MinnesotaPop. 122,330Mid-size cities
Is Rochester a Good Place to Live? Rochester, Minnesota: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Rochester ranks #283 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #36 of 256 mid-size cities and #13 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.4 min, #10 of 256) and low unemployment (3.1%, #12 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Rochester by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Rochester'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?
Rochester's cost of living index is 90.8, 9% below the US level of 100 and #234 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,399/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $342,187, 2% below the typical Minnesota home ($350,752).
| Measure | Rochester | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 90.8#234 of 1,308 | 98.6 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $342,187#502 of 1,187 | $350,752 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,650/mo#459 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $310,500#566 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,399/mo#642 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 18.8%#317 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Minnesota 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 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 is in the Rochester, MN metro.
Minnesota housing market →Is Rochester safe?
Rochester recorded 186 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 328 and 17% below Minnesota's 224. That ranks #326 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #46 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rochester Police Department. Property crime runs 1,444 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Rochester | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 186#326 of 1,085 | 224 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,444#447 of 1,085 | 1,412 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Minnesota 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?
The median household in Rochester earns $89,389, 7% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Rochester | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $89,389#470 of 1,312 | $87,117 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 8.5%#366 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Rochester?
The median resident of Rochester is 36.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 50.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #249 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Rochester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.3 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 50.9%#249 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 65.1% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Rochester's schools and health?
Rochester's 30 public schools graduate 84.7% of students in four years (Minnesota 83.6%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $14,976 spent per pupil. 36.4% of adults are obese and 9.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Rochester | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 84.7%#732 of 1,063 | 83.6% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17.1#746 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,976#589 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36.4%#904 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.2%#252 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 14.3%#175 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 7.1%#264 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Minnesota is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,661 students are enrolled in Rochester's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Rochester?
The average commute in Rochester is 17.4 minutes (Minnesota 22.7); 3.7% of workers take transit and 14.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Rochester scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.7°F and winters 18.1°F, with 34.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Rochester | MinnesotaMN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 17.4 min#161 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 4.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 64.8% | 70.7% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.7% | 1.8% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.5% | 2.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 14.7% | 14.7% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.1#1031 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Minnesota 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 | 22.5 | 7 | 1 |
| Feb | 26.7 | 10.7 | 1 |
| Mar | 39.9 | 23.4 | 2 |
| Apr | 55.3 | 35.1 | 3.5 |
| May | 68 | 47.1 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 77.6 | 57.5 | 5.4 |
| Jul | 80.3 | 60.8 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 78 | 58.3 | 4.1 |
| Sep | 71.8 | 50.4 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 57.9 | 38 | 2.4 |
| Nov | 41.7 | 25.6 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 28 | 13.6 | 1.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rochester International Airport.
| Measure | Rochester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 44.8°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 68.7°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 18.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 34.7 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rochester International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Rochester?
Olmsted County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Olmsted County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, tornado, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 63% of US counties.
| Measure | Rochester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.17%#822 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Olmsted County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Olmsted County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 87% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.015% | 75% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0043% | 66% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0019% | 49% 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 compare with similar-size cities?
Rochester is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #36 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 122,330.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #283 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 | 17.4 min |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #296 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 | 26.1 min |
| West Palm Beach, FLPop. 122,290 | #732 | 54.4 | $73,446 | $1,772/mo | 493 | 23.4 min |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #194 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 | 20 min |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #953 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 | 23.9 min |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #1195 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 | 20 min |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #1090 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 | 23.1 min |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #233 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data | 27 min |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #656 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 | 18.5 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 compare with the rest of Minnesota?
