Rochester, MNBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Rochester provides a healthy blend of amenities and affordability. Natural beauty, world-class health care and a strong sense of community contribute to the high quality of life Rochester residents have grown accustomed to.
Rochester, MN, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Rochester, MN, is quickly becoming one of the best places to live in the U.S. due to the endless opportunities for residents to create a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle. Home to the No. 1 hospital in the United States — The Mayo Clinic — Rochester’s 123,144 residents can access world-class health care right at home. The hospital also attracts well-educated people who move to the city with their families, which translates into a highly-rated public school system. The city’s value of education is also reflected in its higher education institutions, including the University of Rochester and the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine.
Healthy lifestyles extend beyond health care and education. Although the winters may be cold and snowy, Rochester residents embrace the elements and see it as an opportunity for different forms of outdoor activity. Ice fishing, snowshoeing, hockey, ice skating, cross-country skiing and sledding are easily accessible and popular winter activities in the area. During the warmer months, the city offers more than 100 parks for biking, hiking, picnicking, swimming and water sports.
The food scene offers a wide variety of interesting options for foodies ranging from the special tasting menu at ThaiPop to the fun on tap at TheThirsty Belgian. In addition, the ever-popular Rochester Farmers Market offers year-round access to fresh food grown within 50 miles of the city. Considering how much Rochester has to offer, the median home price of $284,736 is incredibly reasonable.
Rochester, MN Quality of Life LivScore
Rochester, MN Top Categories
Transportation
Economy
Education
Rochester ranks highest for transportation, economy and education.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Rochester, MN
Rochester enjoys relatively long (May through September), warm summers and very cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures in Rochester average daily highs above 70°F, with average highs of 81°F in the hottest month of July. Winter high temperatures are typically below 35°F, but lows can certainly reach below 0°F.
The average annual snowfall in Rochester is 48 inches, and the heaviest snowfalls occur in January and February.
The average annual snowfall in Rochester is 48 inches, and the heaviest snowfalls occur in January and February.
Rochester averages 197 sunny days a year.
Rochester offers year-round outdoor activities. In the winter, rent snowshoes or cross-country skis and hit the trails at the Quarry Hill Nature Center. Ice fishing and curling are also popular pastimes. Try biking or inline skating along the 85 miles of interconnected trails throughout the city in warmer months.
Rochester Weather
197 days
Average Annual Sun
33 inches
Average Annual Rain
48 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Rochester, MN
Rochester hosts several free outdoor concert series with a variety of local, live music: The Riverside Concert Series, The Global Music Series, and forWARD Neighborhood Park Concerts.
The kids will love learning through play at Spark (The Children’s Museum of Rochester). This interactive space offers hands-on activities for kids to explore and expand their imaginations.
Bleu Duck Kitchen, a popular, award-winning Rochester restaurant, offers a Tuesday night date special: two entrees, a bottle of wine and a dessert to share for $65. Looking to get your hands dirty? For something a little more interactive, they also offer fun cooking classes!
The craft brew scene is gaining steam in Rochester. Check out the taprooms of one (or more!) of these five local craft breweries: Little Thistle Brewing, Forager Brewery, Kinney Creek Brewery, LTS Brewing Company and Thesis Beer Project.
The Local and State Economy in Rochester, MN
Rochester’s diverse economy is strong and built around health care, technology and manufacturing. The largest employer in the city is Mayo Clinic, which employs more than 40,000 people.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Rochester is 8.13%.
Yes, Minnesota has a state income tax.
Unsurprisingly, the Mayo Clinic is the top provider to residents in Rochester. The organization is a world-renowned medical institution and has been ranked No. 1 overall in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital Rankings for several years.
There are several colleges and universities in Rochester, MN, including the University of Minnesota at Rochester and Rochester Community & Technical College.
Quick Facts About Rochester, MN
- Median Household Income
- $82,227
- Median Home Value
- $282,871
- Average State Property Tax
- $2,767
- Total Population
- 123,144
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,014
- Average Commute
- 14.82 minutes
Rochester is one of the best places to live in the U.S., thanks in part to its stellar performance in the health and education categories. Read even more about what makes Rochester a great place to live or consider other great places to live in the Midwest. Another good resource as you consider a move: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.