Rochester

by The Linguist

Rochester, Minnesota is a city located in Olmsted County in the southeastern part of the state. With a population of 121,395 as of 2021, it is the third largest city in Minnesota after Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Demographics

According to data from the Wikipedia page for Rochester, Minnesota, the racial makeup of the city is 83.0% White, 6.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 6.8% Asian, 1.9% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. 4.8% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.

In terms of age, 24.5% of the population is under age 18, 8.5% is aged 18 to 24, 28.2% is aged 25 to 44, 22.7% is aged 45 to 64, and 16.1% is 65 years or older. The median age is 35.7 years old.

The population is 48.9% male and 51.1% female.

Economy and Major Employers

The economy of Rochester is anchored by the Mayo Clinic, which is the largest employer in Minnesota and one of the top employers in the United States. The Mayo Clinic employs over 30,000 people in Rochester. Other major employers in the city include IBM, Mayo Clinic Health System, Olmsted Medical Center, Rochester Public Schools, and 3M.

The economy of Rochester is very strong, with unemployment rates consistently below state and national averages. Healthcare, technology, higher education, and retail are major industries. The city has done an excellent job diversifying its economy so it is not solely reliant on the Mayo Clinic.

Population History

Rochester was first settled along the Zumbro River in 1854. Early growth was spurred by the arrival of the railroad in the 1860s. The federal census recorded Rochester’s population at 5,464 residents in 1880. By 1900 it had grown to 7,844 residents. The establishment of the Mayo Clinic caused an explosion in population growth beginning in the early 1900s.

Here is the historic population data for Rochester according to census records:

  • 1880 – 5,464 residents
  • 1900 – 7,844 residents
  • 1910 – 13,722 residents
  • 1920 – 18,791 residents
  • 1930 – 20,497 residents
  • 1940 – 29,524 residents
  • 1950 – 37,311 residents
  • 1960 – 47,344 residents
  • 1970 – 52,440 residents
  • 1980 – 57,890 residents
  • 1990 – 70,745 residents
  • 2000 – 85,806 residents
  • 2010 – 106,769 residents
  • 2021 – 121,395 residents (estimate)

Rochester saw steady growth throughout the 20th century, with the population more than doubling between 1940 and 1970 due to the continued expansion of the Mayo Clinic and diversification of the economy. Growth slowed in the 1980s but rebounded in the 1990s and 2000s. The population has increased by over 15% since the 2010 census.

Population Projections

According to projections from the Metropolitan Council, Rochester’s population is expected to continue growing in the coming decades:

  • 2030 – 134,000 residents
  • 2040 – 144,000 residents
  • 2050 – 153,000 residents

Downtown Rochester has seen increasing development and population growth as people seek walkable neighborhoods. The Mayo Clinic also continues expanding, which will drive job growth and demand for housing. Barring any major economic events, Rochester should continue its population growth based on historical trends.

Rochester Facts

  • Rochester was founded in 1854.
  • Rochester is located along the Zumbro River.
  • Rochester is home to over 200 parks.
  • Rochester’s sister city is Olmsted County, Minnesota.
  • Popular landmarks include the Plummer Building, the Mayo Clinic campus, Quarry Hill Nature Center, Silver Lake, and Soldier’s Field Memorial.

References

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