Washington / Thurston County

Moving to Rochester, WA

Thinking of making a move to Rochester, WA? 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, WA

Considering a move to Rochester, WA? This welcoming community of 7,950 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $435,000 and average rents near $1,620. Commute times average 28 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (48% 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, WA

Rochester has a population of 7,950 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 73% White, 2% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 15% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
7,950
Density
1,260 per sq mi
Median Age
37.8
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
14.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
72.8%
Black
1.9%
Asian
2.6%
Others
22.7%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Rochester is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 113.4. Median home values are around $435,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,620. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$435,000
Gross Rent
$1,620
Monthly Electricity Charges
$132
Auto Insurance
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,280
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$720
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 9.9%
Cost Of Living Index
113.4
Grocery
109.5
Housing
121.8
Utilities
103.6
Transportation
112.2
Health Care
108.1
Miscellaneous
106.7

Crime

Is Rochester, WA a safe place to live?

Rochester is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 54. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Washington.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
210
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,850
Crime Index
2,060
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 54

Weather

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

Rochester experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 34°F. The area receives about 54 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
34°F
Max
47°F

Summer

Min
54°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
53.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $73,800 and a low poverty rate of 13.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 20% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 28 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$55,500
Household Income
$73,800
Family Income
$84,500
Per Capita Income
$29,800
Income Male
$44,200
Income Female
$36,700
Poverty Rate
13.8%
Non English Speakers
18.9%
Rent
$1,620
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
27.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.4%
Bachelors or More
19.6%

Education

How are the schools in Rochester, WA?

Rochester offers quality education options, with public schools like Rochester High School and Rochester Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including South Puget Sound Community College and The Evergreen State College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Rochester High School
Street
2594 Rochester St W
Phone
360-273-5538
Students
950
Student Teacher Ratio
21.1
Name
Rochester Middle School
Street
10140 Hwy 12 SW
Phone
360-273-5539
Students
720
Student Teacher Ratio
20.3

Private Schools

Name
Cedar Creek Christian School
Street
3570 James Rd SW
Phone
360-273-5267
Students
180

Colleges

Name
South Puget Sound Community College
City
Olympia
State
WA
Distance
16 miles
Students
5,000
Name
The Evergreen State College
City
Olympia
State
WA
Distance
19 miles
Students
4,000

Healthcare

Rochester residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Capital Medical Center and Providence St. Peter Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 91.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Capital Medical Center
Address
3900 Capital Mall Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502
Phone
(360) 754-5858
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Providence St. Peter Hospital
Address
413 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506
Phone
(360) 491-9480
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
91.8%
Health Care Index
69.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Rochester, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $435,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 68%. The market has seen a 4.7% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.2%. Rochester offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$435,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,620
Owner Occupied Rate
68.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.7%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Rochester handle vehicle services through the Washington State Department of Licensing, conveniently located in Olympia. 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
Washington
Department
Washington State Department of Licensing
Address
Driver Licensing Office, 1000 S. Cherry St., Olympia, WA 98501
Phone
1-360-902-3900

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, WA

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 7,950, median home value $435,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,620, commute time 27.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

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