Your feedback helps the City:

• Identify community strengths
• Understand areas where services can improve
• Track trends in community perceptions over time
• Compare Rochester with similar communities across the country

When residents participate, it helps ensure City decisions reflect the needs and priorities of the community.

2024 Survey Findings 

• National Community Survey: 4,200 residences in Rochester were randomly selected and invited to participate in the statistically significant National Community Survey.  In total, 635 responses were received, with an additional 493 surveys submitted via open participation.  The NCS provides more than 500 comparison communities across the nation, which represent opinions of more than 50 million residents. 

• Highlights from the 2024 Survey Results:
  • Sense of safety remains strong in Rochester, with residents reporting feeling safe in all aspects of the community.
  • Rochester continues to be seen as a desirable place to work, with residents reporting above-average perceptions of employment opportunities.
  • The City remains a desirable place to live.  However, there have been slight decreases in ratings for the overall quality of life and Rochester as a place to live since the 2022 survey; this is a trend seen nationwide.
  • Perceptions of city governance have improved since the 2022 survey.  Residents reported greater satisfaction with the value of services for the taxes paid in Rochester, the overall direction Rochester is taking, and confident in Rochester government.
  • Rochester compares very well with similar communities that participate in the survey nationally.
  • The survey results indicate a desire for improved amenities, housing affordability and yard waste management. 

• Links:
  • Survey results were presented at the November 26, 2024, Study Session
  • 2024 National Community Survey Dashboard
  • 2024 National Community Survey Disaggregated Data Dashboard

2022 Survey Findings

• National Community Survey: 5,500 residences in Rochester were randomly selected and invited to participate in the statistically significant National Community Survey.  In total, 828 responses were received.  The NCS provides more than 500 comparison communities across the nation, which represent opinions of more than 50 million residents.
• National Business Survey: The National Business Survey was an opt-in opportunity and over 230 businesses participated. 

• Highlights from the 2022 Survey Results:
  • Residents enjoy a positive quality of life and strong sense of safety in Rochester
  • Rochester's economy and employment opportunities are an asset to the community
  • Although sentiments about community design are generally positive, housing availability may be a concern for residents
  • Rochester's parks and recreation offerings are highly valued by residents. 
• Links:
  • Survey results were presented at the August 1, 2022, Study Session.
  • 2022 National Community Survey Dashboard
  • 2022 National Business Survey Dashboard