Background Image

Rochester, PA

Area Guide

Avg Rent

$533

Population

3,383

Renter Mix

57% Rent

A historic riverside borough just minutes outside Pittsburgh

Suburb River Affordable

Rochester, Pennsylvania sits at the meeting point of the Beaver and Ohio rivers, about 25 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, making it one of Beaver County's most accessible small boroughs. The town carries a rich industrial past. It was once home to the H.C. Fry Glass Company and served as a key stop along the Pennsylvania Railroad, and that history gives the streets a grounded character that still shapes the community today. Rochester has also earned a spot in pop culture history, appearing as a backdrop in films like the 1986 release Gung Ho and the 2000 feature Wonder Boys. The borough covers just one square mile, so getting around on foot or by car is straightforward. Pittsburgh's job market, universities, and entertainment scene are roughly a 45-minute drive away, giving residents access to big-city opportunities without the cost. The housing stock here leans toward traditional brick row houses, modest single-family homes, and smaller apartment communities that offer accessible entry points into the rental market. Brady's Run Park, just up the road in Beaver County, adds a welcome stretch of green space for anyone who wants trails and fresh air close to home. For renters who value affordability and a quiet riverside setting within reach of a major metro, Rochester is worth a serious look.

Demographics

Median Household Income

$37,580

Average: $54,273

Education

453

Residents Have a Degree

Job Market

1,640

Workers Employed

Age Distribution
Get a sense of this area's population profile.

Median Age

41 Years

Largest Age Group

25-34 Years

Approximately 15% of Residents

Under 20

22%

Over 65

20%

Housing Distribution

Rochester has more renters than homeowners.

Renters
57%
Non-Renters
43%

Education Distribution

Review this city's overall education levels.

Bachelor's or Higher
11%
Other Education
89%

Rent Trends

As of June 2026, the average apartment rent in Rochester, PA is $533 for one bedroom, $611 for two bedrooms, and $746 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Rochester has increased by 1.0% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$533/month
701 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Rochester, PA

Getting Around

Moderately Walkable

Walkability

60 / 100

Limited Public Transit

Transit

30 / 100

Moderately Drivable

Drivability

70 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Bikeability

30 / 100

Schools

Rochester Area Elementary School

Public

Grades K-5

321 Students

Rochester Area Middle School

Public

Grades 6-8

160 Students

Rochester Area High School

Public

Grades 9-12

225 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Brady's Run Park

Airports

  • Pittsburgh International

Top Apartments in Rochester

Living in Rochester

History

-

Rochester's history is deeply rooted in its strategic position at the confluence of the Beaver and Ohio rivers, where it evolved from a Lenape village called Sawcunk into a thriving industrial center. Settled in 1799 during the frontier era, the borough grew significantly as a major junction on the Pennsylvania Railroad and became home to the renowned H. C. Fry Glass Company, which produced elegant cut glass pieces that are now collector's items. The town's industrial heritage shaped much of its architecture and layout, with many historic buildings still lining its streets today. As you explore Rochester, you'll notice the layers of its past preserved in its riverside setting and compact downtown, where 19th and early 20th-century structures reflect the borough's railroad and manufacturing legacy. The community has maintained its small-town character while adapting historic spaces for modern use, creating an authentic connection to western Pennsylvania's industrial history that remains visible in everyday life.

Transportation

-

Rochester, PA, a small borough in Beaver County, sits along the Ohio River and relies primarily on personal vehicles for everyday travel. Route 65 runs through town and connects residents to Beaver Falls, Ambridge, and Pittsburgh to the south. The nearby Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and Interstate 376 provide broader regional access. Beaver County Transit Authority operates bus service in the area for those who prefer public transit. Pittsburgh International Airport, about 25 miles south, handles regional and national flights. The riverfront setting offers scenic walking along the Ohio, and the compact borough layout makes short trips on foot or by bike manageable for nearby errands.

Parks

-

Rochester, PA, sits along the scenic Ohio River, offering residents easy access to beautiful waterfront green spaces and outdoor recreation. Brady's Run Park, one of Beaver County's most beloved destinations, is just a short drive away and features extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, a lake for fishing and paddling, sports courts, and picnic areas. Jennings Environmental Education Center, a state-recognized natural area, is also within reach and showcases the rare blazing star prairie. The nearby Ohio River Trail provides a scenic path for walking and cycling along the riverfront, making outdoor leisure a natural part of daily life in Rochester.

Highlights

-

Rochester, PA, is a charming borough in Beaver County situated along the scenic Ohio and Beaver rivers, offering easy access to Pittsburgh and the broader western Pennsylvania region. With its walkable downtown, proximity to regional parks and waterways, and a strong sense of community history, Rochester provides a welcoming setting for renters seeking an affordable alternative to larger nearby cities. The borough's riverside location and convenient access to major highways make it an appealing base for commuters and those who enjoy outdoor recreation alike.

Search Nearby Rentals

Methodology

† 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.