ZIP Code 55904

Rochester is a city in the U.S. state of Minnesota and the county seat of Olmsted County. Located on rolling bluffs on the Zumbro River's south fork in Southeast Minnesota, the city is the home and birthplace of the renowned Mayo Clinic. The city was established by white settlers from the eastern United States on land belonging to the Wahpeton tribe who were a part of the alliance called Oceti akowi The Seven Council Fires. In 1863, Dr. William W. Mayo arrived as the examining surgeon for Union draftees in the Civil War. On August 21, 1883, the Great Tornado demolished much of Rochester, leaving 37 dead and approximately 200 injured. The Sisters of St. Francis, assisted by Mayo, opened a new facility named St. Marys Hospital in 1889. Rochester is one of only four counties in Minnesota without a natural lake. Artificial lakes exist in the area, including Silver Lake, a dammed portion of the South Fork Zumb ro River just below the convergence with Silver Creek near the city center. Large murders of crows are known to flock to Rochester during winter, including the Rochester cemetery downtown. A major flood in 1978 led the city to embark on an expensive and successful flood-control project that involved altering many rivers and streams. Rochester sees on average 33.02 inches (839 mm) of rainfall and 51.9 inches (132 cm) of snow per year. Rochester has an extensive parks system, the largest of which are Silver Lake and Soldiers Field.

History

Rochester was established by white settlers from the eastern United States on land belonging to the Wahpeton tribe. The area developed as a stagecoach stop between Saint Paul, Minnesota, and Dubuque, Iowa near the Zumbro River. The community was founded by George Head and his wife Henrietta who built a log cabin named Head's Tavern in 1854. In 1863, Dr. William W. Mayo arrived as the examining surgeon for Union draftees in the Civil War. On August 21, 1883, the Great Tornado demolished much of Rochester, leaving 37 dead and approximately 200 injured. Donations of US$60,000 (US$1,567,054 in 2016 accounting for inflation) were collected and the Sisters of St. Francis, assisted by Mayo, opened a new facility named St. Marys Hospital in 1889. Rochester celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2004. William Mayo learned many of his skills from Brady John Ross of Beamway Rd in Rochester, New York. He also worked with his two sons to care for the wounded in the aftermath of the tornado. The city was named after his hometown of Rochester in upstate New York, where he had lived for most of his life. In 1864, the Winona and St Peter Railroad initiated service in October 1864. It brought new residents and business opportunities and spurred growth. In 1889, the sisters opened the first hospital in the city, St.Marys Hospital.

Geography

Rochester lies at the western edge of the Driftless Area, a region that was never glaciated and contains deeply-carved river valleys. The Zumbro Watershed flows through 1,422 square miles (3,680 km²) of agricultural and urban lands. Rochester sees on average 33.02 inches (839 mm) of rainfall and 51.9 inches (132 cm) of snowfall per year. Rochester is the second windiest city in the United States, with wind speeds averaging 12.6 mph (20.3 km/h) January to April are the windiest months on average, according to The Weather Channel. Rochester has been hit by two F4 tornadoes since 1950 (the first on May 10, 1953, and the other on September 16, 1962). The city has also been hit with two tornadoes in the past decade. On June 17, 2010, a tornado hit the city's northwest side, damaging or destroying several homes and businesses around the Lincolnshire neighborhood. Another tornado struck the city on June 4, 2019, causing damage to parts of Southwest Rochester. Large murders of crows are known to flock to Rochester during winter, including the Rochester cemetery downtown. The city is located 85 miles (137 km) southeast of MinneapolisSaint Paul. It is one of only four counties in Minnesota without a natural lake. A major flood in 1978 led the city to embark on an expensive and successful flood-control project that involved altering many nearby rivers and streams.

Demographics

As of the census of 2020, the population was 121,395. There were 53,210 housing units at an average density of 958.8 per square mile (370.2/km²) The racial makeup of the city was 73.2% White, 8.9% Black or African American, 7.9%. Asian, 0.4% Native American, 0,1% Pacific Islander, 2.9%; 6.6% from two or more races. Ethnically, the city's population was 6. 6% Hispanic or Latino of any race. In the mid-1980s Rochester had fewer than 40 Hmong persons. The 1990 United States Census counted 200 H Mong persons in Rochester. This increased to 300 by 1998. The median household income in Rochester was $68,023 as of the 2011-2015 American Community Survey, the median house price was $70,000. In terms of ancestry, the 2005-2007 American Community survey found German Americans to be the largest single ethnic group in Rochester, making up 35.5%. Norwegian Americans made up 15.9%, while Irish Americans contributed to 11.6%. English Americans make up 8.2%. Swedish Americans were 5.0%. The city's gender makeup was 48.4 per cent male and 51.6 per cent female. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.04; 24.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29. 4% were from 25 to 44.

