You’ll love the rich heritage and strong community feel when living in South Beloit IL. Situated right on the Wisconsin-Illinois border, South Beloit is a small city with lots of charm and natural beauty. South Beloit is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
Once upon a time, the city was known for its natural resources along the Rock River and Turtle Creek, including blue limestone and buff limestone. Many inhabited South Beloit for these mining positions. Now, the city boasts a variety of parks, including the scenic South Beloit City Park, walking paths, and fishing spots along Lake Victoria.
The local culture stems from a strong sense of community and tradition, where residents enjoy a number of annual events such as the Bushnell Wheeler Home’s Ice Cream Social and the Fear Car Show. With affordable housing, good schools, and a friendly atmosphere, South Beloit is an ideal place for families. The Stone Bridge Museum, housed in a historic 19th-century stone railroad depot, and the Bushnell Wheeler Home are 2 of several historic sites in the city. Check out our full guide to living in South Beloit IL!
Where Is South Beloit, IL?
South Beloit is a city in Winnebago County, along the Illinois-Wisconsin state line. The South Beloit area is a suburb of Beloit, Wisconsin, and part of the Rockford, IL metropolitan area. South Beloit is about 17 miles north of Rockford.
Map of South Beloit, IL
Explore more while living in South Beloit IL with this map:
South Beloit IL Population and Demographics
The South Beloit population is 7,930. South Beloit is home to a modest but noticeable Latino/Hispanic population. About 10–11% of city residents living in South Beloit IL identify as Hispanic/Latino. Roughly 90% of the Hispanic population traces their heritage to Mexican origin, with smaller numbers coming from Puerto Rican and other Hispanic origins. Many Latino households include Spanish speakers, and in some neighborhoods, as many as 26% of residents identify their ethnicity or ancestry as Mexican.
South Beloit Racial and Ethnic Demographics:
- White: 78.2%
- Black or African American: 3.5%
- Asian: 1.0%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.1%
- Two or more races: 6.5%
- Hispanic or Latino: 10.7%
Other South Beloit Demographics:
- Population density: 1,290.7 per square mile
- Median age: 35.7
- Sex ratio: 50.3% males, 49.7% females
- Median income: $81,836
- Educational attainment: 93.3% high school degree or higher, 24.6% bachelor's degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 4.7%
- Veteran population: 382
For those living in South Beloit IL, you can rest assured it is a safe place to live. The South Beloit Police Department is dedicated to protecting life and property, preventing crime, and public safety through emergency response, traffic enforcement, and crime investigation with professionalism and integrity. The crime rate in South Beloit is 1,498 per 100,000 people, which is 34% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate in South Beloit is also low, at 241 crimes per 100,000 people, 34% below the national average.
What Is the Cost of Living in South Beloit IL?
South Beloit is an affordable place to live. The cost of living in South Beloit is 13% lower than the national average. Housing costs are a major contributor to the South Beloit cost of living. Housing costs in South Beloit are 29% below the national average, making the city a great value to buy a home. The median sale price of a home in South Beloit is $280,000, and the average square foot cost of the current homes for sale in South Beloit IL is $153.
If you’re looking to rent a great place, the average rent in South Beloit is about $1,300 per month per Zillow. Residents in Rockford pay about $1,214 per month in rent. By comparison, Chicago rental costs are around $2,462 a month. Check out a current listing of apartments for rent in South Beloit IL on RentCafe.
Typical South Beloit Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $15.50
- Domestic beer: $4.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.84
- Dozen eggs: $2.96
- 1 pound of chicken: $7.60
- Average South Beloit monthly utility bill: $157.93
Source: Numbeo, Rockford, IL
The Best Neighborhoods in South Beloit
South Beloit offers a variety of neighborhoods and housing styles, from peaceful, tree-lined streets to family-friendly communities. Many homes feature traditional cottages, bungalows, or “New Traditional” designs, often set on quarter to half-acre lots that provide both space and privacy. With reasonable housing costs and friendly residents, you'll love living in South Beloit IL. Some of the most popular neighborhoods include:
An established neighborhood featuring homes built between the 1960s and 2000s, including midsize single-family houses and attached homes. Willowbrook is known for its quiet, family-oriented atmosphere, well-kept yards, and sidewalks. Residents enjoy proximity to Willowbrook Middle School, with convenient shopping and dining options nearby. This is one of the top neighborhoods for those living in South Beloit IL.
Offering affordable single-family homes and townhomes, Dearborn Heights was primarily developed from 1984 to 2003. The neighborhood provides easy access to retail centers, restaurants, and other essential services, making it a practical choice for families and commuters.
A newer community, featuring modern, single-family homes and condominiums, Manchester Trails offers contemporary design and comfortable living. Located within the highly regarded Prairie Hill Elementary and Hononegah High School districts, the neighborhood is ideal for families. Its convenient location near I-90 allows quick access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
South Beloit IL Weather & Climate
South Beloit experiences a humid continental climate, with warm, often humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures typically hover around 75°F, while winter lows can dip to near 0°F. The city receives moderate to heavy precipitation year-round, with snowfall most common in December and January.
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, creating a constantly changing landscape from blooming springs to colorful autumns. On average, South Beloit gets about 37 inches of rainfall annually, close to the U.S. average of 38 inches. Snowfall averages 34 inches per year, higher than the national average of 28 inches.
The city enjoys roughly 190 sunny days each year, slightly below the U.S. average of 205 days. The best time of year to visit South Beloit is from mid-June to early September.
