Is Machesney Park a good place to live? Yes, living in Machesney Park IL is terrific. With its roots dating back to the 1830s, once “Harlem” is now an expansive residential community with beautiful parks, affordable real estate, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It was officially incorporated as an Illinois city in 1981.
If moving to Machesney Park is in your future, you’ll want reliable Rockford movers, like StraightLine Moving & Storage, on your side.
What Is Machesney Park Known for?
Machesney Park is known for its rapid economic growth, ample shopping options, variety of safe neighborhoods, low crime rate, and proximity to a large state park, Rock Cut State Park.
What County Is Machesney Park IL In?
Where Is Machesney Park? Machesney Park is located in Winnebago County within the Rockford, Illinois, Metropolitan Statistical Area. It’s 7.1 miles from Machesney Park IL to Rockford IL.
Living in Machesney Park IL provides proximity to other great cities, too.
Cities Near Machesney Park Illinois We Serve
Public Transportation
Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) provides public and para-transportation bus transportation for people living in Machesney Park IL. According to the routes and map, Routes 20 and 22 run through Machesney Park and connect to other Rockford routes.
Machesney Park IL Population & Demographics
The population of Machesney Park IL is 22,950, with a 1.4% decrease since the 2010 census. The village has a median household income of $74,244, which is slightly below the national average of $78,538; its poverty rate is 2% above the national average. Machesney Illinois is the 5th-most populated city in its county and has the 9th-lowest median income.
The median age in Machesney Park Illinois United States is 40.9, and the sex ratio is 51 females to 49 males. The population is not diverse; 86.8% of residents are White (80.5% White non-Hispanic or Latino), and 10.8% are Hispanic or Latino. 6.7% of people living in Machesney Park IL are two or more races. 2% are Black or African American, and only 1.8% are of Asian descent. There are 19.6 times more White residents in Machesney Park than any other racial or ethnic group.
Additional Demographics to Consider When Living in Machesney Park IL
- Educational attainment:
- High school graduate: 90.8%
- College graduate (bachelor's): 16.9%
- College graduate (post-grad): 5%
- Foreign-born population: 4.7%
- Veteran population: 7.3%
- Moved since the previous year: 12.2%
Is Machesney Park IL Safe? - What Is the Crime Rate in Machesney Park IL?
According to the FBI, Machesney Park is a very safe place to live. The FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program indicates the area boasts a crime rate 33.4% lower than the state and 43.6% lower than the country.
- Machesney Park crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,312
- Illinois crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,970
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,324
- Machesney Park violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 244
- Illinois crime rate per 100,00 people: 287
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 370
Machesney Park’s violent crime rate is 15.1% lower than the state and 34% lower than the country; there is only a 1 in 410 chance you will be affected by a violent crime when living in Machesney Park IL.
- Machesney Park property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,068
- Illinois property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,683
- US property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,954
The property crime rate follows the same trend, sitting 36.5% lower than the state and 45.4% lower than the country. Only 241 property crimes were reported in the past 12 months compared to the state's 211,721. Machesney Park made it on WQAD 8’s list of Illinois's safest cities; if you’re looking for a safe, quaint village to raise your family or settle down, moving to Machesney Park is in your future.
Machesney Park’s crime rate is below the Rockford crime rate of 4,065 per 100,000 people, making it a popular option for those looking for a safe, quieter suburb.
Winnebago Sheriff's Department
The Winnebago Sheriff's Department has a Machesney Park Division with 20 dedicated officers protecting people living in Machesney Park IL. These officers assist with school crossings, as well as enforcing village ordinances and state and county laws.
Cost of Living in Machesney Park
Machesney Park’s Cost of Living Index (COLI) is 95, making it 5% more affordable than the average US city—who would’ve thought one of the safest cities in the state would also be one of the most inexpensive?
Cost differences, according to data provided by PayScale:
- Housing is 10% below the national average
- Utilities are 9% below the national average
- Groceries are 2% below the national average
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four can live comfortably in Winnebago County for $94,784.
