“Rated one of the best places to live; again and again”

Demographics

The Rochester MSA continually ranks high in polls relating to quality of life and employee productivity. Money magazine reported that the city of Rochester “radiates cosmopolitan style without big city ills.” The smaller cities surrounding Rochester represent rural living at its best. Whether you are searching for a new corporate home, a place to expand your business, or a new place to live, the Rochester MSA offers the finest in business climate, labor force, real estate, utilities, transportation, education, and quality of life.

The Rochester, Minnesota, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) comprises Olmsted, Dodge, Fillmore, and Wabasha counties.

Olmsted County includes the cities of:

Wabasha County includes the cities of:

Dodge County includes the cities of:

Fillmore County includes the cities of Canton, as well as portions of:

The Minnesota State Demographer’s Office reported the 2022 population of the Rochester MSA at 228,205.

Demographics

Labor Force (2022) 126,962
 
Unemployment Rate (2022 Annualized)
Rochester MSA 2.7%
Minnesota 3.2%
United States 3.3%
(Source: Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development)
 
Rochester MSA Population 2022 228,205
White Population 83.6%
Asian & Pacific Islander 5.4%
Black Population 5.7%
Hispanic Population 5.0%
Native American Population .3%
Median Age in Rochester MSA 2022 38.50 Years Old
Under 25 31.5%
Ages 25-34 13.4%
Ages 35-44 13.3%
Ages 45-64 24.1%
Ages 65+ 17.7%
Individual Per Capita Income $43,827
 
Number of Households 94,760
 
Mean Household Income $139,867
 
Total Retail Sales $3,995,510,000
 
2022 Median Sold Price of Single Family Home in Southeast Minnesota $265,000
 
Educational Attainment in Rochester MSA 2021, Age 25 & Over
Less than 9th grade   2.1%
9th to 12 grade, no diploma   2.0%
High school graduate (includes equivalency) 23.1%
Some college, no degree 18.0%
Associates degree 12.5%
Bachelor’s degree 24.0%
Graduate or professional degree 16.3%
High school graduate or higher 94.1%
Bachelor’s degree or higher 40.3%
(Source: Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development)
Commercial & Residential Building Permits for Rochester, Minnesota – 2022
Permits: 2,205
Valuation: $562,379,893
(Source: City of Rochester, Building & Safety Department)