Living in Rochester NH is incredible for people of all ages! According to the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Rochester was initially known as "Norway Plains" and was incorporated as a town in 1722. It was renamed to Rochester in honor of Laurence Hyde, 1st Earl of Rochester. The town was a lumbering community before becoming a milling and factory hub in the 1800s. The state government incorporated it as a city in 1891, and the city continued to expand, with people moving to Rochester to work in the mills and factories.
Rochester today is a nice place to live, with a charming ambiance, major attractions, and top-ranked public schools. Rochester's nickname is "The Lilac City," and it's best known for being home to the annual Granite State Fair (also known as the Rochester Fair).
Moving to Rochester may be the next item on your to-do list. But before you start moving to Rochester, you should learn more about what living in Rochester NH is like, including Rochester real estate. Here's what to know about living in Rochester NH today.
Where Is Rochester?
Where is Rochester, and what county is Rochester NH in? Rochester is in Strafford County, New Hampshire, in a largely undeveloped and green area. Rochester is in the Dover metro area, and it is 9.5 miles from Rochester to Dover, making Rochester a suburb of Dover. Downtown Rochester is well-developed, but the city contains large, undeveloped green spaces, forests, and parks, giving a rural aesthetic to outlying areas.
Rochester is located along the New Hampshire-Maine border. It borders Farmington, Barrington, Dover, and Somersworth in New Hampshire and Lebanon and Berwick in Maine. Rochester borders the Salmon Falls River, Baxter Lake, Rochester Reservoir, and Little Long Pond. The city also contains parts of the Cocheco River and Heath Brook.
The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) provides public transportation services for all residents living in Rochester NH. Three bus routes stop in Rochester: Route 6, Route 12, and Route 14. These routes provide access to Somersworth, Farmington, Dover, and other communities, making moving to Rochester easy. US Route 202 and New Hampshire Routes 16 and 125 run through Rochester, connecting it to Sanford, Concord, and New Durham.
Rochester NH Population and Demographics
According to the US Census, the Rochester NH population in 2020 was 32,492, up by 9.2% since 2010. Rochester is one of the top 10 largest cities in New Hampshire. According to WMUR, Rochester is one of the fastest-growing communities in New Hampshire. The city has more than doubled its population since 1960. The Rochester NH population density is 721.7 people living in Rochester NH per square mile, roughly two times higher than the countywide population density.
Notable people living in Rochester NH include Lyndon LaRouche, James Foley, and Casey DeSmith. Notable Rochester NH demographics include:
- 50.5% male, 49.5% female
- Median age of residents living in Rochester NH: 43.0
- Racial and ethnic composition of people living in Rochester NH: 91.6% White (91.1% non-Hispanic), 5.0% two or more races, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Asian, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.1% identifies as "other race," 0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
- Median household income of residents living in Rochester NH: $80,836 (roughly 80% of the state median household income)
- Educational attainment of people living in Rochester NH: 93.5% of residents older than 25 have graduated from high school, 27.1% have a bachelor's degree
- Foreign-born population of residents living in Rochester NH: 3.4%
Rochester is a senior-friendly community, with 19.6 percent of residents being 65 years of age and older. 34% of residents living in Rochester NH have some college education but did not receive a bachelor's degree, nearly twice the Boston metro area rate. 9.5% of Rochester residents are veterans, with 2,564 veterans currently living in Rochester NH. 874 Vietnam War veterans live in the community.
Rochester is a very safe community to live in. Here are the latest FBI crime statistics from 2024, with data provided by BeautifyData:
- Total crime rate: 1,223.73 offenses per 100,000 residents living in Rochester NH (57.8% lower than the Manchester crime rate, 19.0% higher than the New Hampshire crime rate, 42.2% lower than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 76.85 crimes per 100,000 people living in Rochester NH (30.1% lower than the state crime rate, 78.6% lower than the national rate)
- Property crime rate: 1,146.88 offenses per 100,000 people living in Rochester NH (24.9% higher than the state rate, 34.8% lower than the national rate)
The Rochester NH Police Department employs 56 sworn police officers living in Rochester NH.
Cost of Living in Rochester NH
You can use Manchester and Strafford County cost of living statistics to estimate the cost of living in Rochester, as Rochester cost of living statistics can be hard to find. The Manchester cost of living index is 109.2, meaning items in the area cost 9.2% more than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Strafford County would need to earn $125,810 a year to cover their cost of living.
Living in Rochester NH can be slightly expensive, though singles and couples without children can save money, as they don't need to pay for child care, housing, or health insurance for their children. Child care is the highest expense for a family of four, costing $27,814 a year for two children.