Rochester ranks #13 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 62.4 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 3% above the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 17% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2% below the typical Minnesota home.
| City | Rank in MN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edina, MNPop. 53,262 | #1 | 72.2 | $128,767 | $1,844/mo | 52 |
| Minnetonka, MNPop. 53,064 | #2 | 71.8 | $119,517 | $1,779/mo | 101 |
| Eden Prairie, MNPop. 63,051 | #3 | 71.7 | $130,489 | $1,833/mo | 54 |
| Plymouth, MNPop. 79,220 | #4 | 71.5 | $136,534 | $1,766/mo | 65 |
| Lakeville, MNPop. 74,354 | #5 | 70.9 | $139,041 | $1,806/mo | 92 |
| Maple Grove, MNPop. 71,173 | #6 | 69.2 | $132,731 | $1,868/mo | 112 |
| Woodbury, MNPop. 78,305 | #7 | 68.4 | $125,310 | $1,908/mo | 75 |
| St. Louis Park, MNPop. 49,594 | #8 | 68.0 | $101,648 | $1,644/mo | 122 |
| Eagan, MNPop. 68,000 | #9 | 65.7 | $108,690 | $1,679/mo | 130 |
| Apple Valley, MNPop. 55,679 | #10 | 64.0 | $97,673 | $1,738/mo | 204 |
| Blaine, MNPop. 72,488 | #11 | 63.8 | $106,801 | $1,705/mo | 65 |
| Bloomington, MNPop. 88,665 | #12 | 62.8 | $93,211 | $1,561/mo | 283 |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #13 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 |
| Burnsville, MNPop. 64,463 | #14 | 61.7 | $87,024 | $1,513/mo | 163 |
| Brooklyn Park, MNPop. 83,876 | #15 | 61.6 | $89,891 | $1,325/mo | 348 |
| Coon Rapids, MNPop. 63,468 | #16 | 59.7 | $88,251 | $1,494/mo | 146 |
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #17 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #18 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 |
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #19 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 |
| St. Cloud, MNPop. 70,629 | #20 | 51.3 | $61,374 | $1,003/mo | 361 |
All 20 Minnesota cities we track, by overall score. Minnesota statewide: median income $87,117, violent crime 223.5 per 100,000.
How is Rochester's score calculated?
Rochester scores 62.4 out of 100, #283 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Minnesota'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. Similar-size median 52.9.
64.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Rochester's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
84.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Rochester. Similar-size median 53.8.
61.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Rochester's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
53.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Rochester's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
73.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Rochester. Similar-size median 51.2.
63.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Rochester. Similar-size median 42.1.
53.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Rochester. Similar-size median 50.1.
63.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Rochester's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
37.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
49.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Rochester's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Rochester 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
Is Rochester, MN a good place to live?
Rochester ranks #283 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #36 of 256 mid-size cities and #13 of 20 in Minnesota. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.4 min, #10 of 256) and low unemployment (3.1%, #12 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Rochester?
Rochester's cost of living index is 90.8, 9% below the US level of 100 and #234 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,399/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $342,187, 2% below the typical Minnesota home ($350,752).
What is the crime rate in Rochester?
Rochester recorded 186 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 328 and 17% below Minnesota's 224. That ranks #326 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #46 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rochester Police Department. Property crime runs 1,444 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Rochester?
The median household in Rochester earns $89,389, 7% above the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Minnesota ($87,117). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Rochester?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,399/mo (Census), #642 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,650/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Rochester?
The typical home value in Rochester is $342,187, up 3.7% in a year, against $350,752 for Minnesota and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $310,500.
How are the public schools in Rochester?
Rochester's 30 public schools graduate 84.7% of students in four years (Minnesota 83.6%), with 17.1 students per teacher and $14,976 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Rochester?
The average commute is 17.4 minutes, #161 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Minnesota. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Rochester?
Rochester averages 44.8°F over the year, 68.7°F in summer and 18.1°F in winter, with 34.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Rochester walkable?
Rochester scores 8.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1031 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 at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Olmsted County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, tornado, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 63% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Rochester?
Olmsted County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Rochester?
Rochester has 122,330 residents. The median resident of Rochester is 36.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 50.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #249 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Rochester compare with the rest of Minnesota?
Rochester ranks #13 of the 20 Minnesota cities we track, with a score of 62.4 against Minnesota's statewide 70.4. Its households earn 3% above the Minnesota median. Violent crime is 17% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2% below the typical Minnesota home.
What cities are similar in size to Rochester?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Rochester's population of 122,330 are Arvada, CO (#296 overall), West Palm Beach, FL (#732 overall), Ann Arbor, MI (#194 overall), Independence, MO (#953 overall), and Lafayette, LA (#1195 overall). Rochester is #283.