Concrete driveway cost in Rockford, IL
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (600 sq ft)
- $4,250 – $11,100
- Per sq ft
- $7 – $18
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +20%
- US $6,450
- Rank of 300 metros
- #19
- 1 = most expensive
Rockford homeowners pay roughly $4,250 to $11,100 to pour a concrete driveway at 600 sq ft, or $7 to $18 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Rockford is 20% higher. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $36.21 an hour in the Rockford area, 32% above the US median of $27.41.
Estimate your concrete driveway cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 600 sq ft in Rockford, IL, standard level
$6,300 to $9,050
About $10.50 to $15 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 75% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,600 | $1,950 |
| Labor | $4,650 | $6,950 |
| Permits and fees | $90 | $140 |
| Total | $6,300 | $9,050 |
Cost breakdown for 600 sq ft in Rockford, IL
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,300 | $1,750 | $2,250 | 23% |
| Labor | $2,900 | $5,800 | $8,700 | 75% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $120 | $180 | 1% |
| Total | $4,250 | $7,700 | $11,100 | 100% |
Why Rockford prices look the way they do
The wage side of the estimate leans on cement masons and concrete finishers, who do 50% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $36.21 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Rockford is 1.31 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 75% of the total.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Rockford metro is 93.6 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 600 sq ft comes to $1,750, compared with $1,900 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (92.2) and land at $45 to $180.
Optional extras in Rockford
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Rockford by the average of the local wage index (1.31) and goods index (0.94), a factor of 1.13. Tick any of them in the estimator above to add them to your total. Treat these as planning figures: an add-on touches different trades than the main job, so the scaling is an approximation.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add rebar reinforcement | $680 – $2,050 |
| Remove the old driveway | $1,350 – $4,050 |
Why two Rockford quotes can differ
Thickness
HomeGuide prices a standard 4-inch driveway at $6-$15/sq ft and a 6-inch one, recommended for heavy vehicles, at $8-$20/sq ft.
Old driveway removal
Tearing out the old surface adds about $2-$6 per sq ft, and some cities want the haul-off documented.
Grading and drainage
Professional grading runs $3-$8 per sq ft or $700-$2,500 for a typical job. A sloped lot or poor soil raises it.
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 4 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Rockford is 1.31 times the national level.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 50%) the local median is $36.21 an hour, which is 32% above the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $24.80 and $42.13 an hour. BLS counts 140 of them working in the area, 10.2 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 13.3), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 30% of the weighting: a median of $28.07 an hour, 24% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.55 and $38.91 an hour. About 830 work in the metro. That is 60.3 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 10%) the local median is $46.75 an hour, which is 62% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $33.52 and $48.97 an hour. BLS counts 260 of them working in the area, 18.9 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is thinner than average.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 10%) the local median is $34.99 an hour, which is 20% above the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $27.33 and $47.16 an hour. BLS counts 810 of them working in the area, 58.8 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the cement masons and concrete finishers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($42.13 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $480. At the 25th percentile ($24.80) it shrinks by about $920. The total moves by 6.2% or 11.9%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 137,650 jobs in the Rockford area. That makes it the 161st largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.09% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 50% | $24.80 | $36.21 | $42.13 | $27.41 | 1.32 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $22.55 | $28.07 | $38.91 | $22.66 | 1.24 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $33.52 | $46.75 | $48.97 | $28.78 | 1.62 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $27.33 | $34.99 | $47.16 | $29.12 | 1.20 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.31 | |||||
Related projects, priced for Rockford
Because every project leans on different trades, Rockford's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, gravel driveway runs +18% and paver patio +9%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,350 – $8,450 | +13% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $3,000 – $12,000 | +18% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,750 – $5,600 | +9% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,600 – $9,000 | +12% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,250 – $5,950 | +9% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,350 – $4,600 | +13% |
Rockford against nearby metros and the rest of Illinois
Same job, same size (600 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Rockford is the priciest of the group. Kenosha is the cheapest at $6,850.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford, ILthis page | $4,250 – $11,100 | $7,700 | |
| Janesville, WI25 miles | $4,150 – $10,800 | $7,500 | −2% |
| Madison, WI60 miles | $3,950 – $10,300 | $7,100 | −7% |
| Kenosha, WI60 miles | $3,900 – $9,800 | $6,850 | −11% |
| Racine, WI70 miles | $3,900 – $10,100 | $7,000 | −9% |
| Milwaukee, WI70 miles | $4,150 – $10,800 | $7,450 | −3% |
| Illinois (statewide) | $4,500 – $11,700 | $8,100 | +6% |
| United States | $3,650 – $9,200 | $6,450 | −16% |
Across 300 US metros, Rockford comes in at #19 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $10,000; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $4,950 (midpoints, 600 sq ft). Statewide, Rockford is 5% below the Illinois figure.