Things to Do in South Beloit IL
South Beloit offers fun and interesting things to do for all ages. In addition, you’ll find convenient local shopping at CherryVale Mall, Main Street Square, and Hilander Village. Here are some popular things to do near South Beloit IL:
Coral Cove Family Fun Center is a 12,000-square-foot indoor entertainment venue that’s great for kids and families. With over 70 exciting arcade games, a bounce house area, and customizable party packages, Coral Grove is great for birthdays and other celebrations. Check it out when living in South Beloit IL.
586 Progressive Ln, South Beloit, IL 61080, (815) 543-4690
The Historic Attractions Museum is housed in an 80,000-square-foot facility that features an extensive collection of vehicles and artifacts, including presidential and world leader limousines, exhibits dedicated to Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean, and vehicles from Batman, Back to the Future, and Ghostbusters.
13825 Metric Rd, Roscoe, IL 61073, (815) 389-7917
DC Estate Winery is a scenic, Tuscan-inspired vineyard with an elegant tasting room. The winery serves a diverse selection of wines, including reds, whites, and specialty blends. The winery is a perfect venue for weddings and events as well, featuring an outdoor ceremony site and an indoor pavilion. This is a favorite for those living in South Beloit IL.
8877 State Line Rd, South Beloit, IL 61080, (608) 481-1565
Additional Attractions in South Beloit, IL:
If you’re looking for more activities, South Beloit offers a variety of parks and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy. South Beloit City Park features a picnic area, picnic shelter, walking path, and fishing area along the shores of Lake Victoria. South Beloit Park Path offers a paved trail that loops around the lake. Rock Cut State Park provides hiking, biking, and water trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
Local Restaurants in South Beloit IL
South Beloit offers a variety of dining options for an array of different tastes. Here are some of the most popular dining establishments in South Beloit, including many locally owned restaurants:
Neli's Restaurant
Neli’s Family Restaurant is a popular eatery in town, serving hearty American comfort food in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. The menu features generous portions of breakfast favorites, sandwiches, salads, and homestyle dinners, all at affordable prices. It’s a must-eat when living in South Beloit IL.
1055 Gardner St, South Beloit, IL 61080, (815) 389-0529
Lucy's is a vibrant eatery known for its creative, made-to-order smashed burgers and Wisconsin comfort foods. Signature burgers, such as the Wisconsinite or the Spicy Lucy, are local favorites. The restaurant features a fun, welcoming atmosphere and a rooftop beer garden.
430 E Grand Ave, Beloit, WI 53511, (608) 312-4477
Velvet Buffalo offers an upscale dining experience that blends rustic Italian charm with modern flair. They feature house-made pasta, artisan breads, sustainably sourced seafood, and creative entrees like chicken piccata and steak tagliata. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and they have an award-winning selection of wines. It’s a local favorite amongst those living in South Beloit IL.
500 Public Ave, Beloit, WI 53511, (608) 312-2991
Jobs South Beloit IL
South Beloit, IL provides job opportunities mainly in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail businesses, particularly nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing, like excellent quality concrete and concrete products. Its proximity to Rockford opens up many additional employment opportunities.
One of the largest employers near South Beloit is ABC Supply. With its headquarters in Beloit, WI, ABC is the largest wholesale distributor of roofing and select exterior and interior building products in the nation. The company employs over 20,000 people in the U.S. and Canada.
Other major employers include Regal Rexnord, Schreiber Foods, Beloit Health System, and Frito-Lay. If you’re looking for a job in South Beloit, check out current opportunities on Indeed and other online job boards.
Schools in South Beloit IL
For those living in South Beloit IL, there are many great school options. Most of South Beloit is served by the South Beloit Community Unit School District 320, which provides education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The eastern section of the city falls within the Prairie Hill Community Consolidated School District 133.
The district has two schools: Prairie Hill Elementary and Willowbrook Middle. The southwestern portion of South Beloit is part of the Rockton School District 140, consisting of Rockton Grade (K-2), Whitman Post Elementary (3-5), and Stephen Mack Middle (6-8). Both the Prairie Hill and Rockton feed into Hononegah Community High School District 207 for secondary education.
South Beloit also has several excellent charter and private schools. Popular private schools include The Lincoln Academy, Rock County Christian School, and Our Lady of the Assumption School.
If you’re interested in post-secondary education opportunities near South Beloit, some of the best options include Rockford University, Blackhawk Technical College, Northern Illinois University, and Rock Valley College.
Offering a peaceful day out, the South Beloit Public Library has books, movies, CDs, music, and more. Check out their programs for all ages, including storytime, book clubs, a LEGO club, and much more.
South Beloit IL Statistics & Information
- South Beloit county: Winnebago County
- South Beloit area: 6.39 square miles
- South Beloit zip code: 61080
- South Beloit area codes: 815, 779
- South Beloit elevation: 738 feet
- South Beloit time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-5 and -6)
- South Beloit closest airport: Chicago Rockford International Airport (ORD) 80 miles
South Beloit IL FAQs
Is South Beloit IL a Good Place to Live?
Yes, South Beloit Illinois is a great place to live. With top-rated schools, family-friendly ideals, and a booming job market, you’ll love living in South Beloit IL.
How Deep Is Pearl Lake in South Beloit, Illinois?
Pearl Lake is 85 feet deep at its deepest point, but it averages between 35 and 40 feet throughout the rest of the lake.
What Is the Crime Rate in South Beloit, Illinois?
The South Beloit crime rate is 1,498 per 100,000 people.
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