What to know when moving to Rochester, MN
Rochester at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area with 49.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $90,430, providing strong economic footing for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- With 35.9% of residents renting, housing costs can be competitive; median gross rent is $1,321.
- Commute:
- Only 4.4% of commuters use public transit, indicating a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,321/month in rent to secure a place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Rochester has a population of about 58,260, with nearly half of the residents (49.6%) holding at least a bachelor's degree, making it a well-educated community. The median household income of $90,430 reflects a robust economic environment. However, with 35.9% of residents renting, housing can be competitive, and the median gross rent stands at $1,321. The area experiences approximately 120 rainy days each year, so be prepared for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if you want a vibrant public transit system; only 4.4% of residents commute via public transport.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,321, while median owner-occupied home value is $290,000.
- 49.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, showcasing the area's educational character.
- 9.4% poverty rate indicates a relatively stable economic environment.
- 35.9% of residents are renters, suggesting a significant portion of the population is looking for rental housing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Minnesota generally has lower crime rates compared to the national average, with significant declines in recent years.
- Violent crime: 223.2 per 100k residents in 2025, down by 21.4% since 2022, compared to the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,420.7 per 100k residents in 2025, down by 28.7% since 2022, against the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 32.1% since 2022, now at 2.2 per 100k residents.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Minnesota).
Schools & Higher Ed
Rochester has access to a total of 4 postsecondary institutions, all located in Olmsted County.
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
- Nova Academy of Cosmetology
- Rochester Community and Technical College
- University of Minnesota-Rochester
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Rochester sees about 33.4 inches of precipitation annually, with 120 rainy days each year. The winter brings around 5.3 inches of snowfall over approximately 30 days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo - 4.8 stars (2,187 reviews)
- Quarry Hill Park - 4.8 stars (1,475 reviews)
- Chester Woods Park - 4.7 stars (893 reviews)
- Silver Lake Park - 4.3 stars (751 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.