Rochester, NY
Population 209,720 · New York
About Rochester, NY
Rochester is a major city located in New York with a population of 209,720 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,628 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rochester features a median home value of $120,600, which is 51% 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 $1,039, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 103,251 total housing units, 37% are owner-occupied (34,304 units) and 63% are renter-occupied (57,924 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rochester shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rochester have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.9% 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 0.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Black or African American, and 3.0% Asian residents, with 8.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rochester Ranks in New York
Cost of Living in Rochester, NY
Compared to national averages, Rochester has a median household income of $46,628 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $120,600, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,039 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Rochester's income is 52% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 69% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Rochester, NY?
Rochester offers affordable housing with a median home value of $120,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,039/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,628) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Rochester provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Rochester has a population of 209,720 with a median age of 33.5 years. Compare Rochester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Rochester
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yonkers | 209,529 | $81,816 | $478,000 | Compare |
| Syracuse | 146,211 | $45,845 | $125,100 | Compare |
| Buffalo | 276,397 | $48,050 | $152,300 | Compare |
| Albany | 100,081 | $59,485 | $223,000 | Compare |
| New Rochelle | 81,591 | $103,813 | $667,300 | Compare |
| Cheektowaga | 76,251 | $66,293 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Mount Vernon | 72,528 | $77,171 | $449,600 | Compare |
| Schenectady | 68,521 | $56,398 | $152,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
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, NY?
The population of Rochester, NY is 209,720 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in New York.
What is the median household income in Rochester?
The median household income in Rochester, NY is $46,628 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester, NY is $120,600, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Rochester?
The median monthly rent in Rochester, NY is $1,039, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rochester?
The unemployment rate in Rochester, NY is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rochester, NY a good place to live?
Rochester offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 209,720 and a median age of 33.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Rochester, NY?
29.9% 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, NY: median home value is $120,600 (51% below national), median rent is $1,039/month, and median household income is $46,628. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rochester?
The poverty rate in Rochester, NY is 26.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Rochester, NY?
Rochester's population is 0.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, and 35.7% two or more races. 8.3% of residents are foreign-born.