Rochester real estate is relatively affordable, with options for modest homes and more upscale and expensive properties. According to Redfin, the median cost of Rochester homes for sale is $470,000, with an average cost per square foot of $258. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Rochester NH is $1,932 a month.
Typical Rochester* Living Expenses
- 12 large eggs: $5.23
- 1 pound of oranges: $3.03
- 1 pound of onions: $2.59
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $2.99
- Average Rochester* utilities per month: $318.60
- 1 pair of jeans: $56.67
- 1 base cash fare for COAST: $1.50
Source: Numbeo
*Typical expenses actually for Dover
Rochester Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Rochester
The best places to live in Rochester offer affordable real estate, accessible streets, and great things to do. Before you start moving to Rochester, you should research these places. Here are the best Rochester neighborhoods today.
Gonic | Historic Rochester Neighborhood Near Scenic Outdoor Attractions
Gonic is one of the oldest Rochester neighborhoods. Gonic was a factory hub centered around a dam on the Cocheco River, but it's now a residential community near top outdoor attractions. The neighborhood contains or is near Rochester Country Club, the Squamanagonic Disc Golf Course, and the Cocheco River Reservoir. Gonic homes for sale consist primarily of condos, including two-bedroom units with 1,600 square feet for $450,000.
East Rochester | Quaint Rochester Neighborhood With Affordable Colonial Homes in Strafford County
East Rochester was initially a farming community that became a textile and milling center, then a railroad depot. It's located on the banks of the Salmon Falls River and the New Hampshire-Maine border, and it has a small village ambiance with restored Victorian buildings. You can purchase quaint Colonial-style East Rochester homes for sale, first built in the 1880s, with high ceilings and spacious living rooms, for less than $300,000. US Route 202 runs through East Rochester, making it suitable for commuters to the downtown area and other areas.
Rochester NH Weather and Climate
Rochester has a humid continental climate with warm and sunny summers and freezing and snowy winters. According to Weather Spark, July is the hottest month of the year, with an average temperature of 71 degrees and an average high of 81 degrees. Temperatures remain warm between late May and mid-September, before declining steadily through the autumn. January is the coldest month of Rochester NH weather with an average temperature of 24 degrees and an average low of 17 degrees.
Rochester receives an average of 35.7 inches of rain and 51.9 inches of Rochester annual snowfall per year. Rochester can experience a few types of severe weather, including blizzards in the winter. According to WMUR, a blizzard in Rochester in February 2026 caused wind gusts of nearly 50 miles per hour and brought visibility below one-tenth of a mile. You should follow WMUR and other agencies for Rochester NH weather forecasts and updates.
September is the best month to visit and start moving to Rochester. September has an average temperature of 61 degrees, and it's one of the sunniest months in Rochester, with 62% clear, mostly clear, and partly cloudy days. You can visit outdoor attractions in Rochester while wearing a light jacket, and you don't need to bring a raincoat or an umbrella.
Things to Do in Rochester New Hampshire
You can enjoy unique and top things to do in Rochester New Hampshire, including outdoor attractions and indoor points of interest! Ask a local living in Rochester NH what to do in Rochester, and they'll tell you to go shopping. Market Basket is the top grocery store in Rochester. Rochester Crossing is the top shopping mall in Rochester, home to Kohl's, Lowe's, and PetSmart. You can also visit locally run stores like J G Flea Market of Rochester.
The Rochester Opera House is a performing arts venue located inside Rochester City Hall. The opera house is home to stand-up comedy, music, and theatrical performances, as well as film screenings, camps, and workshops for families living in Rochester NH.
31 Wakefield Street, Rochester, NH, 03867, 603-335-1992
The Rochester Country Club is an 18-hole public golf course on a 150-acre site along the Cocheco River. You can take golf lessons and clinics with on-site instructors, and you can enjoy banquets and other special events if you join the club.
94 Church Street, Rochester, NH, 03839, 603-332-9892
The Granite State Fair takes place in September every year and features amusement rides, vendors, musical performances, circus performances, and demolition derbies. It's the top kid-friendly point of interest in the Rochester area. The fair will take place from September 17-20 and 24-27 in 2026.
72 Lafayette Street, Rochester, NH, 03867, 603-332-6585
Additional Rochester Attractions
The Rochester Recreation and Arena Department plans special events and oversees swimming pools, parks, and hiking trails in Rochester. You can use the Rochester events calendar to see what events are upcoming, including seminars.
Restaurants in Rochester
New Hampshire is well known for its fresh seafood, Italian eateries, and farm-to-table restaurants ideal for romantic nights out. The best Rochester restaurants offer comfort food with fresh ingredients, including affordable and family-friendly eateries.
Village Pizza is the top pizzeria in Rochester, offering pick-up and delivery to all residents living in Rochester NH. Village Pizza offers freshly made pizzas, calzones, and submarine sandwiches for less than $20, making it one of the most affordable restaurants in Rochester.
