Detached garage cost in Rockford, IL
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (576 sq ft)
- $31,600 – $63,500
- Per sq ft
- $54.50 – $109
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +9%
- US $43,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #42
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a detached garage in the Rockford area: $31,600 to $63,500 for 576 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 9% higher than the US figure. Carpenters earn a median of $34.99 an hour in the Rockford area, 20% above the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 576 sq ft in Rockford, IL, standard level
$41,200 to $53,900
About $71 to $93 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 57% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $17,500 | $22,900 |
| Labor | $23,400 | $30,600 |
| Permits and fees | $230 | $360 |
| Total | $41,200 | $53,900 |
Cost breakdown for 576 sq ft in Rockford, IL
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $13,500 | $20,200 | $27,000 | 43% |
| Labor | $18,000 | $27,000 | $36,000 | 57% |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $300 | $460 | 1% |
| Total | $31,600 | $47,600 | $63,500 | 100% |
Why Rockford prices look the way they do
The wage side of the estimate leans on carpenters, who do 45% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $34.99 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Rockford is 1.25 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 57% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Rockford is at 93.6 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $21,600 nationally becomes $20,200 here (midpoint, 576 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 92.2: $140 to $460.
Pick a size, pick a tier: detached garage pricing in Rockford
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Rockford. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft to 3-car (900 sq ft).
Basic
$31,600 to $44,400
Basic shell: slab, framing, siding, a roll-up door
Standard
$41,200 to $53,900
Finished exterior, insulated, electrical and a nicer door
Premium
$50,700 to $63,500
Insulated and drywalled, heat and cooling, upgraded finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $13,300 – $18,600 | $17,300 – $22,700 | $21,300 – $26,700 |
| 2-car (24x24), 576 sq ft | $31,600 – $44,400 | $41,200 – $53,900 | $50,700 – $63,500 |
| 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft | $39,500 – $55,400 | $51,400 – $67,300 | $63,300 – $79,200 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $49,400 – $69,200 | $64,200 – $84,100 | $79,100 – $98,900 |
Who does the work: Rockford trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 5 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Rockford the blend is 1.25.
Carpenters (47-2031), 45% of the weighting: a median of $34.99 an hour, 20% above the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $27.33 and $47.16 an hour. About 810 work in the metro. That is 58.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 20%) the local median is $28.07 an hour, which is 24% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.55 and $38.91 an hour. BLS counts 830 of them working in the area, 60.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is about average.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 15% of the weighting: a median of $36.21 an hour, 32% above the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $24.80 and $42.13 an hour. About 140 work in the metro. That is 10.2 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 13.3 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For electricians (47-2111, weighted 10%) the local median is $44.85 an hour, which is 48% above the national $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $35.68 and $51.27 an hour. BLS counts 370 of them working in the area, 26.9 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 48.7), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Roofers (47-2181), 10% of the weighting: a median of $31.30 an hour, 17% above the US median of $26.65. The middle half of them earn between $23.18 and $41.67 an hour. About 180 work in the metro. That is 13.1 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 8.7 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $4,050 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $2,550. That is a swing of roughly 5.4% to 8.5% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Rockford has 137,650 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 161st by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $27.33 | $34.99 | $47.16 | $29.12 | 1.20 | metro |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 15% | $24.80 | $36.21 | $42.13 | $27.41 | 1.32 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 20% | $22.55 | $28.07 | $38.91 | $22.66 | 1.24 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $35.68 | $44.85 | $51.27 | $30.38 | 1.48 | metro |
| Roofers (47-2181) | 10% | $23.18 | $31.30 | $41.67 | $26.65 | 1.17 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.25 | |||||
How Rockford compares
Of the five closest metros, all are cheaper than Rockford. Racine is the lowest at about $44,100 (midpoint, 576 sq ft), 70 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford, ILthis page | $31,600 – $63,500 | $47,600 | |
| Janesville, WI25 miles | $31,600 – $63,400 | $47,500 | level |
| Madison, WI60 miles | $29,800 – $59,800 | $44,800 | −6% |
| Kenosha, WI60 miles | $30,500 – $61,200 | $45,800 | −4% |
| Racine, WI70 miles | $29,300 – $58,900 | $44,100 | −7% |
| Milwaukee, WI70 miles | $30,200 – $60,500 | $45,300 | −5% |
| Illinois (statewide) | $34,500 – $69,200 | $51,900 | +9% |
| United States | $29,000 – $58,100 | $43,500 | −8% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Rockford ranks #42 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Rockford is 8% below the Illinois figure.
