Rochester, New York Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Rochester, New York is 209,720 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest city in New York. The median household income is $46,628, the median home value is $120,600, and the median age is 33.5.
The population has declined 1.4% since 2010 (210,217 → 207,282).
209,720
Population
5864
People / sq mi
$46,628
Median Income
$120,600
Median Home Value
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Rochester covers 35.8 sq mi of land at 5864 people per square mile.
About Rochester, NY
Homeownership is the standout figure in Rochester: 37.2% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 209,720 residents, Rochester is a city in New York. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in New York in the country, at #3 by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $46,628, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 22.5%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $120,600, with typical rent around $1,039.
Roughly 29.9% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 10.8% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Rochester city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Rochester city had a population of 210,217 in 2010 and 207,282 in 2024, a -1.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 210,892 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: -0.10%.
207,282
Population (2024)
210,217
Population (2010)
210,892
Peak (2020)
-0.10%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 210,217 |
| 2011 | 210,491 |
| 2012 | 210,329 |
| 2013 | 210,179 |
| 2014 | 209,329 |
| 2015 | 208,561 |
| 2016 | 207,659 |
| 2017 | 206,410 |
| 2018 | 206,004 |
| 2019 | 205,695 |
| 2020 | 210,892 |
| 2021 | 210,285 |
| 2022 | 208,203 |
| 2023 | 207,235 |
| 2024 | 207,282 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 41.5% |
| Black or African American | 37.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$46,628
Median Household Income
$30,451
Per Capita Income
22.5%
Poverty Rate
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$120,600
Median Home Value
$1,039
Median Rent
37.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
84.4%
High School+
29.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
5.4%
Drive Alone
65.8%
Public Transit
10.8%
Work From Home
18.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
17.2%
Foreign Born
80.6%
Non-English at Home
3.8%
Veterans
19.1%
With Disability
95.1%
Health Insurance
91.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 33.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 12.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.5% |
| Manufacturing | 8.9% |
| Retail Trade | 5.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.3% |
| Information | 4.1% |
| Construction | 3.6% |
| Public Administration | 3.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
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Common questions about Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Rochester, New York has a population of 209,720 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest city in New York.
The median household income in Rochester, New York is $46,628, with 22.5% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Rochester, New York is $120,600, with median monthly rent at $1,039 and a homeownership rate of 37.2%.
The median age in Rochester, New York is 33.5 years. The population is 48.3% male and 51.7% female.
The population has declined 1.4% since 2010 (210,217 → 207,282).
Where to stay in Rochester
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.