Rochester 75 Excellent
Rochester Livability #153 ranked city in Michigan#3,866 ranked city in the USARanks better than 86% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Rochester

PROS
  • Crime 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 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 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.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

What's it like Living in Rochester?

Rochester, Michigan is a mid-sized city with a population of 13,503 inhabitants. Rochester has a population density of 3,524 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Rochester is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Rochester is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 28 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Living in Rochester can be a fulfilling experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Michigan, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, health & safety, you can easily compare the best places to live in Rochester and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Rochester to Michigan and the national average.

Rochester has a livability score of 75/100 and is ranked #140 in Michigan and #3,440 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Rochester could be a great choice! Based on the scores for each individual category, Rochester has received high marks for crime (A+), education (A), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Unfortunately for Rochester, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (D) and cost of living (D).

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 24 crimes per 100,000 residents, Rochester has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Test scores can be a good way to measure a school's academic performance and the proficiency of its students. They can be an important metric in deciding if the local area schools can provide a solid educational system for children. The schools in Rochester have an average test score of 67%, which is well above the US average.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Rochester market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

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. The median home price for Rochester homes is $674,939, which is 186.2% higher than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Rochester, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5, which is 56.3% higher than the Michigan average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Rochester

See all the best places to live around Rochester

How Do You Rate The Livability In Rochester?

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Compare Rochester, MI Livability

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      Rochester transportation information

      Statistic Rochester Michigan National
      Average one way commute28min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work81.6%82.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.6%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.5%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home9.7%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Rochester, MI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.