Elsewhere in Illinois
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 4,513,280 jobs | $35,500 – $71,100 | $53,300 | +12% |
| Peoria, IL | 166,020 jobs | $32,100 – $64,400 | $48,200 | +1% |
| Champaign, IL | 105,500 jobs | $31,100 – $62,400 | $46,700 | −2% |
| Springfield, IL | 100,810 jobs | $32,000 – $64,100 | $48,000 | +1% |
| Bloomington, IL | 88,110 jobs | $31,600 – $63,300 | $47,400 | level |
Metros of a similar size
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 | $27,500 – $55,200 | $41,300 | −13% |
| Evansville, IN | 135,250 jobs | $29,700 – $59,500 | $44,600 | −6% |
| Huntington, WV | 140,740 jobs | $27,200 – $54,500 | $40,900 | −14% |
| Flint, MI | 135,040 jobs | $29,600 – $59,400 | $44,500 | −6% |
The best months for detached garage in Rockford
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Rockford Gtr Rockford Ap (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For pouring concrete, the comfortable months in Rockford are May through October: 6 of 12. Outside them, 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.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| 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 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Rockford bid
Electrical
Running power to a detached garage costs $1,000-$3,800 for a standard build and $5,000 or more for a long trench or amperage upgrade (Angi, Trusscore).
Size and finish level
HomeGuide puts a 2-car detached garage at $20,000-$57,600, with the spread driven by how finished it is.
Foundation
A slab is cheapest. A frost-depth foundation in cold states costs more.
Planning more than one job in Rockford?
Jobs that often go together with detached garage are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Rockford wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, concrete driveway comes out highest (+20%) and garage door lowest (+2%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,750 – $5,600 | +9% |
| Garage door | 1 door | $740 – $3,750 | +2% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $4,250 – $11,100 | +20% |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $43,600 – $88,200 | +15% |
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 $41,200 to $53,900 for Rockford, IL is attached.
Detailed detached garage report for Rockford, IL, $9
The report lays out the detached garage numbers for Rockford, IL line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Detached garage in Rockford: your questions
+How much does it cost to build a detached garage in Rockford?
For 576 sq ft, expect $31,600 to $63,500 in the Rockford area. A standard-spec job lands at $41,200 to $53,900. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for detached garage in Rockford?
About $54.50 to $109 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $140 to $460 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $50 to $100.
+Is detached garage cheaper in Rockford or Janesville?
Janesville is 25 miles away. The midpoint for 576 sq ft there is $47,500, which is 0% less than Rockford ($47,600). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Rockford?
About 57% at the midpoint, or $27,000 out of $47,600. Materials are 43% and permits 1%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 2.5-car (24x30), 720 sq ft cost in Rockford?
$39,500 to $79,200. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does detached garage need a permit in Rockford?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $140 to $460 for fees in the Rockford area (our national range of $150 to $500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Rockford expensive for detached garage compared with the rest of Illinois?
Rockford is 8% below the Illinois statewide estimate ($51,900 at the midpoint). We cover 6 metros in Illinois; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Rockford?
The BLS median is $34.99 an hour in the Rockford area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $27.33 to $47.16.
+What do basic and premium detached garage work cost in Rockford?
For 576 sq ft, basic work runs $31,600 to $44,400 and premium work $50,700 to $63,500. Basic means: basic shell: slab, framing, siding, a roll-up door. Premium means: insulated and drywalled, heat and cooling, upgraded finishes.
+When is the best time to build a detached garage 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.
Detached garage 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 Detached Garage Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Trusscore: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Garage? 2026 Price Guide (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Angi: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Detached Garage? [2026 Data] (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 = installed range / 1.6, because Angi puts professional labor at roughly an additional 60% of the materials cost (materials about 62.5% of the total).