Education, Employment and Housing
Monroe County, NY boasts over 30 public high schools and several prominent colleges, including the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology. Approximately 36% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Public schools have an average graduation rate of 85%, and several districts, such as Pittsford, consistently score above 90% on state assessments. The county offers robust adult education programs and career training, including Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES. School safety initiatives are widespread, and many schools have specialized STEM, arts, and International Baccalaureate programs to support diverse educational interests.
As of early 2024, Monroe County, NY, has an employment rate of approximately 60%. Major employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance (19%), educational services (13%), and manufacturing (10%). About 33% of workers hold management, business, science, and arts occupations. Most residents (77%) commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. The majority work within Monroe County, particularly in the City of Rochester, which accounts for nearly 40% of jobs in the area.
Monroe County, NY, has a homeownership rate of about 64%, with median home values around $190,000 in 2024. The median rent is approximately $1,200 per month. Property values have risen by about 8% over the last year, reflecting strong demand. Housing types range from historic single-family homes in neighborhoods like Park Avenue and Brighton to modern apartments downtown. Popular suburbs include Pittsford and Webster. Property tax rates average 3.2% of home value, among the highest in the U.S. The area offers diverse housing options and vibrant communities for both renters and buyers.
Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Monroe County, NY has approximately 759,000 residents. The population is 51% female and 49% male, with a median age of 39 years. Racially, 68% identify as White, 17% as Black or African American, 4% as Asian, and 9% as Hispanic or Latino (of any race). About 21% of residents are under 18, and 17% are age 65 or older, reflecting a diverse and aging community.
County Crime & Safety
Monroe County, NY, reported a crime rate of 2,144 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, indicating a slight increase from previous years. Violent crimes, including 37 homicides and 312 robberies, have risen, while property crimes decreased by 8%. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Rochester Police Department emphasize community-based policing and encourage crime reporting through online and anonymous tip systems, resulting in a 12% increase in reported incidents. Efforts continue to focus on reducing gun violence and enhancing overall public safety in the region.
Elections
Monroe County, NY, has about 473,000 registered voters as of 2024: roughly 40% Democrat, 28% Republican, and 32% unaffiliated or minor parties. The Board of Elections oversees voter registration, polling locations (360+ sites), and election administration. Elections include federal, state, and local offices; in 2020, turnout was 75%. Recent issues include voting access and redistricting. In the 2022 gubernatorial race, Monroe County favored Democrat Kathy Hochul with 54% of the vote. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, with growing Independence and Working Families representation. Early voting is available at 14 sites countywide.
Popular names
- John Smith
- James Smith
- Michael Smith
- Michael Williams
- Robert Smith
- David Smith
- Jose Rivera
- Michael Johnson
- Michael Brown
- Mary Smith
- William Smith
- James Brown
- James Johnson
- Michael Miller
- David Johnson
- David Miller
- Christopher Smith
- Luis Rivera
- Robert Johnson
- Robert Brown
- James Williams
- Maria Rodriguez
- Timothy Smith
- James Miller
- Kevin Smith
- Maria Rivera
- Patricia Smith
- Jose Rodriguez
- Barbara Smith
- John Miller
- Andrew Smith
- David Williams
- Jennifer Smith
- Jose Cruz
- John Johnson
- Jose Torres
- Michael Davis
- Donald Smith
- Patricia Williams
- Robert Jones
- Jose Gonzalez
- Jose Ortiz
- Mark Smith
- Sandra Smith
- William Johnson
- Brian Smith
- David Brown
- James Jones
- Robert Miller
- Susan Smith
- Gregory Smith
- John Williams
- Jose Lopez
- Matthew Miller
- Richard Smith
- Sarah Smith
- William Brown
- Heather Smith
- James White
- Luis Rodriguez
Other Counties in New York
- Albany
- Allegany
- Bronx
- Broome
- Cattaraugus
- Cayuga
- Chautauqua
- Chemung
- Chenango
- Clinton
- Columbia
- Cortland
- Delaware
- Dutchess
- Erie
- Essex
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Genesee
- Greene
- Hamilton
- Herkimer
- Jefferson
- Kings
- Lewis
- Livingston
- Madison
- Montgomery
- Nassau
- New York
- Niagara
- Oneida
- Onondaga
- Ontario
- Orange
- Orleans
- Oswego
- Otsego
- Putnam
- Queens
- Rensselaer
- Richmond
- Rockland
- Saint Lawrence
- Saratoga
- Schenectady
- Schoharie
- Schuyler
- Seneca
- Steuben