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 3,285 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $429,000 and average rents near $1,450. Commute times average 30 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (43% 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 3,285 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 81% White, 1% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
3,285
Density
350 per sq mi
Median Age
37.2
Gender Ratio
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
81.0%
Black
1.0%
Asian
2.0%
Others
16.0%

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 106.8. Median home values are around $429,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,450. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$429,000
Gross Rent
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,965
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$540
State Taxes
Low: 0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
106.8
Grocery
102.3
Housing
110.1
Utilities
98.2
Transportation
109.5
Health Care
104.1
Miscellaneous
101.9

Crime

Is Rochester, WA a safe place to live?

Rochester is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 198 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 71. 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
198
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,410
Crime Index
1,608
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 505
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 71

Weather

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

Rochester experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 78°F and cold winters dipping to 33°F. The area receives about 51 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 43% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
33°F
Max
45°F

Summer

Min
51°F
Max
78°F

Spring

Min
40°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
51.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
43%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $77,100 and a low poverty rate of 9.7%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 30 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$40,800
Household Income
$77,100
Family Income
$84,600
Per Capita Income
$30,200
Income Male
$47,000
Income Female
$38,500
Poverty Rate
9.7%
Non English Speakers
10.5%
Rent
$1,450
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
Public Transport Usage
0.7%
Commute Time
30.2 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
90.1%
Bachelors or More
17.8%

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 Centralia College and South Puget Sound Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Rochester High School
Street
19800 Carper Rd SW
Phone
360-273-5534
Students
600
Student Teacher Ratio
18.7
Name
Rochester Middle School
Street
9937 Hwy 12 SW
Phone
360-273-5958
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
17.5

Private Schools

Name
Tenino Christian School
Street
301 Lincoln Ave E, Tenino
Phone
360-264-8071
Students
90

Colleges

Name
Centralia College
City
Centralia
State
WA
Distance
19 miles
Students
3,900
Name
South Puget Sound Community College
City
Olympia
State
WA
Distance
20 miles
Students
4,800

Healthcare

Rochester residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Providence Centralia Hospital and Providence St. Peter Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 93.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Providence Centralia Hospital
Address
914 S Scheuber Rd, Centralia, WA 98531
Phone
(360) 736-2803
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
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
93.7%
Health Care Index
78.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Rochester, WA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $429,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 77%. The market has seen a 5.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.6%. Rochester offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$429,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate
76.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
5.2%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

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
1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Phone
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 3,285, median home value $429,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,450, commute time 30.2 minutes, and sunny days percentage 43%.

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