Median Age
42 Years
Largest Age Group
50-59 Years
Approximately 15% of Residents
Under 20
22%
Over 65
18%
Area Guide
Avg Rent
$1,251
Population
12,813
Renter Mix
38% Rent
Rochester, MI sits at the northern edge of Oakland County, where a charming downtown corridor and the presence of Oakland University give the city an energy that feels both grounded and forward-looking. The university brings a steady pulse of activity, research, and the arts to the area, reinforcing Rochester's standing as one of Metro Detroit's most appealing addresses north of the city.
Life here tends to revolve around the walkable downtown stretch along Main Street, which fills up with independent shops, long-standing eateries, and seasonal events like the beloved Paint Creek Trail, a converted rail corridor that runs directly through the heart of the community. Neighborhoods range from established tree-lined streets with historic character to newer subdivisions closer to the M-59 corridor, giving the city a layered residential feel that suits a wide range of preferences.
The rental market reflects that variety well. Apartment communities here include everything from low-rise garden-style buildings tucked into quiet residential pockets to newer mid-rise developments near the university and downtown core. Townhome-style rentals are also widely available for those wanting more square footage. Rochester's proximity to Auburn Hills, Troy, and the broader Oakland County job market makes it a practical and appealing place to put down roots.
Elizabeth Park’s scenic lake offers a quiet escape in the heart of Rochester.
Diverse vintage architectural designs on Walnut Street in Downtown Rochester.
Wide sidewalks for shopping and riding your bike in Downtown Rochester.
Enjoy a cold pint and fish and chips at O'Connor's Public House in Downtown Rochester.
Downtown Rochester is a 44-block district with quaint and trendy boutiques.
Grab lunch with a friend at one of the many eateries in Downtown Rochester.
Median Household Income
$106,146
Average: $139,549
Education
6,535
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
6,962
Workers Employed
Median Age
42 Years
Largest Age Group
50-59 Years
Approximately 15% of Residents
Under 20
22%
Over 65
18%
Housing Distribution
Rochester has more homeowners than renters.
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
As of June 2026, the average apartment rent in Rochester, MI is $851 for a studio, $1,251 for one bedroom, $1,592 for two bedrooms, and $2,951 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Rochester has increased by 2.4% in the past year.
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Rochester, MI is for everyday living.
Fairly Walkable
Walkability
Very Drivable
Drivability
Moderately Bikeable
Bikeability
Public
Grades PK-5
519 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
518 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
408 Students
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in June 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.