Rochester, MN
Population 121,638 · Minnesota
About Rochester, MN
Rochester is a major city located in Minnesota with a population of 121,638 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $87,767 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.4 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 $287,500, which is 17% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Rochester in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,316, 13% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 53,595 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (33,142 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (17,516 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 3.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rochester have an average one-way commute time of 17.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
50.1% 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 3.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 14.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rochester Ranks in Minnesota
Cost of Living in Rochester, MN
Compared to national averages, Rochester has a median household income of $87,767 (17% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $287,500, which is 17% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,316 is 13% above the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Rochester's income is 18% above the state average of $74,221, and home values are 41% above the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Rochester, MN?
Rochester offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $87,767, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 50.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 17.2 minutes.
Rochester has a population of 121,638 with a median age of 36.4 years. Compare Rochester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Rochester
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | 88,838 | $90,677 | $346,200 | Compare |
| Duluth | 86,863 | $66,263 | $225,700 | Compare |
| Brooklyn Park | 84,349 | $85,964 | $313,500 | Compare |
| Plymouth | 79,526 | $133,865 | $474,700 | Compare |
| Woodbury | 76,945 | $126,222 | $434,900 | Compare |
| Lakeville | 72,480 | $138,119 | $425,200 | Compare |
| Blaine | 71,261 | $103,382 | $327,500 | Compare |
| Maple Grove | 70,539 | $129,481 | $397,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
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, MN?
The population of Rochester, MN is 121,638 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Rochester?
The median household income in Rochester, MN is $87,767 per year, which is 17% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester, MN is $287,500, which is 17% 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, MN is $1,316, which is 13% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rochester?
The unemployment rate in Rochester, MN is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rochester, MN a good place to live?
Rochester offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 121,638 and a median age of 36.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rochester, MN?
50.1% 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, MN: median home value is $287,500 (17% above national), median rent is $1,316/month, and median household income is $87,767. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rochester?
The poverty rate in Rochester, MN is 9.1%, 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, MN?
Rochester's population is 3.9% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 9.4% two or more races. 14.1% of residents are foreign-born.