Rochester, IN
Population 6,244 · Indiana
About Rochester, IN
Rochester is a small town located in Indiana with a population of 6,244 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,304 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rochester features a median home value of $135,900, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rochester one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $883, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,371 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (1,681 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (1,056 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rochester shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rochester have an average one-way commute time of 19.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.4% of Rochester residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 6.3% White, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rochester, IN
Compared to national averages, Rochester has a median household income of $60,304 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $135,900, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $883 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Rochester's income is 13% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 17% below the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Rochester, IN?
Rochester offers affordable housing with a median home value of $135,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $883/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,304) that falls below the national average. However, Rochester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rochester has a population of 6,244 with a median age of 45.5 years. Compare Rochester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Rochester
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushville | 6,186 | $57,269 | $120,000 | Compare |
| Cumberland | 6,154 | $84,167 | $241,200 | Compare |
| Portland | 6,341 | $45,431 | $90,600 | Compare |
| Gas City | 6,097 | $57,106 | $122,800 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 6,431 | $61,527 | $164,200 | Compare |
| Salem | 6,484 | $51,786 | $136,800 | Compare |
| Huntingburg | 6,504 | $52,327 | $126,500 | Compare |
| Garrett | 6,540 | $65,611 | $142,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Rochester With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rochester
What is the population of Rochester, IN?
The population of Rochester, IN is 6,244 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Rochester?
The median household income in Rochester, IN is $60,304 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester, IN is $135,900, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rochester?
The median monthly rent in Rochester, IN is $883, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rochester?
The unemployment rate in Rochester, IN is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rochester, IN a good place to live?
Rochester offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 6,244 and a median age of 45.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rochester, IN?
18.4% of residents in Rochester aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Rochester?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rochester, IN: median home value is $135,900 (45% below national), median rent is $883/month, and median household income is $60,304. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rochester?
The poverty rate in Rochester, IN is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rochester, IN?
Rochester's population is 6.3% White, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.