Median Income
$45,000
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
121/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.6%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$725
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.7%
10% higher than US avg
How Rochester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population260
Median Age27.7 yrs
Density765/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans4.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$45,000
Per Capita$17,228
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty13.7%
County GDP$427M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Rent$725
Ownership90.8%
Zillow$79,015
Housing Units134
Rent Burden26.3%
Crime
F
Violent121/100K
Property787/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured22.2%
Smoking18.5%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain27.0 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation1,596 ft (486 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.6%
High School+71.7%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.00
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 14%
Commute19 min
Broadband76.0%
Libraries1
Is Rochester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rochester receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Rochester has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Rochester is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Rochester is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 787 per 100,000, 60% below the national average.
Education
6.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Rochester enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Rochester has a population of 260 with a density of 765 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 27.7 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (70%), with 10.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 69.5% of residents, while 30.5% speak Spanish. 4.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 65.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.7yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rochester vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
69.5%
11% below US avg
Spanish
30.5%
128% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Rochester vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rochester is $45,000, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,228 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $810, 43% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 197 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rochester vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,000 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,228 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $810 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,982 |
| Gini Index | 0.558 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.7% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 197 |
| County GDP | $427M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 5 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,780 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.4% |
| Public Transit | 4.5% |
| Work from Home | 1.8% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $79,015. Monthly rent averages $725 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 134 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,780. 26.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $725 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.2% |
| Housing Units | 134 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,780 |
| 8% above US avg |
In Rochester, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 36.4% have high blood pressure. 18.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 34.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 22.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,082. The dentist ratio is 1:2,702. 69.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Rochester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.3% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 41.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 65.2% |
| Uninsured | 22.2% |
| 158% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,082 |
| Dentists | 1:2,702 |
| Mental Health | 1:769 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.4% |
| Dental Visits | 44.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,595/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5 |
Rochester has a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 787 per 100,000, 60% below the U.S. average. Overall, Rochester receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Rochester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 121.1/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 786.9/100K |
| 60% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rochester enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 328 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 27.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 1,596 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (6°C)
83°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 63.1°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,596 ft (486 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 765/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.3142°N, 99.8565°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Haskell County County |
| Nearest Airport | Abilene Regional (ABI)
63 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.0"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.43"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 11.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
203 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M3.7 on Jul 20, 2025.
| Jul 26, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M5.1 |
97 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.9 |
97 km |
| Feb 16, 2023 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.7 |
98 km |
| Jul 27, 2024 |
13 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.5 |
101 km |
| Jul 23, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.4 |
98 km |
| Sep 11, 2011 |
20 km NE of Snyder, Texas |
M4.3 |
100 km |
| Jul 25, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M4.0 |
98 km |
| Sep 22, 2023 |
8 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.9 |
105 km |
| Mar 13, 2011 |
32 km WNW of Rotan, Texas |
M3.8 |
92 km |
| Aug 17, 2022 |
17 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Jul 30, 2024 |
15 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.8 |
97 km |
| Jul 20, 2025 |
14 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.7 |
99 km |
| Aug 14, 2024 |
16 km NNE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Jan 10, 2016 |
25 km NNE of Snyder, Texas |
M3.6 |
100 km |
| Oct 2, 2023 |
16 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.6 |
97 km |
| Sep 12, 2011 |
12 km NNE of Snyder, Texas |
M3.5 |
109 km |
| Jan 6, 2015 |
western Texas |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| Feb 11, 2023 |
16 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.5 |
97 km |
| Feb 3, 2023 |
16 km NE of Hermleigh, Texas |
M3.5 |
97 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
17 km NNE of Snyder, Texas |
M3.5 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
481 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 23 fatalities, 98 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1962 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1954 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1953 |
EF4 |
10 km |
17 |
| May 2, 2024 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2022 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2021 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2005 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1994 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1991 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1990 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1985 |
EF3 |
80 km |
3 |
| May 16, 1982 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1976 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1976 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1976 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1965 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1962 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| Sep 3, 1961 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG COUNTRY FIRE (209,352 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
BIG COUNTRY FIRE |
209,352 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
COOPER MOUNTAIN RANCH |
157,855 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
SWENSON |
136,789 |
30 km |
| 2011 |
DICKENS COUNTY COMPLEX |
90,808 |
74 km |
| 2008 |
EIGHTY-TWO FIRE |
31,611 |
35 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
28,633 |
41 km |
| 2022 |
COCONUT |
27,963 |
79 km |
| 1996 |
PITCHFORK FIRE |
27,222 |
66 km |
| 1996 |
TRIANGLE FIRE |
25,553 |
84 km |
| 2021 |
BUCK |
18,671 |
56 km |
| 1994 |
KING COUNTY FIRE |
16,759 |
49 km |
| 2022 |
SMOKE STACK LIGHTNING |
14,602 |
30 km |
| 2019 |
VIVIAN |
11,825 |
87 km |
| 2009 |
BLACK |
11,356 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
MILLER CREEK |
10,888 |
47 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,804 |
100 km |
| 1997 |
THROCKMORTON |
10,339 |
50 km |
| 2011 |
ROCK CREEK |
10,128 |
28 km |
| 2003 |
JOHNSON RANCH |
9,696 |
82 km |
| 2011 |
JRM |
8,870 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
83°F (29°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
52°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
44°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Rochester has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 42°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.9").
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) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $537 |
| Toddler | $507 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $489 |
| Toddler | $468 |
| Preschool | $463 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rochester
What is the population of Rochester?
Rochester has a population of 260 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 765 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% male.
Is Rochester expensive to live in?
Rochester has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Rochester safe?
Rochester is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 787 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.0 inches, with 3.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Rochester?
Rochester has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $810. There are 197 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 1.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rochester?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $725. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,780.
How are the schools in Rochester?
Schools in Rochester score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.6% of adults in Rochester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.7% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rochester?
The obesity rate in Rochester is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.5% of adults are smokers. 34.3% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 22.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 69.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,082.
What is transportation like in Rochester?
The average commute in Rochester is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.4% of workers drive alone to work, 4.5% use public transit, and 1.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rochester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rochester is 70% White, 10.4% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 69.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 30.5% speak Spanish. 4.1% of the population are military veterans. 20.6% of residents have a disability. 65.2% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