Typical *Machesney Park living expenses:
- Gallon of milk: $2.66
- Loaf of white bread: $1.99
- Pound of white rice: $2.10
- Pound of local cheese: $3.60
- Average utilities in Machesney Park per month: $296 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo
*The above figures are for Rockford, Illinois, so prices when living in Machesney Park IL may differ.
Illinois is ranked among the top ten most affordable US states, so Machesney Park's low cost of living is not a surprise. We know the cost of living is low, but is it affordable to buy a house in Machesney Park?
Machesney Park IL Real Estate
Machesney Park’s housing market is affordable yet very competitive. The median sale price in Machesney Park is $192,500, putting it well below the US median of $420,400. The price per square foot here is $124, which has decreased steadily and is down 3.9% since last year.
Due to the village’s affordability, lower cost of living, and desirable location, homes for sale in Machesney Park IL are selling quickly. They typically stay on the market for less than 15 days, with 58.3% selling above their listing price.
Is living in Machesney Park IL affordable when renting? The homes for rent in Machesney Park IL tell the same different story. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Machesney Park is $1,046 for a 793-square-foot rental, which is well below what renters in Naperville are paying ($1,993) for a similar-sized unit (941 square feet).
Weather Machesney Park
Machesney Park has a humid continental climate (Koppen Dfa); the summers are long and wet, and the winters are cold and snowy. The temperatures here vary drastically from -5 degrees Fahrenheit to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. The daily high in the cold season is 29 degrees, whereas the daily high in the warm season is 83 degrees.
It rains the most in the summer months, with an average of 38% chance of rain on any given day in June. The snowiest month is December, with an average of 4.5 inches. Summers are also the most humid time of year; from June to September, the humid level is muggy. March is the windiest month, with the average wind speed sitting at 12.5 mph.
If living in Machesney Park IL is in your future, the best time to visit Machesney Park (the most desirable time of year) is mid-June to mid-September. Which time of the year suits you best will determine the type of weather you enjoy most.
Things to Do in Machesney Park IL
There are tons of things to do in Machesney Park, from shopping at Menards, Mejier’s, and the Machesney Park Mall to exploring the area's various parks and attractions. Here are the best activities to consider when living in Machesney Park IL.
A popular attraction in the town is the Machesney Park movie theatre, the AMC Machesney Park 14. Catch the latest film at this lovely theatre; it offers IMAX and Dolby Cinema alongside a full concession stand, expansive arcade, and premium seating.
1860 Anjali Way, Machesney Park, IL 61115, (815) 885-2586
Located in neighboring Rockford, Anderson Japanese Gardens is a great attraction for the whole family. There are paved walking options, a tasty farm-to-table cafe, and 12 acres of Japanese plants and structures to explore.
318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107, (815) 229-9390
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is an expansive 11,000-square-foot indoor garden. There are six large exhibits to check out, 302 plant species to learn about, and various special events and educational programs to consider. If you’re looking for one of the top things to do in Machesney Park IL, add this to your list.
1354 N 2nd St, Rockford, IL 61107, (815) 987-8858
Additional Attractions & Events Near Machesney
You will find even more to do in the neighboring Loves Park Illinois, located south of Machesney Park. One of the best things to do in Loves Park IL is attending the Rhythm of the Heart Music Fest that takes place every July.
Parks & Recreation
The Machesney Park Parks and Rec Department maintains all parks within the village limits. If you’re interested in attending community events when living in Machesney Park IL, like the Machesney Park Fair, you will find all the special events on their upcoming events calendar.
Machesney Park Restaurants
Are you looking for the best restaurants Machesney Park? Well, you’re in luck. Explore the top place to eat while living in Machesney Park IL.
Living in Machesney Park IL means your access to restaurants may be limited, but The Mill Saloon is a community favorite and must-try. You’ll find tasty options like Philly cheesesteaks, veggie wraps, and juicy burgers. Customers love the atmosphere and friendly bartenders.
