Rochester, NY
Population 209,720 · New York
About Rochester, NY
Rochester is a major city in New York with a population of 209,720 residents. The median household income is $46,628 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Rochester is 33.5 years.
Housing in Rochester has a median home value of $120,600 and median monthly rent of $1,039. Of the 103,251 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 34,304 owner-occupied and 57,924 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Rochester is 7.9% and the poverty rate is 26.6%. 29.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.9 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rochester
What is the population of Rochester, NY?
The population of Rochester, NY is 209,720 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Rochester?
The median household income in Rochester, NY is $46,628 per year.
What is the median home value in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester, NY is $120,600.
What is the average rent in Rochester?
The median monthly rent in Rochester, NY is $1,039.
What is the unemployment rate in Rochester?
The unemployment rate in Rochester, NY is 7.9%.