MichiganPop. 77,089Smaller cities
Is Rochester Hills a Good Place to Live? Rochester Hills, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Rochester Hills ranks #90 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #41 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (62 per 100,000, #18 of 444) and low poverty (5.2%, #45 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Rochester Hills by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Rochester Hills's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Rochester Hills?
Rochester Hills's cost of living index is 100.3, in line with the US level of 100 and #676 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,644/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $469,977, 76% above the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Rochester Hills | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 100.3#676 of 1,308 | 96.2 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $469,977#760 of 1,187 | $266,292 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,812/mo#586 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $409,800#808 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,644/mo#820 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.4x#338 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 16.3%#116 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Rochester Hills housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Rochester Hills is in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Rochester Hills safe?
Rochester Hills recorded 62 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 81% below the US rate of 328 and 85% below Michigan's 416. That ranks #50 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #18 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rochester Hills Police Department. Property crime runs 630 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Rochester Hills | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 62#50 of 1,085 | 416 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 630#63 of 1,085 | 1,259 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Rochester Hills?
The median household in Rochester Hills earns $120,694, 45% above the US figure of $83,163 and 67% above Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Rochester Hills | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $120,694#152 of 1,312 | $72,389 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.2%#155 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 5.2%#112 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Rochester Hills?
The median resident of Rochester Hills is 41 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 61.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #114 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Rochester Hills | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 61.4%#114 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 76.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Rochester Hills's schools and health?
Rochester Hills's 18 public schools graduate 92.1% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 18.4 students per teacher and $14,814 spent per pupil. 27.9% of adults are obese and 9.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Rochester Hills | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92.1%#220 of 1,063 | 81% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18.4#865 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,814#609 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 27.9%#265 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.1%#231 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.6%#94 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 4.5%#37 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 13,267 students are enrolled in Rochester Hills's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Rochester Hills?
The average commute in Rochester Hills is 24.3 minutes (Michigan 24.3); 0.4% of workers take transit and 23.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Rochester Hills scores 7.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.8°F and winters 26.9°F, with 33.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Rochester Hills | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 24.3 min#721 of 1,312 | 24.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6%#714 of 1,312 | 6.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67.1% | 75.6% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.6% | 1.9% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 23.6% | 11.2% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.3#1203 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31.3 | 17.1 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 34 | 18.2 | 1.9 |
| Mar | 44.3 | 26.2 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 57.6 | 36.4 | 2.9 |
| May | 69.4 | 49 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 78.2 | 58.6 | 3.3 |
| Jul | 82.3 | 62.9 | 3.1 |
| Aug | 80.8 | 61.7 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 73.9 | 53.7 | 2.9 |
| Oct | 60.5 | 42.3 | 2.9 |
| Nov | 47.4 | 32.1 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 36.4 | 24.3 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pontiac Wwtp.
| Measure | Rochester Hills | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 49.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 70.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 26.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 33.9 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pontiac Wwtp.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Rochester Hills?
Oakland County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Oakland County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, ice storm, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | Rochester Hills | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 9#840 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.08%#66 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Oakland County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Oakland County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.015% | 73% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0015% | 69% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0019% | 49% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.052% | 13% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Rochester Hills compare with similar-size cities?
Rochester Hills is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #41 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 77,089.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester Hills, MIPop. 77,089 | #90 | 68.7 | $120,694 | $1,644/mo | 62 | 24.3 min |
| Racine, WIPop. 77,633 | #810 | 53.2 | $57,740 | $1,033/mo | 418 | 22.5 min |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #242 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 | 28.6 min |
| Redmond, WAPop. 77,353 | #43 | 71.1 | $162,560 | $2,409/mo | 104 | 22.1 min |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #174 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 | 34.3 min |
| Schaumburg, ILPop. 76,868 | #136 | 67.0 | $97,514 | $1,812/mo | 68 | 27.8 min |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #1210 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 | 25.7 min |
| Missoula, MTPop. 76,514 | #469 | 58.6 | $70,392 | $1,189/mo | 591 | 15.8 min |
| Flagstaff, AZPop. 76,445 | #799 | 53.3 | $71,512 | $1,645/mo | 501 | 16.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Rochester Hills compare with the rest of Michigan?
