Manufacturing, including environmental controls, machine tools and hardware are important factors for the economy. The area also has a large number of chemical manufacturing firms which provide numerous jobs. The county includes first-tier suppliers in the aerospace industry. In addition, Rockford is also regarded as a prominent distribution center. An important objective of the city of Rockford is to bring more high-technology firms to the city.
The largest employers in Rockford are shown below:
- Rockford School District 205
- Rockford Health System
- Hamilton Sunstrand Corp
- Swedish American Health System
- St. Anthony's Medical Center
- United Parcel Service
- County of Winnebago
- Anderson Packaging
- Woodward Governor
- NCO
Some of the most popular jobs in Rockford where the majority of the workers are college graduates are registered nurses, teachers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, sales and related workers, mechanical engineers, managers, medical and clinical laboratory technicians; and social and human service assistants.
The major sectors for employment in Rockford are:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Metal and metal products
- Accommodation and food services
- Government
- Finance and insurance
- Manufacturing
Notable data about Rockford: Regarding the adult population, about 20% hold a bachelor's degree or better. In 2007 the estimated median household income was $39,000. In 2008 the cost of living index was 78 which is low when compared to the nation's average of 100.
Rockford companies have access to helpful business organizations such as:
The Rockford Register Star offers current information about the business endeavors in Rockford.
