Median Income
$104,429
39% higher than US avg
Home Value
$340,900
21% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
48/100K
87% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.9%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$920
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.0%
72% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Rochester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,780
Median Age51.1 yrs
Density217/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$104,429
Per Capita$56,815
Unemployment1.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$6,423M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$340,900
Rent$920
Ownership78.9%
Zillow$400,218
Housing Units1,661
Rent Burden30.9%
Crime
F
Violent48/100K
Property2,053/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking12.7%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain36.4 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation787 ft (240 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.9%
High School+98.2%
Graduate+15.1%
School Score5.80
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 38%
Commute26 min
Broadband90.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is Rochester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Rochester receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. 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 $104,429, which is significantly higher than the national average / 39% above $75,149. This places Rochester among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Rochester is $340,900, 21% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Rochester is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,053 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
32.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.2% 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 47°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Rochester has a population of 3,780 with a density of 217 people per square mile, spread across 17.4 square miles. The median age is 51.1 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (97.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 6.5% of the population are veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.1yrs
Median Age
31% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Rochester vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Rochester vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Rochester is $104,429, which is 39% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $56,815 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,401 business establishments, including 337 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 8.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Rochester vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $104,429 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $56,815 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,712 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.0% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,401 |
| County GDP | $6,423M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 337 |
| Healthcare | 234 |
| Retail | 366 |
| Manufacturing | 188 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,487 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.6% |
The median home value in Rochester is $340,900, 21% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $400,218, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 97.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $920 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,661 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $8,487 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $340,900 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $400,218 |
| Median List Price | $424,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $424,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $176 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.7% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $920 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,661 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,487 |
| 142% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.49% |
In Rochester, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 27.1% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322. The dentist ratio is 1:2,066. 82.2% 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 | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.1% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,322 |
| Dentists | 1:2,066 |
| Mental Health | 1:670 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.3% |
| Dental Visits | 69.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,248/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 234 |
Rochester has a violent crime rate of 48 per 100,000 residents, 87% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,053 per 100,000, 5% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 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 | 47.5/100K |
| 87% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,052.8/100K |
| 5% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Rochester experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 787 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 787 ft (240 m) |
| Area | 17.4 sq mi (45.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 217/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7329°N, 88.2503°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Walworth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Kenosha Regional (ENW)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.4"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 74.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 20.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
87 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
110 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
127 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
61 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
85 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
467 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 45 fatalities, 1,228 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
29 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1981 |
EF4 |
78 km |
3 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
79 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
6 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1975 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Feb 8, 2024 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,524 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,524 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN |
1,236 |
93 km |
| 1994 |
SOMMERS |
938 |
99 km |
| 1988 |
PEACHY RD |
812 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
51 km |
| 2007 |
TOWER RD 2 |
592 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Rochester has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 20°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.2").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rochester
What is the population of Rochester?
Rochester has a population of 3,780 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 217 people per square mile, spread across 17.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Rochester expensive to live in?
Rochester is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $104,429, 39% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $340,900 (21% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, 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 48 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,053 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 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 36.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Rochester?
The job market in Rochester is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 3,401 business establishments in the area, including 337 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 8.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester is $340,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $400,218. For renters, the median monthly rent is $920. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.9%. The average annual property tax is $8,487.
How are the schools in Rochester?
Schools in Rochester score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.9% of adults in Rochester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.2% have completed high school. 15.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Rochester?
The obesity rate in Rochester is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,322.
What is transportation like in Rochester?
The average commute in Rochester is 26 minutes. 89.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Rochester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Rochester is 97.1% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 6.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
