A woman looks at a colorful art installation along the bike trails near downtown Rochester, MN.  Known as the home of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester is also one of the best places to live in the U.S. in 2023.
Steve Woit

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

0 1000 1000 736

Rochester, MN Top Categories

  • Transportation

  • Economy

  • Education

Rochester ranks highest for transportation, economy and education.

Weather and Outdoor Activities in Rochester, MN

What is the weather like in Rochester? 

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. 

Does Rochester get a lot of snow?

The average annual snowfall in Rochester is 48 inches, and the heaviest snowfalls occur in January and February. 

Does Rochester get a lot of rain? 

The average annual snowfall in Rochester is 48 inches, and the heaviest snowfalls occur in January and February. 

How many sunny days does Rochester get?

Rochester averages 197 sunny days a year.

What are some things to do outside in Rochester?

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

What are some free things to do in Rochester?

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

What are some fun things to do with kids in Rochester?

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.

Where should you take a date in Rochester?

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!

Where is the best place for happy hour in Rochester?

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.

Rochester, MN, offers year-round outdoor activities, from fishing and boating in the summer to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
Journal Communications/Michael D. Tedesco
Rochester, MN, offers year-round outdoor activities, from fishing and boating in the summer to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

The Local and State Economy in Rochester, MN

What are the three largest industries in Rochester?

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. 

What is the sales tax rate in Rochester?

In 2023, the sales tax rate in Rochester is 8.13%. 

Does Minnesota have a state income tax?

Yes, Minnesota has a state income tax. 

Who are the major health care providers in Rochester?

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. 

What colleges and universities are in Rochester?

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
©Journal/Michael D. Tedesco
Median Home Value
$282,871
©Journal/Michael D. Tedesco
Average State Property Tax
$2,767
©Journal/Michael D. Tedesco
Total Population
123,144
©Journal/Michael D. Tedesco
Median Rent/Mo.
$1,014
©Journal/Michael D. Tedesco
Average Commute
14.82 minutes
©Journal/Michael D. Tedesco

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.

Continue Reading Best Places To Live in the US in 2023

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