9032 N 2nd St, Machesney Park, IL 61115, (779) 500-0979
Taste a little of Italy at the notable Napoli – one of the best Machesney Park restaurants! Their most popular menu items are pizza, lasagna, and stuffed shells.
8289 Burden Rd # C, Machesney Park, IL 61115, (815) 633-4800
Five Guys in Machesney Park is a notable chain with 1,800 locations nationwide. They’re known for their high-quality ingredients, fast service, and large portions. With 50+ reviews, you’ll find this is one of the more beloved restaurants in Machesney Park IL.
10055 N 2nd St, Machesney Park, IL 61115, (815) 305-9214
Jobs Machesney Park IL
While small, Machesney Park’s job market is booming—not to mention its proximity to Loves Park and Rockford, which add to its diverse job market. The village of Machesney Park offers countless incentives for businesses, such as tax exemptions (0% municipal property tax) and credits, which helps support local business expansion. Living in Machesney Park IL is great for large companies and small business owners.
The economy employs 11,400 of the 22,950 residents, meaning more than half of its population seeks employment in other Winnebago County cities and towns. The leading industries in Winnebago County are healthcare, manufacturing, and retail trade—the region (Rockford, IL Metropolitan Statistical Area) is nicknamed the “Screw Capital of the World."
Major employers in the Rockford MSA are Collins Aerospace, GE Aviation, and Woodward. Other popular employment opportunities based in Machesney Park are Amazon, Target, Henning, and Hobby Lobby. If manufacturing isn’t your forte, and public administration is, consider City of Machesney Park IL jobs.
People living in Machesney Park IL are earning good money. According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly rate is $19.06, and the average salary is $39,552.
Machesney Park Schools - What School District Is Machesney Park IL in?
Machesney Park is part of the Harlem School District. According to US News, it boasts a 14:1 student to teacher ratio and has a large student population of 6,178. Schools within Machesney Park are Franklin Junior/Senior High, Machesney Elementary School, and Harlem High School.
Harlem School District offers ample learning opportunities for your young ones, including advanced placement (AP) courses, honors programs, and career and technical education (CTE). Not to mention, they pride themselves on inclusivity, ensuring children and young adults of all abilities feel welcomed and can strive. There are special education and gifted programs available.
If you’re seeking additional educational resources, look to the North Suburban Library District in Loves Park. You’ll find community programs like reading clubs and book sales; their homebound services deliver books to those of advanced age or with disabilities.
Living in Machesney Park FAQ
Can You Have Chickens in Machesney Park Il?
You can not have chickens in Machesney Park IL city limits, as the elected officials voted against backyard chickens in 2013.
When Can You Burn in Machesney Park, IL?
You can burn in Machesney Park IL in April and November, from dawn to 9 PM. According to fire safety protocol, always keep fire in a pit or structure with a fire extinguisher, hose, or other tools to control it.
How Many Dogs Can You Have in Machesney Park, IL?
According to the village ordinance, each household in Machesney Park can have three dogs maximum.
Are Dogs Allowed in Illinois State Parks?
Yes, dogs are permitted in Illinois state parks.
Machesney Park Statistics & Information
- Machesney Park IL county: Winnebago County
- Machesney Park area: 12.03 square miles
- Machesney Park zip code(s): 1103, 61111, 61115
- Machesney Park area code: 815
- Machesney Park elevation: 741 feet
- Machesney Park time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
- Closest airport to Machesney Park: Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is 11.5 miles from Machesney Park
Moving to Machesney Park With StraightLine Moving
Living in Machesney Park IL is great. The schools are reliable, the crime rate is low, and the living is affordable. What more could you want from your future home? If relocating to this village is for you, call StraightLine Moving at (815) 708-7875 for a free estimate. We have friendly and affordable Machesney Park movers to handle your transition.
