ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — While violent crime in Rockford has declined for the third consecutive year, the city still ranks among the highest in Illinois for overall crime rates.

Yet, many residents say they feel safe.

“I don’t feel unsafe walking on one end of town compared to the other,” said Bailey Johnson, a Rockford native and Auburn High School graduate. “It’s a good town. We’ve got bad spots and good spots — but that’s everywhere.”

According to recent data, Rockford saw more than 1,000 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2024. Of those, approximately 50% were related to domestic violence. Gang and drug-related incidents made up an estimated 15 to 20 percent, while random, stranger-to-stranger attacks accounted for about 10 to 12 percent.

For some, those numbers are concerning.

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