BREAKING NEWS: According to Eyewitness News, Rockford was named the most dangerous city in Illinois and it's the 16th worst city in the U.S. to live in.

Hey, don't kill the messenger, this was all based on info from a website that most of us haven't even heard of, 24/7 Wall Street.  According to their statistics, unemployment was a huge factor.

Really, that's it?

Not exactly. They say,

The city of Rockford, Illinois, has an unemployment rate of 7.7%, the highest of any city in the state and well above the 4.9% annual U.S. jobless rate. The city also ranks as the most dangerous in the state, with a violent crime rate of 1,658 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2016 — which is more than four times the U.S. violent crime rate.

The week jobs picture and high crime likely depress property values in the city. The typical home in Rockford is worth just $89,200, less than half the median home value of $186,500 across the state.

Is that all you got, 24/7 Wall Street?

Well, here's what I've got- 16 reasons why your information is completely and totally bogus.


Rockford is known for it's nationally recognized attractions like Nicholas Conservatory and Anderson Japanese Gardens.

Rob Carroll, Townsquare Media
Rob Carroll, Townsquare Media
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We have one of the best park districts in the country.

Big Budget Cuts Force the Rockford Park District to Eliminate Some Popular Programs
Google Streetview
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We've got the best swag.

Rockford Art Deli Rockford Illinois
Mandy James, Townsquare Media
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Rockford has some pretty fun festivals each year, including the Screw City Beer Festival.

Thinkstock
Thinkstock
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Speaking of beer, have you been to Carlyle or Prairie Street Brew House?

Karl Mohr via Facebook
Karl Mohr via Facebook
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Rockford is home to an iconic sports team and future Chicago Blackhawks.

1945 Rockford Peaches
Getty Images
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No need to travel to Chicago for world class food, we have plenty of amazing options here; some have even been recognized as being some of the best in the U.S.

15th & Chris Rockford
15th & Chris via Facebook
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The Forest City is family friendly.

Magic Waters via Facebook
Magic Waters via Facebook
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We're far from being geographically challenged; resort towns and the thrills of the big city are less than a tank of gas away.

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Thinkstock
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Let's not underestimate the joys of being on the Rock River, and near other rivers that are great for boating, kayaking, and floating.

Rock River Sand Bar in Beloit
Melissa Spranger via Facebook
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Sports, sports, sports. Tournaments, 5Ks, and Tough Mudders, OH MY.

Townsquare Media Photo
Townsquare Media Photo
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Does your city have a Beef-a-Roo? Yeah, I didn't think so.

Jeremy Fallis via Facebook
Jeremy Fallis via Facebook
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Screw City has culture. The Coronado, Starlight Theater, the Rockford Art Museum, and the Burpee...to name a few.

Burpee Museum Rockford Illinois
Mandy James, Townsquare Media
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Can your city say it has a band in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?

Cheap Trick Kicks Ass in CMT Awards Debut with Billy Ray Cyrus
FilmMagic, Getty Images
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Our law enforcement officers are the best in the business.

Rockford Police Officer's Act of Kindness Goes Viral
MyStateline.com
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Hey, at least we're not in the top 10.

Getty Images
Getty Images
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More about what we love about Rockford can be found below.

Bonus Video

 

 

 

 

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