Rochester, New York is a mid-sized city located in Upstate New York along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. With a population of 206,284 as of the 2020 census, it is the third most populous city in New York after New York City and Buffalo.
Demographics
Rochester has a racially and ethnically diverse population. According to the 2020 census, the racial makeup of the city is 41.7% White, 35.7% Black or African American, 16.4% Hispanic or Latino, 4.1% Asian, 3.2% Two or More Races, and 1.1% Some Other Race. Rochester has large African American, Hispanic, and Asian populations compared to other cities its size in Upstate New York.
In terms of age, Rochester has a large millennial population. Over 27% of residents are between the ages of 20 to 34 years old. The city also has a sizeable baby boomer population, with about 21% of residents between the ages of 50 to 69 years old. The median age in Rochester is 32.4 years old.
Economy
Some major industries and employers in the Rochester area include healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology. The largest employers in Rochester are the University of Rochester, Rochester Regional Health, Wegmans Food Markets, Paychex, and Rochester Institute of Technology according to the Rochester Business Journal.
The University of Rochester is the area’s largest employer with over 26,000 workers. It is home to Strong Memorial Hospital and the University of Rochester Medical Center, making it one of the premier healthcare hubs in Upstate New York. Other major health systems include Rochester Regional Health and Unity Hospital. Healthcare employs about 1 in 7 workers in the Rochester metro area.
Rochester is home to over 30 colleges and universities. Higher education is a major anchor of the local economy, led by the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology which both employ thousands in the city. RIT is focused on technology and STEM field education.
Manufacturing has historically been a major industry in Rochester. Companies like Eastman Kodak and Bausch + Lomb were icons of the city for decades. While manufacturing has declined, new advanced manufacturing companies have emerged including OptiPro Systems, a high precision optics manufacturer in Rochester according to the Greece Chamber of Commerce.
Technology startups have been growing in Rochester, many connected to research and education institutions. The city ranked highly for growth in advanced industries over the past decade according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Health technology, optics and photonics, and green energy are some emerging sectors according to Rochester Institute of Technology.
Tourism
Rochester sees over 3 million visitors each year who spend an estimated $650 million annually in the local economy according to Visit Rochester, the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau. It is a regional tourism destination in Western New York.
Some top attractions include:
- Strong National Museum of Play – An interactive children’s museum focused on play with over 500,000 artifacts and exhibits according to its website. It sees over 600,000 visitors annually.
- George Eastman Museum – Located in George Eastman’s historic mansion, this museum showcases the world’s largest collections related to photography and George Eastman according to the museum website. Eastman founded the Eastman Kodak Company.
- High Falls – A series of waterfalls located in downtown Rochester with access to hiking trails, shops, restaurants and events according to Visit Rochester.
- Seabreeze Amusement Park – An amusement park along Lake Ontario with over 80 rides and attractions according to its website. It first opened in 1879.
Major annual festivals that attract visitors include the Rochester International Jazz Festival, the Fringe Festival, the Lilac Festival, and Park Ave Fest. Sports events and conventions also bring thousands of visitors each year.
Sports
Rochester is home to several professional sports teams and an extensive parks system that offers recreational opportunities. Some notable teams and facilities include:
- Rochester Red Wings – The AAA Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Washington Nationals that plays at Frontier Field located downtown.
- Rochester Americans – Rochester’s American Hockey League team that plays at Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial downtown.
- Rochester Razorsharks – The local Professional Basketball Association team that also plays at Blue Cross Arena.
- Rochester Rhinos – The pro soccer team that plays at Marina Auto Stadium and previously won the USL championship in 2015 according to the team’s website.
- The City of Rochester manages over 1,400 acres of parkland, including Highland Park which designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
The Rochester area also has over 15 golf courses, multiple youth and adult sports leagues, public ice rinks, and the Genesee River for boating and recreation.
City of Rochester
The City of Rochester website contains information about local government services, programs, events and more for residents and visitors. Check out www.cityofrochester.gov to learn more and follow the City of Rochester’s Facebook page at facebook.com/CityRochesterNY.