Rochester metropolitan area, New York

The Rochester metropolitan area in New York is a group of six counties in Western New York centered around the city of Rochester, New York. Many of these counties are mostly rural, with farms and small villages spread across the land.

As of the 2025 census estimates, about 1,056,149 people live in this area, making it the third largest group of counties in the whole state of New York. The city of Rochester is the main hub, bringing together the surrounding towns and villages.

Counties

Metropolitan area

The Rochester metropolitan area includes several counties in Western New York. These counties are Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, and Wayne.

Micropolitan statistical area

Additionally, the area includes Genesee and Seneca counties.

Communities

The Rochester metropolitan area includes many places of different sizes.

The largest city is Rochester. There are also suburbs like Irondequoit and Greece with between 50,000 and 100,000 people.

Other suburbs such as Brighton, Chili, Gates, Henrietta, Perinton, Penfield, Pittsford, and Webster have between 25,000 and 50,000 people.

Smaller towns and cities like Arcadia, Canandaigua, Farmington, Geneva, Geneseo, Ontario, Ogden, Parma, Sweden, and Victor have between 10,000 and 25,000 people.

There are also many smaller communities with fewer than 5,000 people.

Demographics

According to the census in 2000, the Rochester, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area had 1,037,831 people living there. Most people, about 83%, identified as White. About 11% were African American, and smaller groups included Asian and people from other races.

The area had a median household income of $42,733, meaning half of the families earned more and half earned less. Families earned a bit more on average, at $50,687. Men usually earned more than women in these jobs. Overall, the Rochester area was the third largest economy and fourth wealthiest region in all of New York State.

Rochester-Batavia-Seneca Falls Combined statistical area

The Rochester–Batavia–Seneca Falls combined statistical area is made up of seven counties in western New York. The combined statistical area includes one metropolitan area and two micropolitan areas. As of the 2020 Census, the CSA had a population of 1,182,337.

• Metropolitan statistical area (MSA)
  • Rochester (Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, and Wayne counties)
• Micropolitan statistical areas (μSAs)
  • Batavia (Genesee County)
  • Seneca Falls (Seneca County)

Economy

Metropolitan Rochester has the third largest regional economy in New York State, after New York City and the Buffalo areas.

Top regional employers

As of 2016

Major shopping centers

• Rochester Public Market
• Village Gate Square
• The Marketplace Mall (located in the suburb of Henrietta)
• The Mall at Greece Ridge (located in the suburb of Greece)
• Eastview Mall (located in the town of Victor)
• Pittsford Plaza (located in the town of Pittsford)

Former shopping centers

• Midtown Plaza (Closed as of July 29, 2008 and demolished 2010)
• Irondequoit Mall (Located in the suburb of Irondequoit) (Closed since April 2010)

Colleges and universities

See also: Rochester Area Colleges

The Rochester area, especially in Monroe County, has many colleges and universities. In 2010, it was ranked among the best mid-sized cities in the United States for education by a research group. Education is a big part of the local economy. The area has several colleges and universities spread across six counties:

• Livingston County
  • SUNY Geneseo
• Monroe County
  • Bryant & Stratton College in Greece and Henrietta
  • Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School
  • Empire State College's Genesee Valley Learning Center
  • Monroe Community College
  • Nazareth University
  • Roberts Wesleyan College in Chili
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
  • St. John Fisher University
  • SUNY Brockport
  • University of Rochester
• Ontario County
  • Finger Lakes Community College
  • Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Together with several other colleges and universities nearby, they form the Rochester Area Colleges group.

University of Rochester

Main article: University of Rochester

The University of Rochester is ranked among the top universities in the nation. It is known for its strong programs in nursing and business. The university also has a famous music school and a special laboratory with a very powerful laser.

Rochester Institute of Technology

Main article: Rochester Institute of Technology

The Rochester Institute of Technology was founded in 1829 and is one of the largest private universities in the country. It is well-known for its programs in science, engineering, art, and for helping students who are deaf or hard of hearing learn.

Monroe Community College

Main article: Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College is the largest community college in Upstate New York. It has four campuses and is known for its strong athletic programs.

Roberts Wesleyan College

Main article: Roberts Wesleyan College

Roberts Wesleyan College was once ranked as one of the best value colleges in the United States. It is also the only college in Rochester that works closely with a group of Christian colleges and universities.