Median Income
$60,304
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$135,900
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
140/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.4%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$883
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.7%
2% higher than US avg
How Rochester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,244
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density1,366/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$60,304
Per Capita$34,208
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty12.7%
County GDP$905M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$135,900
Rent$883
Ownership61.4%
Zillow$204,346
Housing Units3,236
Rent Burden23.5%
Crime
F
Violent140/100K
Property2,132/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking19.8%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation781 ft (238 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.4%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+7.7%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute20 min
Broadband84.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Rochester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rochester receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Rochester offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rochester is $60,304, 20% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rochester is $135,900, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $883 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x 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 140 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,132 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
18.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Rochester experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.8 inches, including 30.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Rochester has a population of 6,244 with a density of 1,366 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (84.6%), with 5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rochester vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rochester vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rochester is $60,304, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,208 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $933, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 476 business establishments, including 47 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rochester vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,304 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,208 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $933 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,511 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.7% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 476 |
| County GDP | $905M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 47 |
| Healthcare | 45 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,817 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 2.2% |
The median home value in Rochester is $135,900, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,346, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $883 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,236 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $2,817 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 23.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $135,900 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $204,346 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $883 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.6% |
| Housing Units | 3,236 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,817 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.07% |
In Rochester, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 19.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 27.5% are physically inactive. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,039. The dentist ratio is 1:2,259. 39.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rochester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.8% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.5% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,039 |
| Dentists | 1:2,259 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,131 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,508/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 39.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 45 |
Rochester has a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,132 per 100,000, 9% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 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 | 139.5/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,132.3/100K |
| 9% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 28 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rochester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 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 40.8 inches. The area receives 30.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 781 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 781 ft (238 m) |
| Area | 5.8 sq mi (15.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,366/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0604°N, 86.1983°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Fulton County County |
| Nearest Airport | South Bend International (SBN)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.8"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 12, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
146 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
132 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
82 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
132 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
121 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
565 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 127 fatalities, 2,214 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 1994 |
EF4 |
90 km |
3 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
25 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
52 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
89 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
75 km |
5 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
76 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
11 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
91 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 17 INDU COWLES DUNES (522 ac, 2017).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Rochester has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.3 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February 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) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Rochester
What is the population of Rochester?
Rochester has a population of 6,244 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,366 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Rochester expensive to live in?
Rochester is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,304, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $135,900 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $883 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, 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 140 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,132 per 100,000 (above 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 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.8 inches, with 30.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Rochester?
Rochester has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $933. There are 476 business establishments in the area, including 47 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 2.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester is $135,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $204,346. For renters, the median monthly rent is $883. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,817.
How are the schools in Rochester?
Schools in Rochester score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.4% of adults in Rochester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 7.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rochester?
The obesity rate in Rochester is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.8% of adults are smokers. 27.5% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 39.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,039.
What is transportation like in Rochester?
The average commute in Rochester is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rochester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rochester is 84.6% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 5% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 19.4% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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