Rochester, NH
Population 32,866 · New Hampshire
About Rochester, NH
Rochester is a mid-sized city located in New Hampshire with a population of 32,866 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,388 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.4 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 $262,600, which is 7% 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 $1,220, 5% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,613 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (9,056 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (4,766 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 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rochester have an average one-way commute time of 27 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.7% of Rochester residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rochester Ranks in New Hampshire
Cost of Living in Rochester, NH
Compared to national averages, Rochester has a median household income of $79,388 (6% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $262,600, which is 7% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,220 is 5% above the US average of $1,163. Within New Hampshire, Rochester's income is 0% below the state average of $79,671, and home values are 13% below the state median of $303,204.
Why Live in Rochester, NH?
Rochester offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,388, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%, and a low poverty rate of 8.5%, better than the national average.
Rochester has a population of 32,866 with a median age of 43.4 years. Compare Rochester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New Hampshire.
Similar Cities Near Rochester
Cities in New Hampshire with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | 33,070 | $92,748 | $398,500 | Compare |
| Keene | 22,923 | $78,183 | $232,500 | Compare |
| Portsmouth | 22,332 | $105,756 | $640,600 | Compare |
| Derry | 21,668 | $88,901 | $356,700 | Compare |
| Concord | 44,219 | $83,701 | $323,700 | Compare |
| Laconia | 16,982 | $68,427 | $308,800 | Compare |
| Lebanon | 14,759 | $92,288 | $345,100 | Compare |
| Claremont | 13,054 | $54,520 | $171,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New Hampshire
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, NH?
The population of Rochester, NH is 32,866 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New Hampshire.
What is the median household income in Rochester?
The median household income in Rochester, NH is $79,388 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester, NH is $262,600, which is 7% 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, NH is $1,220, which is 5% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rochester?
The unemployment rate in Rochester, NH is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rochester, NH a good place to live?
Rochester offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 32,866 and a median age of 43.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rochester, NH?
26.7% 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, NH: median home value is $262,600 (7% above national), median rent is $1,220/month, and median household income is $79,388. 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, NH is 8.5%, 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, NH?
Rochester's population is 0.3% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.