Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Rochester, Illinois is a smaller city with a population of 3,914 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Rochester is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Rochester. With an average one way commute time of only 19 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Rochester, Illinois. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Rochester and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Illinois and national averages.
Rochester, IL receives 80/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #76 in Illinois and #1,406 in the USA. This is a phenomenal score, as Rochester ranks well in multiple categories! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we check out each of the categories on their own, we see that Rochester ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Rochester does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 77 crimes per 100,000 residents, Rochester has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
The Rochester unemployment rate of 2% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Rochester excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Rochester is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Rochester come in at $378,365, which is 22.6% higher than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Rochester, the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 22.9% lower than the Illinois average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Rochester | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 92.8% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.2% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.7% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.4% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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