Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rochester, MN
Thinking of moving to Rochester, MN? Home to 121,395 residents, this vibrant city combines affordable living—median home prices around $315,000 and average rents near $1,190—with a short average commute of just 17.5 minutes. Rochester stands out for its world-class Mayo Clinic healthcare, excellent education options, low unemployment, and a high percentage of sunny days. With a modest cost of living and strong community amenities, Rochester is a fantastic choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Rochester, MN
Demographics - Rochester, MN
Rochester, MN is home to approximately 121,000 residents, offering a youthful median age of 36.1 and a culturally diverse population where about 13.5% speak a language other than English. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a predominantly White population, alongside growing Black and Asian communities, contributing to its dynamic local culture.
Population:
121,395
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.1
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
77.2%
Black:
7.9%
Asian:
7.6%
Others:
7.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rochester, MN?
The cost of living in Rochester is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 101.7. Median home prices are around $315,000 and average rents are about $1,190, making it an accessible option for families and professionals seeking affordability in housing and everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$315,000
Gross Rent:
$1,190
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,790
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$610
State Taxes:
Low:
5.35%
|
High:
9.85%
Cost Of Living Index:
101.7
Grocery:
98.3
Housing:
94.7
Utilities:
102.5
Transportation:
100.9
Health Care:
108.6
Miscellaneous:
98.4
Crime
Is Rochester, MN a safe place to live?
Rochester maintains a relatively low violent crime rate, with about 195 incidents per 100,000 residents, and property crime rates that are moderate for a city of its size. Residents have a 1 in 513 chance of being affected by violent crime, making it a generally safe community for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
195
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,260
Crime Index:
2,455
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 513
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Rochester, MN year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters averaging lows of 7°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. Rochester enjoys about 60% sunny days annually and receives approximately 32 inches of rainfall, creating a comfortable climate for year-round activities.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
27°F

Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Rochester neighborhoods benefit from a strong median household income of $81,100 and a low unemployment rate of 2.2%. High educational attainment (over 95% with a high school diploma) and short average commute times of 17.5 minutes make this a convenient and prosperous place to live.
Median Income:
$39,000
Household Income:
$81,100
Family Income:
$98,200
Per Capita Income:
$42,800
Income Male:
$51,200
Income Female:
$40,100
Poverty Rate:
7.5%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$1,190
Unemployment Rate:
2.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
17.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.2%
Bachelors or More:
45.5%
Education
How are the schools in Rochester, MN?
Rochester provides excellent education options, including strong public and private schools and higher education institutions like the University of Minnesota Rochester and Rochester Community and Technical College. With favorable student-teacher ratios and access to quality colleges locally, families and students benefit from a supportive academic environment.

Public Schools
Name:
John Marshall Senior High
Street:
1510 14th St NW
Phone:
507-328-5400
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.3
Name:
Longfellow Elementary
Street:
2011 6th St SE
Phone:
507-328-3600
Students:
575
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2

Private Schools
Name:
Lourdes High School
Street:
2800 19th St NW
Phone:
507-289-3991
Students:
480

Colleges
Name:
University of Minnesota Rochester
City:
Rochester
State:
MN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,000
Name:
Rochester Community and Technical College
City:
Rochester
State:
MN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,500
Healthcare
Rochester is renowned for its top-tier healthcare, anchored by the Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Medical Center, both offering comprehensive emergency and general medical services. With nearly 5.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and 96.4% health insurance coverage, residents enjoy excellent access to medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mayo Clinic Hospital – Rochester
Address:
1216 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Phone:
(507) 284-2511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Olmsted Medical Center
Address:
1650 4th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Phone:
(507) 287-2766
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
5.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.4%
Health Care Index:
80.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rochester, MN?
The Rochester housing market features a median home price of $315,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,190, with a majority of homes owner-occupied. The market is stable, showing a 4.7% annual appreciation rate and low foreclosure rates, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,190
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Minnesota’s Driver and Vehicle Services, located in nearby St. Paul, manages licensing and registrations for Rochester residents and offers easy access to services online or by phone. The department ensures streamlined processes for all vehicle and driver-related needs in the city.
State:
Minnesota
Department:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services
Address:
445 Minnesota St, St Paul, MN 55101
Phone:
651-297-3298
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.