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Population Review

Rochester, Minnesota Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Rochester, Minnesota is 121,638 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest city in Minnesota. The median household income is $87,767, the median home value is $287,500, and the median age is 36.4.

The population has grown 15.5% since 2010 (107,047 → 123,624).

121,638

Population

2147

People / sq mi

$87,767

Median Income

$287,500

Median Home Value

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Rochester covers 56.7 sq mi of land at 2147 people per square mile.

About Rochester, MN

Rochester is defined demographically by education — 50.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national average. Rochester is a city in Minnesota with a population of 121,638. It is the #3-largest of all cities in Minnesota nationally.

The typical household here earns about $87,767, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 5.6%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $287,500, with typical rent around $1,316.

About 50.1% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, above the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 12.9%, and the average commute runs about 17 minutes each way.

The education numbers are the throughline: a college-heavy population in Rochester usually coincides with higher incomes and a workforce concentrated in professional and information industries.

Rochester city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Rochester city had a population of 107,047 in 2010 and 123,624 in 2024, a 15.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 123,624 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.04%.

2024 · 124K20102024
Rochester city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

123,624

Population (2024)

107,047

Population (2010)

123,624

Peak (2024)

1.04%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010107,047
2011108,097
2012108,916
2013110,427
2014111,198
2015112,160
2016114,051
2017115,586
2018117,047
2019118,935
2020121,575
2021121,845
2022121,979
2023122,658
2024123,624

Race & Ethnicity

White74.3%
Black or African American9.4%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.7%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$87,767

Median Household Income

$49,727

Per Capita Income

5.6%

Poverty Rate

2.7%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$287,500

Median Home Value

$1,316

Median Rent

65.4%

Owner-Occupied

Education

94.5%

High School+

50.1%

Bachelor's+

Commute

4.1%

Drive Alone

65.5%

Public Transit

12.9%

Work From Home

17.2 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

31.2%

Foreign Born

81.5%

Non-English at Home

5.6%

Veterans

10.1%

With Disability

95.7%

Health Insurance

96.2%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management49.0%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate8.1%
Manufacturing7.7%
Education, Health Care & Social Services6.9%
Construction4.4%
Information3.5%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services3.4%
Retail Trade2.7%
Public Administration2.5%
Transportation & Warehousing1.4%
Agriculture & Mining0.3%

Largest cities in Minnesota

Largest counties in Minnesota

Part of Minnesota

Metro areas in Minnesota

City rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester, Minnesota has a population of 121,638 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest city in Minnesota.

The median household income in Rochester, Minnesota is $87,767, with 5.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Rochester, Minnesota is $287,500, with median monthly rent at $1,316 and a homeownership rate of 65.4%.

The median age in Rochester, Minnesota is 36.4 years. The population is 48.6% male and 51.4% female.

The population has grown 15.5% since 2010 (107,047 → 123,624).


Rochester city, MN Climate

Rochester city, MN has an average annual temperature of 7.2°C (45°F) and receives about 842 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

7.2°C

Avg Temp

842

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-20°-10°0°10°20°30°118mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Rochester city, MN — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January-11° / 13°25 mm
February-7° / 20°20 mm
March0° / 32°51 mm
April8° / 46°78 mm
May15° / 58°97 mm
June20° / 68°106 mm
July22° / 72°118 mm
August21° / 69°109 mm
September16° / 61°94 mm
October9° / 49°65 mm
November0° / 33°50 mm
December-7° / 19°29 mm

1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.

Best time to visit Rochester city, MN

The most comfortable months to visit Rochester city, MN are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 28°C high). The coldest is January (near -16°C low). July is usually the wettest month.

AugustJuneJuly

Where to stay near Rochester

Visiting or relocating to Rochester, MN? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Rochester

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.