to its intended recipient, albeit with a slight delay.
The Zip Code That Changed Its Name
In the 1980s, the zip code 61106 covered an area north of Rockford that included the town of Loves Park. However, in 1990, Loves Park achieved its own independent status and was assigned its own zip code, 61111. This left the zip code 61106 as an unused code within Rockford.
The Zip Code that Inspired a Song
The Rockford band Cheap Trick released a song in 1979 titled "Surrender", which included the line "I want you to want me...in Rockford, Illinois." The song became a hit and helped to put Rockford on the musical map. Interestingly, the song does not mention any specific zip code from Rockford.
Useful Tables
Zip Code Boundaries
| Zip Code |
Boundaries |
| 61101 |
Rockford River to the west, State Street to the east, Kishwaukee River to the south, Rock River to the north |
| 61102 |
Rock River to the west, Kishwaukee River to the east, State Street to the south, 11th Street to the north |
| 61103 |
11th Street to the south, City limits to the north, Kishwaukee River to the west, State Street to the east |
| 61104 |
Harrison Avenue to the south, City limits to the north, West State Street to the west, City limits to the east |
| 61107 |
Harrison Avenue to the south, City limits to the north, State Street to the west, West State Street to the east |
| 61108 |
Kishwaukee River to the west, Woodward Avenue to the east, State Street to the south, Rockford River to the north |
| 61109 |
Rockford River to the west, City limits to the east, Woodward Avenue to the south, City limits to the north |
Post Offices in Rockford
| Post Office |
Address |
Zip Code |
| Main Post Office |
610 W Jefferson St |
61101 |
| Cherry Valley Post Office |
5605 E Riverside Blvd |
61109 |
| Harlem Post Office |
7015 N Alpine Rd |
61107 |
| Kilburn Post Office |
5952 Kilburn Ave |
61102 |
| Newburg Post Office |
5501 Forest Hills Rd |
61104 |
Schools by Zip Code
| Zip Code |
Elementary Schools |
Middle Schools |
High Schools |
| 61101 |
Rockford Magnet School, Washington Elementary School |
Roosevelt Middle School |
Guilford High School |
| 61102 |
Bloom |
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