49 Hancock Street, Rochester, NH, 03867, 603-335-4344
Brickstones is a casual diner and the best restaurant in Rochester for breakfast. You can order eggs Benedict, buttermilk pancakes, and homemade muffins, among other classic breakfast dishes. Brickstones also serves lunch, offering fried seafood platters, steak tips, and submarine sandwiches, with most menu items costing less than $15.
73 Pickering Road, Rochester, NH, 03839, 603-335-7100
Wild Willy's Burgers is an Old West-themed hamburger restaurant serving Angus beef, bison, and veggie burgers with unique toppings like hickory mayo and banana peppers. You can also order chicken sandwiches, hand-cut fries, and frappes.
724 Columbus Avenue, Rochester, NH, 03867, 603-332-1193
Rochester Jobs
According to DataUSA, roughly 18,100 people were employed in Rochester in 2024, up 1.7% from 2023. Manufacturing, retail trade, and health care and social assistance are the three largest sectors for Rochester jobs. Each of these employment sectors accounts for at least 12.5% of Rochester workers and has median earnings of at least $75,000 a year. 9.17% of Rochester jobs are professional management occupations at a business or company, with median earnings of $183,761 a year.
8.3% of residents living in Rochester NH live below the poverty line, though many of them work. According to Payscale, the average salary in Rochester is $73,000 a year, with an average hourly rate of $20.53. According to the US Census, the per capita income of Rochester is $42,462. Top employers in Rochester include Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Lowe's Home Improvement, and Albany International Corp. You can research jobs in Rochester using Indeed, and you can visit the City of Rochester jobs page to apply for applicable municipal government jobs.
Rochester Schools
The Rochester School District is the official public school district for all students living in Rochester NH. The Rochester School District is home to seven elementary schools, including Maple Street Magnet School, which US News ranks in the top 150 elementary schools in New Hampshire. Maple Street Magnet School offers specialized programs with community themes, with students engaging in outdoor classes at the Cocheco River.
The school district contains one middle school, Rochester Middle School. There are two Rochester high schools, Spaulding High School and Bud Carlson Academy. Spaulding High School has a 89% four-year graduation rate and is home to 33 sports programs and over 36 extracurricular clubs.
The Monarch School of New England is a private school in Rochester for students with disabilities and learning differences. Staff members provide an individualized education, including occupational therapy and vocational instruction. Great Bay Community College has a campus in Rochester, with departments for career and technical programs, computer technology, and health insurance and health care. The Rochester Public Library is the main library in Rochester.
Rochester Statistics and Information
- Rochester county: Strafford County
- Rochester area: 45.44 square miles
- Rochester zip code: 03839, 03866-03868
- Rochester NH area code: 603
- Rochester elevation: 177 feet
- Rochester time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4/-5)
- Closest airport to Rochester: Skyhaven Airport (DAW), inside Rochester
FAQ
Where Is Rochester NH on a Map?
Rochester NH is to the left of Somersworth, New Hampshire, and below Farmington and Milton on a map. You can also find it on a map by looking for the New Hampshire-Maine border or the Salmon Falls River, as Rochester is located along both. Rochester sits along major routes, including Route 16 (the Spaulding Turnpike), so you can look for these routes and trace them to Rochester. Rochester is far from Portsmouth and Boston, so you should avoid using them as reference points on a map.
Where Do I Vote in Rochester NH?
The Rochester City Clerk's Office assigns you your voting location based on where you're living in Rochester NH. You can find your ward by street address online, and then you can find your voting location. If you still have questions about your voting location, you can call the City Clerk's Office at 603-332-2130. Rochester has six voting locations in schools and major buildings in Rochester, which are open for voting from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.
What Is the Weather in Rochester?
You can check Rochester weather developments by visiting the websites of local weather stations like WMUR. In general, Rochester has cold winters, with average January temperatures around 20°F and frequent snowfall, and warm and humid summers, with July highs averaging about 80°F. Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures and changing foliage, and you can experience rain throughout the year, including substantial rainstorms.
Rochester NH Map
You can use this map of Rochester, NH to find the best stores, restaurants, and things to do in Rochester!
Start Living in Rochester NH Now
Living in Rochester NH can be perfect for singles, couples, and families with young children! Lifelong residents, new residents, and visitors alike love Rochester for its quaint and historic neighborhoods, high-paying jobs, and fun things to do!
Moving to Rochester can be simple if you hire the most trusted moving company in the area. Preferred Moving & Storage is the most reliable Rochester moving company, with nearly 20 years of experience in performing secure, professional moves. Call our Rochester NH movers at 603-379-2272 for a free quote now.