Other Illinois metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 4,513,280 jobs | $4,650 – $12,000 | $8,350 | +9% |
| Peoria, IL | 166,020 jobs | $4,250 – $11,100 | $7,650 | level |
| Champaign, IL | 105,500 jobs | $4,200 – $11,000 | $7,600 | −1% |
| Springfield, IL | 100,810 jobs | $4,050 – $10,600 | $7,300 | −5% |
| Bloomington, IL | 88,110 jobs | $4,000 – $10,400 | $7,200 | −6% |
Cities with a workforce like Rockford's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Rockford against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 139,260 jobs | $3,600 – $9,200 | $6,400 | −17% |
| Evansville, IN | 135,250 jobs | $3,900 – $10,000 | $6,950 | −9% |
| Huntington, WV | 140,740 jobs | $3,500 – $8,850 | $6,150 | −20% |
| Flint, MI | 135,040 jobs | $3,800 – $9,800 | $6,800 | −11% |
Rockford: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Rockford wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 4 common sizes.
Basic
$4,250 to $7,000
Plain gray, 4-inch broom finish, flat site
Standard
$6,300 to $9,050
5-inch with rebar and saw-cut joints, a border or one color
Premium
$8,350 to $11,100
6-inch for heavy vehicles, stamped or colored, grading needed
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $1,750 – $2,850 | $2,600 – $3,700 | $3,400 – $4,550 |
| 2-car (20x24), 480 sq ft | $3,400 – $5,600 | $5,050 – $7,250 | $6,700 – $8,900 |
| 2-car + apron (600 sq ft) | $4,250 – $7,000 | $6,300 – $9,050 | $8,350 – $11,100 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $6,350 – $10,400 | $9,450 – $13,500 | $12,500 – $16,600 |
When to schedule concrete driveway in Rockford
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Rockford Gtr Rockford Ap (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
May through October is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Rockford (6 of 12 months). January, February, March, April, November and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below.
The 40°F line is a deliberately cautious stand-in. The American Concrete Institute's cold-weather guide (ACI 306R-16) defines cold-weather concreting around an average daily air temperature below 40°F, which is colder than our test of an average overnight low at or below 40°F, so we flag a few extra shoulder months. In cold weather crews may need heated enclosures, insulating blankets or accelerated mixes, and those measures can raise a quote.
Rockford gets about 37 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 37 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and August (5.2 inches in June). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 3.6 and 2.6 inches. The station averages about 15 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29 | 15 | 1.6 | Cold |
| Feb | 33 | 18 | 1.6 | Cold |
| Mar | 47 | 28 | 2.4 | Cold |
| Apr | 60 | 39 | 3.8 | Cold |
| May | 71 | 50 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Jun | 81 | 60 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Jul | 84 | 64 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Aug | 82 | 62 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Sep | 75 | 54 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Oct | 62 | 42 | 2.6 | Workable |
| Nov | 47 | 31 | 2.3 | Cold |
| Dec | 34 | 20 | 1.9 | Cold |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $6,300 to $9,050 for Rockford, IL is attached.
Detailed concrete driveway report for Rockford, IL, $9
Multi-page report for Rockford, IL: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Concrete driveway in Rockford: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete driveway in Rockford?
For 600 sq ft, expect $4,250 to $11,100 in the Rockford area. A standard-spec job lands at $6,300 to $9,050. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete driveway in Rockford?
About $7 to $18 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $180 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $6 to $15.
+Is concrete driveway cheaper in Rockford or Janesville?
Janesville is 25 miles away. The midpoint for 600 sq ft there is $7,500, which is 2% less than Rockford ($7,700). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Rockford?
About 75% at the midpoint, or $5,800 out of $7,700. Materials are 23% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 69%.
+What would 2-car + apron (600 sq ft) cost in Rockford?
$4,250 to $11,100. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete driveway need a permit in Rockford?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $180 for fees in the Rockford area (our national range of $50 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Rockford expensive for concrete driveway compared with the rest of Illinois?
Rockford is 5% below the Illinois statewide estimate ($8,100 at the midpoint). We cover 6 metros in Illinois; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Rockford?
The BLS median is $36.21 an hour in the Rockford area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $24.80 to $42.13.
+What do basic and premium concrete driveway work cost in Rockford?
For 600 sq ft, basic work runs $4,250 to $7,000 and premium work $8,350 to $11,100. Basic means: plain gray, 4-inch broom finish, flat site. Premium means: 6-inch for heavy vehicles, stamped or colored, grading needed.
+When is the best time to pour a concrete driveway in Rockford?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through October. September and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add rebar reinforcement" add in Rockford?
$680 to $2,050 for 600 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete driveway near Rockford
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- SimplyWise: Concrete Estimate Template: Free PDF + Excel (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = SimplyWise's sample 600 sq ft, 4-inch driveway line ($1,400-$2,400 in materials) divided by 600 sq ft.