Rochester Rankings

The Greater Rochester, NY region has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work.

Photo by Don Race

What is Rochester, NY Known For?

Bikers enjoying Cornhill Landing area

When you list all the things the Greater Rochester, NY region has to offer, it may seem a bit unbelievable. But the reality is, our region really does have it all. Top-tier talent, natural resources, world-class colleges and universities, great location near major markets, and an affordable cost of living. That’s why companies like ams AG, Carestream, IEC Electronics, and Plug Power recently made multimillion-dollar investments in new operations right here in our community. They recognize that Rochester offers great opportunities.

Photo credit: Zackary Laffin / Monroe County

Achieve a Work/Life Balance in One of the Best Regions in America

Business

Top Metro in US for Future Growth

Rochester is the top metro in the US for future growth and strategic investment in tech innovation.

Source: MIT Economics, 2019

Top 10 Best Business Climate

The Rochester, NY region was named to Business Facilities’ list of Top 10 Best Business Climates among mid-sized metros. This ranking is based on growth potential, talent pipeline, quality of life, and affordability.

Source: Business Facilities, July 2022


Innovation

One of the Most Innovative Cities in America

Rochester, NY is recognized as one of the 25 most innovative cities in America based on patent registration and advanced degrees.

Source: 24/7 Wall St. 2018


Technology

Top Metro in the U.S. for Patents

Rochester is ranked #1 in the U.S. for patents issued per 1,000 workers

Source: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

#1 Market for Hiring Cybersecurity Talent

Rochester, NY is the #1 market in the US for hiring opportunities for cybersecurity talent. This ranking is based on talent availability and hiring competition. Rochester’s leadership role is due in part to the well-trained talent coming out of RIT.

Source: CBRE Labor Analytics Report 2020


Education

9 Rochester Area High Schools Rank Among Top 10% in US

In U.S. News and World Report’s 2023 evaluation of nearly 25,000 public high schools, 9 schools in the Greater Rochester, N.Y. region are among the top 10 percent. They are Pittsford Mendon (261), Pittsford Sutherland (349), Brighton (620), Honeoye Falls-Lima Senior (712), [Webster] Thomas High School (883), Geneseo Middle School High School (1,037), Victor Senior High School (1,044), Penfield Senior High School (1,255), and Fairport Senior High School (1,582).


Living and Culture

3rd Most Affordable City for Housing

Rochester, NY was named the third most affordable city for housing, according to Demographia International Housing Affordability report. Demographia International Housing Affordability uses the “median multiple” to rate middle-income housing affordability. The median multiple is a price-to-income ratio, which is the median house price divided by the gross median household income.

Source: Demographia International Housing Affordability report 2022

6th Most Affordable City to Buy a Home

Forbes ranked Rochester, NY the 6th most affordable city to buy a home. They looked at several factors to gauge affordability, including the median income of that city, average home costs and median real estate taxes.

Source: Forbes 2022

9th Best Place to Live in the U.S. for Quality of Life

According to U.S. News & World Report, Rochester is the 9th Best Place to Live in the U.S. for Quality of Life. Rochester’s people and welcoming community contributed to this ranking.

Source: U.S. News & World Report 2023

Rochester Homes 43% More Affordable than the National Average

At $212,000, the median home sales price is 43% more affordable than the national average. Approximately 68% of area homes are affordable for our region’s median income.

Source: NAHB Housing Opportunity Index (Q4 2023)

Rochester, NY is the #5 Best City in the Country for Remote Workers

Rochester, NY is the #5 Best City in the Country for Remote Workers. Rich cultural amenities, beautiful parks, and exceedingly affordable. It’s the right-sized city.

Source: Ownerly 2021


Health

Rochester is the #1 Best Place in the Northeast and 7th Best City in the US to Live in after Coronavirus Pandemic

According to Business Insider, Rochester, NY is the #1 best place to live in the Northeast after the coronavirus pandemic. Population density, housing affordability, cost of living, commute times, and percentage of residents over 25 with at least a bachelor’s degree were factored into this ranking.

Source: Business Insider 2020


Recreation

Finger Lakes is One of the Best Places to Visit After the Pandemic

The Finger Lakes are one of the Top 16 Truly Interesting Places in the US that belong on your Post-Pandemic Travel List.

source: BuzzFeed 2021

Rochester Ranks 17th for Arts Vibrancy

Rochester, NY is the 17th most “arts vibrant” place in the country, according to the National Center for Arts Research annual Arts Vibrancy Index.

(July 2018)

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We know Greater Rochester.
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Photo by John Kucko

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