Rochester Hills ranks #2 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 68.7 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 67% above the Michigan median. Violent crime is 85% below the statewide rate. Homes are 76% above the typical Michigan home.
| City | Rank in MI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy, MIPop. 87,898 | #1 | 69.5 | $120,045 | $1,602/mo | 93 |
| Rochester Hills, MIPop. 77,089 | #2 | 68.7 | $120,694 | $1,644/mo | 62 |
| Royal Oak, MIPop. 57,950 | #3 | 68.6 | $101,109 | $1,381/mo | 153 |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #4 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 |
| Farmington Hills, MIPop. 83,515 | #5 | 65.8 | $104,836 | $1,551/mo | 144 |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #6 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 |
| Livonia, MIPop. 93,851 | #7 | 64.4 | $98,460 | $1,322/mo | 217 |
| St. Clair Shores, MIPop. 58,140 | #8 | 57.9 | $73,500 | $1,183/mo | 233 |
| Sterling Heights, MIPop. 133,573 | #9 | 56.9 | $79,909 | $1,292/mo | 220 |
| Wyoming, MIPop. 77,353 | #10 | 55.9 | $73,677 | $1,196/mo | 459 |
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #11 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 |
| Westland, MIPop. 83,633 | #12 | 54.1 | $62,076 | $1,158/mo | 424 |
| Kentwood, MIPop. 54,296 | #13 | 53.8 | $74,373 | $1,260/mo | 583 |
| Southfield, MIPop. 76,236 | #14 | 51.2 | $68,166 | $1,340/mo | 585 |
| Grand Rapids, MIPop. 198,535 | #15 | 50.9 | $69,108 | $1,266/mo | 894 |
| Dearborn Heights, MIPop. 61,771 | #16 | 50.8 | $60,391 | $1,331/mo | 387 |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #17 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 |
| Taylor, MIPop. 62,081 | #18 | 45.3 | $61,081 | $1,101/mo | 749 |
| Lansing, MIPop. 113,023 | #19 | 45.0 | $54,382 | $993/mo | 1,337 |
| Battle Creek, MIPop. 52,374 | #20 | 42.3 | $55,693 | $957/mo | 1,055 |
| Kalamazoo, MIPop. 73,076 | #21 | 40.7 | $52,272 | $1,078/mo | 1,084 |
| Pontiac, MIPop. 62,104 | #22 | 38.1 | $44,329 | $1,063/mo | 820 |
| Flint, MIPop. 80,175 | #23 | 32.6 | $37,646 | $915/mo | 1,097 |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #24 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 |
All 24 Michigan cities we track, by overall score. Michigan statewide: median income $72,389, violent crime 416.2 per 100,000.
How is Rochester Hills's score calculated?
Rochester Hills scores 68.7 out of 100, #90 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Michigan's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Rochester Hills. Similar-size median 55.5.
77.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Rochester Hills's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
98.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Rochester Hills. Similar-size median 58.9.
74.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Rochester Hills's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
58.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Rochester Hills's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
60.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Rochester Hills. Similar-size median 56.1.
83.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Rochester Hills. Similar-size median 42.4.
45.0 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Rochester Hills. Similar-size median 50.0.
58.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Rochester Hills's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
33.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
76.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Rochester Hills's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Rochester Hills has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Rochester Hills
Is Rochester Hills, MI a good place to live?
Rochester Hills ranks #90 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #41 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (62 per 100,000, #18 of 444) and low poverty (5.2%, #45 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Rochester Hills?
Rochester Hills's cost of living index is 100.3, in line with the US level of 100 and #676 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,644/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $469,977, 76% above the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Rochester Hills?
Rochester Hills recorded 62 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 81% below the US rate of 328 and 85% below Michigan's 416. That ranks #50 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #18 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rochester Hills Police Department. Property crime runs 630 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Rochester Hills?
The median household in Rochester Hills earns $120,694, 45% above the US figure of $83,163 and 67% above Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 5.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Rochester Hills?
Median rent in Rochester Hills is $1,644/mo (Census), #820 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,812/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Rochester Hills?
The typical home value in Rochester Hills is $469,977, up 3.5% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $409,800.
How are the public schools in Rochester Hills?
Rochester Hills's 18 public schools graduate 92.1% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 18.4 students per teacher and $14,814 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Rochester Hills?
The average commute is 24.3 minutes, #721 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.3 minutes across Michigan. 6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Rochester Hills?
Rochester Hills averages 49.1°F over the year, 70.8°F in summer and 26.9°F in winter, with 33.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Rochester Hills walkable?
Rochester Hills scores 7.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Rochester Hills at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Oakland County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, ice storm, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Rochester Hills?
Oakland County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Rochester Hills?
Rochester Hills has 77,089 residents. The median resident of Rochester Hills is 41 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 61.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #114 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Rochester Hills compare with the rest of Michigan?
Rochester Hills ranks #2 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 68.7 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 67% above the Michigan median. Violent crime is 85% below the statewide rate. Homes are 76% above the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Rochester Hills?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Rochester Hills's population of 77,089 are Racine, WI (#810 overall), Mansfield, TX (#242 overall), Redmond, WA (#43 overall), Pleasanton, CA (#174 overall), and Schaumburg, IL (#136 overall). Rochester Hills is #90.