Rochester, MI
Population 12,939 · Michigan
About Rochester, MI
Rochester is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 12,939 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $104,920 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rochester features a median home value of $450,800, which is 84% above the national median of $244,900. This places Rochester in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,201, 3% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,936 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (3,753 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (1,817 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rochester shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rochester have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
70.2% of Rochester residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 12.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rochester Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Rochester, MI
Compared to national averages, Rochester has a median household income of $104,920 (40% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $450,800, which is 84% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,201 is 3% above the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Rochester's income is 59% above the state average of $66,017, and home values are 146% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Rochester, MI?
Rochester offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $104,920, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 70.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $450,800. However, Rochester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rochester has a population of 12,939 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Rochester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Rochester
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ionia | 12,950 | $60,729 | $161,100 | Compare |
| Woodhaven | 12,761 | $83,291 | $221,200 | Compare |
| Melvindale | 12,605 | $41,356 | $113,100 | Compare |
| Sault Ste. Marie | 13,373 | $55,031 | $127,300 | Compare |
| Escanaba | 12,374 | $40,169 | $116,600 | Compare |
| Riverview | 12,269 | $71,783 | $200,500 | Compare |
| New Baltimore | 12,060 | $97,027 | $309,800 | Compare |
| Coldwater | 13,847 | $50,084 | $120,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
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, MI?
The population of Rochester, MI is 12,939 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Rochester?
The median household income in Rochester, MI is $104,920 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester, MI is $450,800, which is 84% above 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, MI is $1,201, which is 3% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rochester?
The unemployment rate in Rochester, MI is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rochester, MI a good place to live?
Rochester offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 12,939 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rochester, MI?
70.2% of residents in Rochester aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Rochester?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rochester, MI: median home value is $450,800 (84% above national), median rent is $1,201/month, and median household income is $104,920. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rochester?
The poverty rate in Rochester, MI is 4.4%, 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, MI?
Rochester's population is 0.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 2.1% two or more races. 12.2% of residents are foreign-born.