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.
Located in the state of Illinois, Rochester is a small-sized city with a population of 3,778 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (93% White). Given that fact, Rochester could be considered less diverse than other cities. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Rochester offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, far lower than 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 city 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. To help you find the best places to live in and around Rochester, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like commute, health & safety, housing and more.
Rochester has a livability score of 79/100 and is ranked #75 in Illinois and #1,441 in the USA. Clearly, Rochester is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Rochester also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we examine each of the categories on their own, we see that Rochester ranks well for crime (A+), cost of living (A-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Rochester does not do well for the following: amenities (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to 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 183 crimes per 100,000 residents, Rochester has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Rochester has an unemployment rate of 1.9% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving 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.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Rochester is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Rochester come in at $206,300, which is 18% 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 2.2, which is 26.7% lower than the Illinois average.
| 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% |
Here are the best places to live in Illinois
These are the 10 most affordable cities in Illinois
Top 10 cities in Illinois with the best education system
Check out the 10 safest cities in Illinois