Rochester, PA
Population 3,445 · Pennsylvania
About Rochester, PA
Rochester is a small town located in Pennsylvania with a population of 3,445 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,710 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.7 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 $109,300, which is 55% 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 $744, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,973 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (735 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (914 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 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rochester have an average one-way commute time of 19.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.6% of Rochester residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rochester, PA
Compared to national averages, Rochester has a median household income of $40,710 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $109,300, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $744 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Rochester's income is 45% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 43% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Rochester, PA?
Rochester offers affordable housing with a median home value of $109,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $744/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,710) that falls below the national average. However, Rochester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rochester has a population of 3,445 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare Rochester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Rochester
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reamstown | 3,445 | $85,952 | $289,400 | Compare |
| Wellsboro | 3,445 | $64,297 | $195,400 | Compare |
| Slippery Rock | 3,434 | $55,272 | $230,200 | Compare |
| Malvern | 3,427 | $106,638 | $460,400 | Compare |
| Mifflinburg | 3,464 | $65,643 | $182,200 | Compare |
| Loyalhanna | 3,425 | $68,611 | $162,600 | Compare |
| Coplay | 3,423 | $67,768 | $199,000 | Compare |
| North Wales | 3,421 | $115,833 | $385,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
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, PA?
The population of Rochester, PA is 3,445 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Rochester?
The median household income in Rochester, PA is $40,710 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester, PA is $109,300, which is 55% 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, PA is $744, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rochester?
The unemployment rate in Rochester, PA is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rochester, PA a good place to live?
Rochester offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,445 and a median age of 39.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rochester, PA?
16.6% 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, PA: median home value is $109,300 (55% below national), median rent is $744/month, and median household income is $40,710. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rochester?
The poverty rate in Rochester, PA is 29.3%, 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, PA?
Rochester's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 14.2% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.