Get to know Rochester, NY

The city of Rochester lies on the southern shore of Lake Ontario and is known as The World’s Image Center.  Modern development of Rochester did not begin until after the Revolutionary War when immigrants from New England flocked to the area in search of agricultural land.  The name came from one of three founding members of the city, Col. Nathaniel Rochester.  The village of Rochesterville was formed in 1817.  By 1834 the population had expanded and was rechartered as a city.  It was the largest producer of flour in the country by 1838, leading to the nickname of “Flour City”.  It also became the first “boomtown” in America at this time, having doubled its population in just 10 years.  Frederick Douglass founded the abolitionist newspaper The North Star in the city in 1847.  Following the Civil War, Rochester saw expansion into new industries.  This included the founding of Eastman Kodak by George Eastman.  In addition to new industry and jobs, Eastman had a philanthropic effect on the city, including endowing the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music.  Bausch & Lomb, Champion, French’s, Western Union, and Xerox were all founded in Rochester, but have since relocated corporate headquarters.  In the last 50 years, the city has become a center for immigration.  It has the highest percentage of Puerto Ricans of any major city in the United States.  The population of Rochester peaked in the 1950’s, but has since been in decline. The largest employer is the University of Rochester.  Notable attractions include the annual Lilac Festival and the Susan B. Anthony House museum.  Famous residents have included Abby Wambach, Ryan Lochte, and Kristen Wiig among others.

Quick Facts

Population: 210,745

Median Household Income: $30,960

Median Property Value: $76,200