New HampshirePop. 33,144Small cities
Is Rochester a Good Place to Live? Rochester, New Hampshire: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Rochester ranks #395 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #78 of 208 small cities and #15 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.8%, #18 of 184) and low violent crime (106 per 100,000, #38 of 174), and trails on high living costs (108.3, #193 of 208) and low graduation rates (76%, #174 of 191).
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 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,369/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $410,388, 21% below the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
| Measure | Rochester | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 108.3#1046 of 1,308 | 104.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $410,388#649 of 1,187 | $516,306 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,961/mo#691 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $279,100#475 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,369/mo#602 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 20.3%#487 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Hampshire 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 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro.
New Hampshire housing market →Is Rochester safe?
Rochester recorded 106 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 68% below the US rate of 328 and 10% below New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #140 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #38 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rochester Police Department. Property crime runs 1,235 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Rochester | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 106#140 of 1,085 | 118 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,235#326 of 1,085 | 818 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Hampshire 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 $80,836, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Rochester | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $80,836#603 of 1,312 | $99,782 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 2.8%#54 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 8.3%#352 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.5% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Hampshire 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 43 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 27.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #904 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Rochester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 43 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 27.1%#904 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 66% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Rochester's schools and health?
Rochester's 8 public schools graduate 76% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $18,146 spent per pupil. 35.1% of adults are obese and 10.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Rochester | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 76%#968 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.3#197 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $18,146#331 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 35.1%#777 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.2%#440 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.8%#817 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.5%#317 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Hampshire is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,298 students are enrolled in Rochester's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Rochester?
The average commute in Rochester is 26.1 minutes (New Hampshire 27.5); 1.1% of workers take transit and 11.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Rochester scores 7.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #1166 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.6°F and winters 26.6°F, with 41.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Rochester | New HampshireNH | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 26.1 min#868 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 7.9%#913 of 1,312 | 10% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 78% | 72.3% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.1% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.5% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 11.8% | 16% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.5#1166 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). New Hampshire 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 | 32.6 | 15.4 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 35.4 | 17 | 2.2 |
| Mar | 43.5 | 24.7 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 56.7 | 34.7 | 3.7 |
| May | 67.4 | 44.8 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 77 | 54.2 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 81.9 | 59.6 | 3.5 |
| Aug | 80.6 | 57.9 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 72.6 | 50.3 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 60.3 | 39.4 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 48 | 30.7 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 37.4 | 21.9 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rochester Skyhaven Airport.
| Measure | Rochester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 47.7°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 68.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 26.6°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 41.2 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Rochester Skyhaven Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Rochester?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Rochester's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Strafford County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 69% of US counties.
| Measure | Rochester | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#445 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Strafford County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Strafford County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.004% | 85% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.006% | 70% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0061% | 68% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.092% | 62% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0019% | 22% 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #78 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 33,144.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rochester, NHPop. 33,144 | #395 | 60.2 | $80,836 | $1,369/mo | 106 | 26.1 min |
| Gillette, WYPop. 33,431 | #379 | 60.4 | $81,316 | $976/mo | 221 | 18.8 min |
| Gadsden, ALPop. 33,374 | #1217 | 44.4 | $40,345 | $808/mo | 398 | 20.7 min |
| Bluffton, SCPop. 33,157 | #235 | 63.6 | $111,281 | $2,256/mo | 62 | 28.3 min |
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #9 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data | 23.9 min |
| Sherwood, ARPop. 33,070 | #743 | 54.3 | $81,328 | $1,101/mo | 611 | 24.1 min |
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #24 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 | 26.5 min |
| Eagle, IDPop. 32,855 | #279 | 62.6 | $122,894 | $1,765/mo | no data | 23.7 min |
| Florence, KYPop. 32,803 | #374 | 60.5 | $71,003 | $1,329/mo | 199 | 23.3 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 New Hampshire?
