Median Income
$112,689
50% higher than US avg
Home Value
$241,900
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
108/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
49.9%
48% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,333
15% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.4%
97% lower than US avg
How Rochester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,784
Median Age39.2 yrs
Density1,412/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$112,689
Per Capita$47,562
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty0.4%
County GDP$15,669M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$241,900
Rent$1,333
Ownership96.0%
Zillow$286,124
Housing Units1,445
Rent Burden22.5%
Crime
F
Violent108/100K
Property619/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault27/100K
Burglary27/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured5.3%
Smoking10.2%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease4.2%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.5 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation580 ft (177 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+49.9%
High School+98.3%
Graduate+19.5%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute19 min
Broadband94.1%
EV Stations33
Libraries13
Is Rochester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rochester receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Rochester stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rochester is $112,689, which is significantly higher than the national average / 50% above $75,149. This places Rochester among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 0.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rochester is $241,900, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,333 per month. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Rochester is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 619 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 49.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Rochester experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Rochester has a population of 3,784 with a density of 1,412 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 39.2 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 99.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.2yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rochester vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rochester vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rochester is $112,689, which is 50% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,562 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,334. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,970 business establishments, including 544 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.7% of workers work from home.
Income: Rochester vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $112,689 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,562 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,334 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,001 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.4% |
| 97% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,970 |
| County GDP | $15,669M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 544 |
| Healthcare | 489 |
| Retail | 672 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.7% |
The median home value in Rochester is $241,900, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $286,124, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,333 (15% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,445 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $7,281 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $241,900 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $286,124 |
| Median List Price | $218,750 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $218,750 |
| $/Sq Ft | $117 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.5% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,333 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,445 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.01% |
In Rochester, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.2% of residents, below the national average. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 10.2% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 21.9% report binge drinking. 15.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.0% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 5.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:829. The dentist ratio is 1:1,165. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rochester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 4.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.2% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.8% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.0% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:829 |
| Dentists | 1:1,165 |
| Mental Health | 1:310 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 70.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,880/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 489 |
Rochester has a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 26.9 per 100,000, robbery at 53.9, rape at 26.9. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 619 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 592, burglary at 27, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 30 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Rochester receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rochester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 107.7/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 26.9/100K |
| Robbery | 53.9/100K |
| Assault | 26.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 619.3/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| Burglary | 26.9/100K |
| Theft | 592.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 30 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rochester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 580 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.9°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 580 ft (177 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,412/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.7458°N, 89.5665°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sangamon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI) 61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.5"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
105 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
92 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| Apr 24, 1990 |
5 km SW of Newton, Illinois |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Mar 28, 2024 |
1 km NNE of Germantown, Illinois |
M2.8 |
131 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
703 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 775 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
97 km |
3 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
11 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
86 km |
6 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Rochester has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Rochester. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $848 |
| Toddler | $815 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rochester
What is the population of Rochester?
Rochester has a population of 3,784 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,412 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.2 years. The population is 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
Is Rochester expensive to live in?
Rochester has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $112,689, 50% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $241,900 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,333 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Rochester safe?
Rochester is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 108 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 619 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Rochester receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Rochester?
Rochester has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Rochester?
The job market in Rochester is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,334. There are 4,970 business establishments in the area, including 544 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 15.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester is $241,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $286,124. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,333. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 96.0%. The average annual property tax is $7,281.
How are the schools in Rochester?
Schools in Rochester score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 49.9% of adults in Rochester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. 19.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rochester?
The obesity rate in Rochester is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 10.2% of adults are smokers. 15.8% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 5.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:829.
What is transportation like in Rochester?
The average commute in Rochester is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rochester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rochester is 94.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 99.0% have health insurance coverage.