
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.
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.
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.
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Rochester is a small city located in the state of Washington. The city has a population of 4,994 inhabitants. The majority of Rochester residents report their race to be White; this is followed by American Indian and Alaskan and Asian. An important consideration when living in Rochester is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 31 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Rochester, Washington. 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, health & safety, employment, housing, 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 Washington and the national average.
Using data and statistics Rochester has received a livability score of 65/100. This score is ranked in the 59th percentile when compared to all other cities. If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Rochester ranks well for crime (A-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Rochester. The following was graded with a concerning score: amenities (F) and cost of living (D).
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Rochester has an unemployment rate of 1.6% 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.
Rochester real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Rochester. The median home price for Rochester homes is $499,232, which is 1.5% higher than the Washington 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 4.3, which is 20.4% lower than the Washington 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 | Washington | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.2% | 72.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.0% | 10.2% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 6.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.9% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 3.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.8% | 5.6% | 4.6% |