Rochester, NY Census Data
The 3rd largest city in New York by population · 17 cities ranked
Rochester is the 3rd largest city in New York by population and ranks 16th of 17 for median household income. With 209,720 residents, its poverty rate of 26.6% ranks among the higher rates in New York. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
209,720
48.3% male · 51.7% female
Median Age
33.5
5.2 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$46,628
$31,910 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
29.9%
5.1% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 84.4%
Poverty Rate
26.6%
14.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 4.9%
Broadband Access
91.8%
2.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$120,600
Median rent: $1,039 · 37% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
Labor force participation: 57.5%
Per Capita Income
$35,635
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
3.8%
Disability rate: 19.1%
How Rochester Compares to Other New York Cities
Rankings among all 17 New York cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 3rd of 17 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 16th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 14th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 13th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 17th of 17 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Rochester, NY Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rochester, NY?
The population of Rochester, NY is 209,720 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 33.5 years.
What is the median household income in Rochester?
The median household income in Rochester, NY is $46,628, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $35,635.
What is the poverty rate in Rochester?
The poverty rate in Rochester, NY is 26.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 4.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Rochester residents have a college degree?
29.9% of adults (25+) in Rochester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 84.4% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester, NY is $120,600. Median rent is $1,039 per month, with 37% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Rochester?
Rochester's population is 41.5% White, 37.5% Black, 19.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.2% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Rochester rank among New York cities?
Rochester is the 3rd largest city in New York by population, the 16th highest for median household income, the 14th lowest for poverty rate, the 13th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 17 ranked New York cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Rochester?
The unemployment rate in Rochester, NY is 7.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 57.5%. Per capita income is $35,635.
Cities Similar to Rochester
Other New York cities with comparable population and income levels.