Minnesota / Olmsted County

Moving to Rochester, MN

Thinking of making a move to Rochester, MN? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rochester, MN

Considering a move to Rochester, MN? This welcoming community of 121,395 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $315,000 and average rents near $1,420. Commute times average 19 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Rochester's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Rochester, MN

Rochester has a population of 121,395 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 76% White, 10% Black, and 9% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
121,395
Density
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
76.0%
Black
10.0%
Asian
8.5%
Others
5.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Rochester, MN?

The cost of living in Rochester is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 98.7. Median home values are around $315,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,420. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$315,000
Gross Rent
$1,420
Monthly Electricity Charges
$126
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$650
State Taxes
Low: 5.35%| High: 9.85%
Cost Of Living Index
98.7
Grocery
97.5
Housing
96.2
Utilities
102.4
Transportation
93.8
Health Care
94.1
Miscellaneous
96.8

Crime

Is Rochester, MN a safe place to live?

Rochester is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 180 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 57. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Minnesota.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
180
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,750
Crime Index
1,930
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 556
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 57

Weather

What is the weather like in Rochester, MN year-round?

Rochester experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 6°F. The area receives about 31 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
6°F
Max
24°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
62°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
30.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $78,500 and a low poverty rate of 10.1%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 45% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 19 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$44,500
Household Income
$78,500
Family Income
$98,500
Per Capita Income
$46,800
Income Male
$58,000
Income Female
$46,500
Poverty Rate
10.1%
Non English Speakers
17.4%
Rent
$1,420
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
Public Transport Usage
3.4%
Commute Time
18.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.8%
Bachelors or More
44.6%

Education

How are the schools in Rochester, MN?

Rochester offers quality education options, with public schools like John Marshall High School and Mayo High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Minnesota Rochester, Rochester Community and Technical College, and Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
John Marshall High School
Street
1540 14th Ave NE
Phone
507-328-5330
Students
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio
16.1
Name
Mayo High School
Street
1420 11th Ave SE
Phone
507-328-5300
Students
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio
16.4

Private Schools

Name
Rochester Catholic Schools
Street
621 1st Ave SW
Phone
507-424-1817
Students
1,100
Name
Rochester Montessori School
Street
300 7th St NW
Phone
507-282-9282
Students
220

Colleges

Name
University of Minnesota Rochester
City
Rochester
State
MN
Distance
0 miles
Students
700
Name
Rochester Community and Technical College
City
Rochester
State
MN
Distance
2 miles
Students
5,500
Name
Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
City
Rochester
State
MN
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,500

Healthcare

Rochester residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Mayo Clinic Hospital - Rochester and Saint Marys Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 11.8 per 1,000 people and 94.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Mayo Clinic Hospital - Rochester
Address
200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905
Phone
(507) 284-2511
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Saint Marys Hospital
Address
1216 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Phone
(507) 255-5123
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
11.8
Health Insurance Coverage
94.6%
Health Care Index
94.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Rochester, MN?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $315,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 65%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Rochester offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$315,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,420
Owner Occupied Rate
64.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Rochester handle vehicle services through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, conveniently located in St. Paul. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Minnesota
Department
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
Address
445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone
1-651-297-3298

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.

FAQs About Moving to Rochester, MN

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Rochester, review the core fields on this page: population 121,395, median home value $315,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,420, commute time 18.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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