Inground pool cost in Rockford, IL
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (450 sq ft)
- $42,200 – $131,500
- Per sq ft
- $93.50 – $292
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +17%
- US $74,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #27
- 1 = most expensive
Rockford homeowners pay roughly $42,200 to $131,500 to install an inground pool at 450 sq ft, or $93.50 to $292 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Rockford is 17% higher. Construction laborers earn a median of $28.07 an hour in the Rockford area, 24% above the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 450 sq ft in Rockford, IL, standard level
$69,100 to $105,000
About $153 to $233 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 62% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $26,400 | $40,200 |
| Labor | $42,500 | $64,400 |
| Permits and fees | $150 | $220 |
| Total | $69,100 | $105,000 |
Cost breakdown for 450 sq ft in Rockford, IL
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $16,000 | $33,300 | $50,600 | 38% |
| Labor | $26,100 | $53,500 | $80,800 | 62% |
| Permits and fees | $90 | $180 | $280 | 0% |
| Total | $42,200 | $87,000 | $131,500 | 100% |
What is behind the Rockford number
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 4 trades: construction laborers at 40%, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators at 30%, brickmasons and blockmasons at 20%, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters at 10%. Weighted together, Rockford wages are 1.38 times the national level. Labor makes up about 62% of the midpoint estimate (52% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Rockford metro is 93.6 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 450 sq ft comes to $33,300, compared with $35,600 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (92.2) and land at $90 to $280.
Pick a size, pick a tier: inground pool pricing in Rockford
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 3 common sizes.
Basic
$42,200 to $78,000
Vinyl-liner pool, small size
Standard
$69,100 to $105,000
Fiberglass pool, standard size
Premium
$95,900 to $131,500
Concrete or gunite, large with custom features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small pool (400 sq ft) | $37,500 – $69,400 | $61,400 – $93,200 | $85,300 – $117,000 |
| average (512 sq ft) | $48,000 – $88,700 | $78,600 – $119,500 | $109,000 – $150,000 |
| large (800 sq ft) | $75,000 – $138,500 | $122,500 – $186,000 | $170,500 – $234,000 |
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 1.38 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 40% 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 30%) 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.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021), 20% of the weighting: a median of $37.54 an hour, 26% above the US median of $29.87. The middle half of them earn between $25.09 and $48.68 an hour. About 40 work in the metro. That is 2.9 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 3.4 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152, weighted 10%) the local median is $45.31 an hour, which is 48% above the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $30.80 and $56.91 an hour. BLS counts 440 of them working in the area, 32.0 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is about average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the construction laborers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($38.91 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $7,400. At the 25th percentile ($22.55) it shrinks by about $3,750. The total moves by 8.5% or 4.3%, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $22.55 | $28.07 | $38.91 | $22.66 | 1.24 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $33.52 | $46.75 | $48.97 | $28.78 | 1.62 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 20% | $25.09 | $37.54 | $48.68 | $29.87 | 1.26 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $30.80 | $45.31 | $56.91 | $30.67 | 1.48 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.38 | |||||
Is Rockford cheap or dear? The local comparison
Of the five closest metros, all are cheaper than Rockford. Janesville is the lowest at about $79,500 (midpoint, 450 sq ft), 25 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockford, ILthis page | $42,200 – $131,500 | $87,000 | |
| Janesville, WI25 miles | $38,600 – $120,500 | $79,500 | −9% |
| Madison, WI60 miles | $40,700 – $127,000 | $83,800 | −4% |
| Kenosha, WI60 miles | $40,400 – $126,000 | $83,300 | −4% |
| Racine, WI70 miles | $40,600 – $126,500 | $83,500 | −4% |
| Milwaukee, WI70 miles | $41,200 – $128,500 | $84,900 | −2% |
| Illinois (statewide) | $45,300 – $141,500 | $93,300 | +7% |
| United States | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | −14% |
Across 300 US metros, Rockford comes in at #27 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $105,000; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $62,300 (midpoints, 450 sq ft). Statewide, Rockford is 7% below the Illinois figure.
Other Illinois metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | 4,513,280 jobs | $46,500 – $145,000 | $95,800 | +10% |
| Peoria, IL | 166,020 jobs | $42,400 – $132,000 | $87,300 | level |
| Champaign, IL | 105,500 jobs | $42,300 – $132,000 | $87,200 | level |
| Springfield, IL | 100,810 jobs | $43,300 – $135,000 | $89,100 | +2% |
| Bloomington, IL | 88,110 jobs | $42,700 – $133,000 | $88,000 | +1% |
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 | $36,600 – $114,500 | $75,500 | −13% |
| Evansville, IN | 135,250 jobs | $38,800 – $121,000 | $80,000 | −8% |
| Huntington, WV | 140,740 jobs | $33,900 – $106,000 | $69,900 | −20% |
| Flint, MI | 135,040 jobs | $38,700 – $120,500 | $79,600 | −8% |
Why two Rockford quotes can differ
Pool type
Vinyl pools are $25,000-$65,000, fiberglass $45,000-$100,000, and concrete or gunite $50,000-$120,000 (HomeGuide).
Maintenance
Pool maintenance is $80-$150 a month; concrete pools also need an acid wash every 3-5 years at $300-$1,000.
Permit
A building permit for a pool is $100-$300 and contractors often include it. Many cities add plumbing and electrical permits.
When to schedule inground pool 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 |
What nearby projects cost in Rockford
Because every project leans on different trades, Rockford's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, French drain runs +13% and aluminum fence +4%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $4,000 – $11,800 | +4% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,250 – $5,950 | +9% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,350 – $4,600 | +13% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,950 – $16,000 | +6% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $680 – $2,350 | +13% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $8,250 – $14,600 | +11% |
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 $69,100 to $105,000 for Rockford, IL is attached.
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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.
Inground pool in Rockford: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an inground pool in Rockford?
For 450 sq ft, expect $42,200 to $131,500 in the Rockford area. A standard-spec job lands at $69,100 to $105,000. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for inground pool in Rockford?
About $93.50 to $292 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $90 to $280 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $80 to $250.
+Is inground pool cheaper in Rockford or Janesville?
Janesville is 25 miles away. The midpoint for 450 sq ft there is $79,500, which is 9% less than Rockford ($87,000). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Rockford?
About 62% at the midpoint, or $53,500 out of $87,000. Materials are 38% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would average (512 sq ft) cost in Rockford?
$48,000 to $150,000. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does inground pool need a permit in Rockford?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $90 to $280 for fees in the Rockford area (our national range of $100 to $300 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Rockford expensive for inground pool compared with the rest of Illinois?
Rockford is 7% below the Illinois statewide estimate ($93,300 at the midpoint). We cover 6 metros in Illinois; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Rockford?
The BLS median is $28.07 an hour in the Rockford area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $22.55 to $38.91.
+What do basic and premium inground pool work cost in Rockford?
For 450 sq ft, basic work runs $42,200 to $78,000 and premium work $95,900 to $131,500. Basic means: vinyl-liner pool, small size. Premium means: concrete or gunite, large with custom features.
+When is the best time to install an inground pool 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.
Inground pool 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 An Inground Pool Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Cost to Renovate: Renovation Labor Report 2026: Where the Money Goes (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 = 48% of the installed price, from Cost to Renovate's mid-range 'Outdoor Living' category split. It is a category average, not a pool-specific one, so read the pool materials line loosely.