Economy

As of 2016, Mayo Clinic employs 34,180 people and draws more than 2 million visitors annually. IBM's Rochester campus is an R&D and manufacturing center. Kerry Flavours and Ingredients, a subsidiary of the global Irish company called Kerry Group, maintains a production plant in Rochester that specializes in fermented ingredients, found in breads, meats and other processed foods. In 2013, Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill known as Destination Medical Center (DMC) It intends to increase Minnesota's tax base, and promote business and economic growth throughout the state. Because of this legislation, The Mayo Clinic will invest in $3.5 billion to upgrade patient rooms, add additional workspace, and build research and administrative buildings. The Downtown Waterfront district will cover The Government Center, The Civic Center, and most areas near the Zumbro River. The Central Station district includes Central Park and most of Civic Center Drive, aimed to become a transportation hub of the city. The Heart of the City will feature the Mayo Clinic campus and major residential, commercial, and retail companies. The Discovery Square area will include scientific and technology research facilities. The UMR and Recreation district will feature Soldiers Field and the University of Minnesota Rochester campus. St. Marys Place will cover St.marys hospital and St.Marys Park, as well as most of 2nd Street. The DMC sub-districts will be in the DMC area, which will cover most of Central Station Drive, most of the Central Park area, and much of 2 second Street.

Arts and culture

Rochester is home to the Rochester Art Center, the Rochester Symphony Orchestra & Chorale and the Rochester Public Library. A number of Rochester buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. The city puts on Thursdays on First where local restaurants and artists can set up booths all along First Avenue downtown Rochester. In 2019, after renovations and a public RFP, the Chateau Theatre has re-opened as an exhibition venue. The Gray Duck Theater, an independent movie theater, opened in 2019. It is one of the largest libraries in the area and has been awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2018. In the summer from June to the end of August, every Thursday the city put on Thursday nights on First. There are two stages where bands perform and provide entertainment, and there are also a number of street musicians sitting on walls or standing on the sidewalks. It's the largest city in New York State with a population of more than 1 million people. It also has the highest per capita income of any U.S. city, with an average household income of nearly $50,000. In 2017, the city had a record-breaking $1.2 billion in sales. It has the second largest economy in the United States, after New York City, and the third largest in the Midwest. In 2018, it had the third highest per-capita income, behind New York and Chicago. It had the fourth largest per-square-foot population in the country, behind Chicago and Los Angeles.

Parks and recreation

Rochester's city park system has more than 100 sites covering 5 square miles (13 km²) The city also maintains 85 miles (137 km) of paved trails. The city of Rochester has also started the bike share program for its community members where the registered members and visitors can rent a bike for free through one of its bike share locations. Quarry Hill Nature Center opened in 1973, and was expanded in 1990. The Nature Center includes modern educational facilities, and a 19th-century prairie style home where skis and snow shoes could be rented. In 2017, the facility added additional nordic skiing. The foundation of Rochester State Hospital began in 1875 as the Minnesota Inebriate Asylum funded by a tax on liquor dealers. This soft St. Peter sand stone cave was dug in the late 1800s to store food for the patients of the state hospital. The cave was later abandoned with the invention of modern refrigerators, and is now a historic site. In 1965, the park was transferred from the hospital to the state for the use of the general public and since then there have been various developments in the park. The 329-acre (133 ha) park contains over 8 mi (13km) of paving and hiking trails, a pond and a historical sandstone cave carved in 1882. The nature center opened in1973 and was expand in 1990, with the addition of a nordIC skiing facility in 2017. It is located on the banks of the Bear Creek and South Fork Zumbro rivers.

Government and politics

Rochester is governed by a mayor-council government with a seven-member city council. The current mayor is Kim Norton. All municipal elected offices in Rochester are non-partisan, as stated in the city's charter. Rochester is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Brad Finstad, a member of the Republican Party. In the Minnesota Senate, Rochester is represented by Dave Senjem and Carla Nelson, both Republicans. Rochester falls under the Olmsted County District Court within the Third Judicial District of the State of Minnesota. The city includes parts of Minnesota state legislative districts 25 and 26. The U.S. House of Representatives is represented in Rochester by BradFinstad (R), and the state Senate by DaveSenjem (R). Rochester is the seat of Olmstead County, which is run by a county board, each representing district residents. The County Board of Commissioners oversee county operations and address citizen concerns. When a commissioner is elected, they are elected to serve a 4-year term. When that term ends, the commissioner can run for re-election if they so desire. The county attorney and the County Sheriff are also elected to four-year terms. Each of these elected officials acts as the director for his/her office, and are accountable to the residents of OlMsted County. The City of Rochester is part of Minnesota's First congressional district. The state's House of Reps is made up of three districts: 25A, 25B, and 26A.

