Rochester Survey Finds Strong Safety, Weak Cost Ratings
Residents rated the city highly on safety and livability in the 2026 National Community Survey, but gave low marks for cost of living.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Do you think the cost of living in your area is getting better or worse?
The City of Rochester released results of its 2026 National Community Survey, in which 73% of residents rated the city an excellent or good place to live and 77% said they are likely to remain for the next five years. Only 19% gave positive ratings for cost of living.
Why it matters
The results give city leaders a resident-based view of where services are working and where affordability and traffic concerns persist. Ratings for participation opportunities also declined since 2024, returning mostly to 2022 levels.
The survey drew 511 completed responses from 4,500 randomly selected households plus 1,031 residents through an open survey. Ratings for travel by car, traffic flow, traffic signal timing and public parking were below those of other Minnesota communities.
The players
City of Rochester
The Minnesota city that conducted the 2026 National Community Survey and released its results to residents.
The details
Residents rated utility services positively at more than 70%, while positive ratings for affordable quality food fell to 53%. Public safety service ratings were in line with national and Minnesota benchmarks.
Timeline
2024: Prior survey ratings for participation opportunities were higher.
2026: The National Community Survey was conducted and results were released.
Nov. 30: Community & City Council Forum at the Historic Chateau Theatre.
Seasonal Patterns
Rochester's 2026 ratings are benchmarked against the National Community Survey's national and Minnesota comparison data, which places its public safety services in line with peers. Its lower traffic and parking ratings sit below other Minnesota communities in the same benchmark set.
Residents facing high costs may weigh the 19% positive rating for cost of living when considering whether to stay. The Nov. 30 forum offers a direct opportunity to raise concerns about affordability, employment and traffic with council members.
The takeaway
Civic participation ratings fell back toward 2022 levels, so attending local forums is one practical way residents can help shape priorities for affordability and transportation. Your input at meetings like the Nov. 30 forum can inform how the city responds to these findings.
What happens next
The Community & City Council Forum takes place Nov. 30 at the Historic Chateau Theatre, where residents can discuss the survey findings with city leaders.
Further reading
Explore more on Civic Engagement to see how residents shape local decisions like these survey results.
Live Poll
Do you think the cost of living in your area is getting better or worse?
