Rochester, NY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
208,772
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,213/yr
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
104,479
1.2% year-over-year change

Rochester population

How many people live in Rochester

Rochester is home to 208,772 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of Rochester locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
208,772
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
99,411
Female
52.4%
109,361
Value Percent YoY change
Male 99,411 47.6% -1.8%
Female 109,361 52.4% 0.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Rochester is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 17% are children under 15, then 15.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.1% of the population, while another 22% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
17%
15 to 24
15.8%
25 to 44
32.1%
45 to 64
22%
Over 65
13.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 35,445 17% -5.0%
15 to 24 32,999 15.8% 0.0%
25 to 44 67,035 32.1% 1.6%
45 to 64 45,900 22% -1.6%
Over 65 27,393 13.1% 2.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Rochester, 85.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 39.7% of locals are Caucasian, 36.2% are African American and 3.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.3% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 8.6% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 11.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.9%
Non-citizens
4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 177,651 85.1% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 22,695 10.9% -6.5%
Non-citizens 8,426 4% 1.3%
Racial breakdown
White
39.7%
Black or African American
36.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
3.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
11.6%
Other
8.6%
Value Percent
White 82,949 39.7%
Black or African American 75,676 36.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 659 0.3%
Asian 7,025 3.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 193 0.1%
Two or more races 24,263 11.6%
Other 18,007 8.6%

Households in Rochester

A peek inside Rochester households

Rochester has 93,261 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 45.5% are families, while the remaining 54.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
93,261
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
50,869
Family households
42,392
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 50,869 54.5% 2.4%
Family households 42,392 45.5% -0.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Rochester

The housing landscape of Rochester

Rochester's housing consists of 104,479 units, with 44% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
104,479
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 45,983 44%
1 unit, attached 6,041 5.8%
2 units 17,161 16.4%
3 or 4 units 10,023 9.6%
5 to 9 units 5,560 5.3%
10 to 19 units 3,695 3.5%
20 to 49 units 4,898 4.7%
50 or more units 10,741 10.3%
Mobile home 328 0.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 49 0%
Homes built since 2020
460
87.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Rochester

In Rochester, the median construction year is 1938. About 53.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 56,089 53.7% 0.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 8,535 8.2% 4.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 10,615 10.2% 0.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7,686 7.4% 3.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,260 7.9% -1.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,972 4.8% -0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,065 2.9% -0.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,783 1.7% 14.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,014 2.9% 4.9%
Built in 2020 or later 460 0.4% 87.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Rochester occupancy rates

Out of the 93,261 occupied housing units in Rochester, 38.1% are owner-occupied, while 61.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
93,261
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
57,720
Owner occupied
35,541
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 57,720 61.9% -0.3%
Owner occupied 35,541 38.1% 3.6%
Unoccupied housing units
10.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Rochester housing costs

Housing costs in Rochester come to a median of $1,043 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,081.

Median housing costs per month
$1,043/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Rochester
$1,081/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Rochester

Rochester education at a glance

About 38.6% of the population in Rochester went to high school, while 19.4% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 16.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8,358 5.1% 1.9%
High school diploma 63,839 38.6% 1.4%
College diploma 32,091 19.4% -1.3%
Associate degree 14,857 9% -1.1%
Bachelor's degree 27,648 16.7% 0.4%
Graduate degree 18,362 11.1% 1.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Rochester

How much people earn in Rochester

The average annual household income in Rochester was $68,287 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,213, reflecting a +1.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Rochester
$68,287/year
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Rochester
$47,213/year
1.2% year-over-year change

Rochester income by age

In Rochester, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $53,967. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $47,511 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $37,008, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,800 in earnings. Overall, 72.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $37,008 3.5%
25 - 44 $53,967 0.4%
45 - 64 $47,511 -0.1%
Over 65 $37,800 4.2%
Above poverty level
143,512
Below poverty level
55,112
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 143,512 72.2% -2.0%
Below poverty level 55,112 27.8% 4.4%

Average renter income in Rochester

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Rochester, their median household income was $32,017 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$32,017
Rent-to-income ratio
40.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Rochester

Workforce and job types in Rochester

The job market in Rochester is powered by 96,802 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 60.7% are employed by private companies, and 13.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
96,802
-0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
80,792
Blue collar
16,010
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 80,792 83.5% -0.4%
Blue collar 16,010 16.5% -2.0%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
60.7%
Governmental workers
13.5%
Not for profit companies
18.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,869 7.1% 14.6%
Private companies 58,778 60.7% -2.5%
Governmental workers 13,061 13.5% 1.7%
Not for profit companies 18,094 18.7% -1.4%
Unemployment rate
7.9%
-0.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Rochester stands at 7.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Rochester

How people get around in Rochester

Commuting methods vary: 74.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 70,064 74.2% -3.2%
Taxicab 709 0.8% 6.3%
Bus or trolleybus 5,053 5.4% 1.5%
Subway or elevated 183 0.2% N/A
Ferryboat 73 0.1% 2.8%
Motorcycle 7 0% -91.5%
Bicycle 951 1% -8.3%
Walk 4,045 4.3% 3.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Rochester by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
14604 3,251 2,250 $52,105 $80,025
14605 11,783 4,500 $21,201 $42,040
14606 25,538 10,824 $55,807 $73,508
14607 17,891 11,167 $59,787 $84,215
14608 12,792 5,902 $40,646 $55,459
14609 40,274 17,785 $64,603 $80,792
14610 14,311 7,383 $85,961 $126,975
14611 17,145 7,344 $31,376 $49,357
14612 35,152 15,521 $82,800 $97,864
14613 15,047 5,860 $37,778 $51,388

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Rochester demographics 

What is the total population of Rochester?

Rochester has a total population of 208,772 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Rochester?

The gender ratio in Rochester is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (99,411 residents)
  • 52.4% females (109,361 residents)

What is the median age in Rochester?

The median age in Rochester is 33.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Rochester?

The age distribution in Rochester is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17% (35,445 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.8% (32,999 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.1% (67,035 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22% (45,900 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.1% (27,393 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Rochester?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Rochester is as follows:
  • White: 39.7% (82,949 residents)
  • Black or African American: 36.2% (75,676 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (659 residents)
  • Asian: 3.4% (7,025 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (193 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.6% (24,263 residents)
  • Other: 8.6% (18,007 residents)

What percentage of the population in Rochester are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.1% of the population in Rochester.

How many housing units are there in Rochester?

There are 104,479 housing units in Rochester, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Rochester and what is the average household size?

Rochester has a total of 93,261 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Rochester?

Rochester has a median household income of $47,213, representing a +1.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Rochester?

The employment rate is 92.1% in Rochester, with a workforce of 96,802 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.5% (80,792 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.5% (16,010 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (6,869 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.7% (58,778 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.5% (13,061 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 18.7% (18,094 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025