Rockford, IL Homeowners Can Expect a Cooler, Drier Fall, Says The Old Farmer’s Almanac

The Old Farmer’s Almanac has spoken, and Rockford homeowners might want to dig out their sweaters a little earlier this year.

The iconic forecast predicts that fall 2025 will be cooler and drier than average across the Upper Midwest, a shift from last year’s lingering warmth. For northern Illinois, that means crisp mornings, shorter days, and fewer drenching storms.

But even as the forecast tilts chilly, Rockford has been heating up in a different way: the housing market. The city recently landed on the Realtor.com list of the Top 50 Hottest ZIP Codes of 2025, marking it as a standout spot for buyers and sellers alike.

A cool forecast for Illinois

Illinois is pegged for a “cool and dry” season, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac’s Fall Forecast 2025 . For Rockford and the broader Upper Midwest, the details paint a picture of early sweater weather:

• September: Average temp 57°F (2° below normal) with 3.5” rain — slightly above normal. Expect drizzle, some early snow in the north, and brief warm-ups late in the month.
  
• October: Average temp 45°F (2° below normal) with 1.5” rain — about 1” below normal. A mix of chilly rain, snow, and just a few sunnier stretches.
  

That’s a far cry from the “warmer-than-normal” outlook stretching across much of the West and South this year. For Rockford, cooler air paired with lower precipitation could mean less soggy leaf piles and a brighter foliage season compared with wetter regions.

Rockford’s Real Estate Market is Red-Hot

While the weather cools, Rockford’s market is warming up. ZIP code 61108 ranked No. 11 among the nation’s 50 hottest ZIPs for 2025, according to Realtor.com.

Homes in Rockford’s hottest neighborhood sold in just 24 days on average — more than a month faster than the U.S. norm. Listings drew 3.4× more views per property than typical homes nationwide, underscoring how competitive the area has become. Even more striking: the median listing price was $188,000, a fraction of the U.S. average of $441,000 .

That affordability is fueling demand. As Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, has explained in past reports, “buyers are prioritizing relative value.” Rockford embodies that trend, offering suburban lifestyle and economic stability at price points many metros can’t match.

And Rockford isn’t alone in the region. Within about 50 miles, Wheaton, IL (ZIP 60189) also made the Top 50 list at No. 12, but at a far different price point: a median listing price of $538,000. The contrast highlights Rockford’s appeal — faster-moving homes at more accessible prices, even as autumn chills the Midwest housing scene.

Fall Maintenance to Tackle Now

With Rockford’s cooler, drier fall ahead, September is the time to prep homes before real chill sets in. Experts recommend several quick fixes that can save headaches once winter hits:

• Check walkways for cracks. Ryan Williams of 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric warns that repairing loose pavers now can prevent dangerous slips when ice arrives.
  
• Sweep the chimney: “Built-up soot can increase your risk of a chimney fire,” says Lindsey Pasieka of ConsumerSafety.org. Professional sweeps cost $200–$400 — a small price for safety.
  
• Seal windows: Foggy panes may mean failed seals. Addressing them now improves comfort and lowers heating bills when frost sets in.
  
• Change air filters: Chris Granger of Sears Home Services stresses this monthly task to avoid strain on HVAC systems during cold snaps.
  

For a full checklist of seasonal prep, the Realtor.com September home maintenance guide has expert-backed tasks to tackle now.

This article was produced with editorial input from Dina Sartore-Bodo and Gabriella Iannetta.