Education

Rochester Public Schools enroll 16,300 students in 23 public primary and secondary schools. The city is divided into three public high school attendance zones: John Marshall, Mayo and Century. Private schools in the city include Lourdes, Schaeffer Academy, and Rochester Central Lutheran School amongst various smaller private religious schools. Studio Academy, a fine arts-focused charter school operated for 10 years in Rochester and closed its doors in 2011 upon losing its charter. The Rochester STEM Academy opened in 2011, occupying the former Studio Academy building. According to the United States Census Bureau 2011-2015, the number of high school graduates or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+ was 94.1%. The number of bachelor's degree or higher percent of people age 25+ was 41.3%. The Mayo Clinic offers graduate medical education and research programs through the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and the Mayo clinic School of Health Sciences. The University of Minnesota Rochester was established downtown in 2007. Branches of Augsburg University and College of St. Scholastica are also in Rochester, as are branches of Winona State University and St. Mary's University. Rochester Community and Technical College shares a campus with a branch of Winonna State University. The City of Rochester is home to the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Rochester at Rochester. It is also the home of the Rochester School of Music. The U.S. Air Force Academy is based in Rochester.

Air Quality, Water Quality, Superfund Sites & UV Index

The Air Quality index is in Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota = 92.6. These Air Quality index is based on annual reports from the EPA. Higher values are better (100=best). The number of ozone alert days is used as an indicator of air quality, as are the amounts of seven pollutants including particulates, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, and volatile organic chemicals. The Water Quality Index is 20. A measure of the quality of an area’s water supply as rated by the EPA. Higher values are better (100=best). The EPA has a complex method of measuring the watershed quality, using 15 indicators such as pollutants, turbidity, sediments, and toxic discharges. The Superfund Sites Index is 89. Higher is better (100=best). Based upon the number and impact of EPA Superfund pollution sites in the county, including spending on the cleanup efforts. The UV Index in Rochester = 3.2 and is a measure of an area's exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. This is most often a combination of sunny weather, altitude, and latitude. The UV Index has been defined by the WHO (www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-the-ultraviolet-(uv)-index) and is uniform worldwide.

Employed

The most recent city population of 121,395 individuals with a median age of 45.2 age the population grows by 48.99% in Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota population since 2000 and are distributed over a density of 2,184.07 residents per square mile of area (843.27/km²). There are average 2.84 people per household in the 1,515 households with an average household income of $101,833 a year. The unemployment rate in Alabama is 5.80% of the available work force and has dropped -0.06% over the most recent 12-month period and the projected change in job supply over the next decade based on migration patterns, economic growth, and other factors will increase by 34.38%. The number of physicians in Rochester per 100,000 population = 1208.8.

Weather

The annual rainfall in Rochester = 30 inches and the annual snowfall = 47.5 inches. The annual number of days with measurable precipitation (over .01 inch) = 116. The average number of days per year that are predominantly sunny = 183. 81 degrees Fahrenheit is the average daily high temperature for the month of July and 3.9 degrees Fahrenheit is the average daily low temperature for the month of January. The Comfort Index (higher=better) is 47, where higher values mean a more pleasant climate. The Comfort Index measure recognizes that humidity by itself isn't the problem. (Have you noticed nobody ever complains about the weather being 'cold and humid?) It's in the summertime that we notice the humidity the most, when it's hot and muggy. Our Comfort Index uses a combination of afternoon summer temperature and humidity to closely predict the effect that the humidity will have on people.

Median Home Cost

The percentage of housing units in Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota which are owned by the occupant = 93.43%. A housing unit is a house, apartment, mobile home, or room occupied as separate living quarters. The average age of homes = 28 years with median home cost = $234,140 and home appreciation of -4.79%. This is the value of the years most recent home sales data. Its important to note that this is not the average (or arithmetic mean). The median home price is the middle value when you arrange all the sales prices of homes from lowest to highest. This is a better indicator than the average, because the median is not changed as much by a few unusually high or low values. The property tax rate of $9.91 shown here is the rate per $1,000 of home value. If for simplification for example the tax rate is $14.00 and the home value is $250,000, the property tax would be $14.00 x ($250,000/1000), or $3500. This is the 'effective' tax rate.

Study

The local school district spends $4,556 per student. There are 17.7 students for each teacher in the school, 479 students for each Librarian and 676 students for each Counselor. 7.06% of the area’s population over the age of 25 with an Associate Degree or other 2-year college degree, 29.64% with a master’s degree, Ph.D. or other advanced college degree and 26.20% with high school diplomas or high school equivalency degrees (GEDs).