Rochester city, Minnesota Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Rochester city, Minnesota has a total population of 121,638, the 3rd largest city in Minnesota, with a median household income of $87,767, which is about average than the state average. The poverty rate is 9.0%.
Key Takeaways
- Rochester city is the 3rd largest city in Minnesota with a population of 121,638.
- 50.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Minnesota.
Rochester city Quick Facts
How Rochester city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 40 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Rochester city Rankings in Minnesota
Explore Minnesota Rankings
Other Cities in Olmsted County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stewartville city | 6,754 | $65,714 | 3.4% | $258,000 |
| Byron city | 6,510 | $121,681 | 6.2% | $326,400 |
| Pine Island city | 3,693 | $91,612 | 3.4% | $324,700 |
| Chatfield city | 2,693 | $91,912 | 5.8% | $216,000 |
| Eyota city | 2,090 | $83,684 | 7.3% | $266,800 |
| Oronoco city | 1,665 | $146,875 | 2.4% | $468,700 |
| Hatfield city | 23 | $86,250 | 0.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Rochester city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington city | 88,838 | $90,677 | $346,200 | 45.3% | 9.1% |
| Brooklyn Park city | 84,349 | $85,964 | $313,500 | 31.7% | 10.3% |
| Duluth city | 86,863 | $66,263 | $225,700 | 42.3% | 17.2% |
| Blaine city | 71,261 | $103,382 | $327,500 | 36.1% | 6.5% |
| Plymouth city | 79,526 | $133,865 | $474,700 | 64.8% | 4.1% |
Population Overview
Rochester city is a major urban center located in Minnesota, within Olmsted County. The total population is 121,638. It ranks as the 3rd most populous out of 913 cities and towns in Minnesota.
Age Demographics
The median age in Rochester city is 36.4 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 38.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Rochester city is $87,767. This is about average than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 12% higher. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%. This is 2% lower than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. The unemployment rate is 3.8%. This is 2% lower than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $287,500. Housing costs are 6% lower than the state median of $305,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 65.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 10% lower than the state average of 72.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Rochester city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 71.5% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 9.4%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (8.0% vs 5.0%).
Education
50.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Rochester city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 29% higher than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.5%. Notably, 22.4% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Rochester city, Minnesota is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Minnesota state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 913 Census-designated places in Minnesota. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rochester city, Minnesota?
Rochester city, Minnesota has a population of 121,638 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Rochester city, MN?
The median household income in Rochester city is $87,767, which is 12% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Rochester city, MN?
The poverty rate in Rochester city is 9.0%. This means approximately 10,772 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Rochester city, Minnesota?
Rochester city's population is 71.5% White, 9.4% Black, 6.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 8.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Rochester city, MN?
The median home value in Rochester city is $287,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
How educated is Rochester city, Minnesota?
50.1% of adults (25+) in Rochester city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 22.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.