Rochester ranks #15 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 60.2 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 19% below the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 10% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical New Hampshire home.
| City | Rank in NH | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanover, NHPop. 8,479 | #1 | 80.8 | $153,281 | $2,254/mo | 17 |
| Lebanon, NHPop. 14,999 | #2 | 72.2 | $98,147 | $1,744/mo | 134 |
| Durham, NHPop. 10,681 | #3 | 71.2 | $112,070 | $1,302/mo | 92 |
| Portsmouth, NHPop. 22,545 | #4 | 68.9 | $106,219 | $1,869/mo | 203 |
| Dover, NHPop. 33,364 | #5 | 67.6 | $94,829 | $1,607/mo | 64 |
| Londonderry, NHPop. 12,225 | #6 | 66.7 | $119,571 | $1,952/mo | county/metro |
| Exeter, NHPop. 9,964 | #7 | 65.9 | $87,346 | $1,711/mo | county/metro |
| Concord, NHPop. 44,375 | #8 | 64.4 | $84,902 | $1,441/mo | 181 |
| Keene, NHPop. 22,939 | #9 | 63.7 | $78,445 | $1,342/mo | 143 |
| Hampton, NHPop. 10,101 | #10 | 63.5 | $97,163 | $1,654/mo | county/metro |
| Nashua, NHPop. 91,294 | #11 | 63.2 | $96,326 | $1,737/mo | 110 |
| Milford, NHPop. 8,956 | #12 | 61.1 | $78,684 | $1,557/mo | county/metro |
| Somersworth, NHPop. 12,111 | #13 | 60.8 | $74,504 | $1,477/mo | 114 |
| Derry, NHPop. 21,339 | #14 | 60.4 | $91,673 | $1,549/mo | county/metro |
| Rochester, NHPop. 33,144 | #15 | 60.2 | $80,836 | $1,369/mo | 106 |
| Laconia, NHPop. 17,085 | #16 | 60.0 | $73,218 | $1,224/mo | 184 |
| Franklin, NHPop. 8,799 | #17 | 57.6 | $71,648 | $1,110/mo | 113 |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #18 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 |
| Claremont, NHPop. 13,078 | #19 | 57.2 | $59,096 | $1,146/mo | 183 |
| Berlin, NHPop. 9,383 | #20 | 53.3 | $45,180 | $815/mo | 337 |
All 20 New Hampshire cities we track, by overall score. New Hampshire statewide: median income $99,782, violent crime 117.6 per 100,000.
How is Rochester's score calculated?
Rochester scores 60.2 out of 100, #395 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 New Hampshire'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.
62.3 - 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 78.4.
91.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Rochester. Similar-size median 52.2.
53.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Rochester's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
57.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Rochester's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
64.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Rochester. Similar-size median 46.7.
60.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Rochester. Similar-size median 44.2.
49.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Rochester. Similar-size median 47.3.
43.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Rochester's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
34.2 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
69.2 - 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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, NH a good place to live?
Rochester ranks #395 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #78 of 208 small cities and #15 of 20 in New Hampshire. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.8%, #18 of 184) and low violent crime (106 per 100,000, #38 of 174), and trails on high living costs (108.3, #193 of 208) and low graduation rates (76%, #174 of 191).
What is the cost of living in Rochester?
Rochester's cost of living index is 108.3, 8% above the US level of 100 and #1046 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,369/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $410,388, 21% below the typical New Hampshire home ($516,306).
What is the crime rate in Rochester?
Rochester recorded 106 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 68% below the US rate of 328 and 10% below New Hampshire's 118. That ranks #140 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #38 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rochester Police Department. Property crime runs 1,235 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Rochester?
The median household in Rochester earns $80,836, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below New Hampshire ($99,782). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.3%). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Rochester?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,369/mo (Census), #602 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,961/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Rochester?
The typical home value in Rochester is $410,388, up 3.7% in a year, against $516,306 for New Hampshire and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $279,100.
How are the public schools in Rochester?
Rochester's 8 public schools graduate 76% of students in four years (New Hampshire 87.7%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $18,146 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Rochester?
The average commute is 26.1 minutes, #868 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across New Hampshire. 7.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Rochester?
Rochester averages 47.7°F over the year, 68.6°F in summer and 26.6°F in winter, with 41.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Rochester walkable?
Rochester scores 7.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1166 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 Strafford County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 69% of US counties.
Who lives in Rochester?
Rochester has 33,144 residents. The median resident of Rochester is 43 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 27.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #904 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 66% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Rochester compare with the rest of New Hampshire?
Rochester ranks #15 of the 20 New Hampshire cities we track, with a score of 60.2 against New Hampshire's statewide 83.4. Its households earn 19% below the New Hampshire median. Violent crime is 10% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% below the typical New Hampshire home.
What cities are similar in size to Rochester?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Rochester's population of 33,144 are Gillette, WY (#379 overall), Gadsden, AL (#1217 overall), Bluffton, SC (#235 overall), Bethany, OR (#9 overall), and Sherwood, AR (#743 overall). Rochester is #395.