Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Rochester, NY
The median monthly rent in Rochester, NY is $1,100, translating to $13,200 in annual gross rental income per unit. The rent-to-price ratio is 0.63% — well below the 1% rule, making pure cash flow investing challenging at median prices.
Renters in Rochester spend approximately 32% of the local median household income ($40,800) on rent. This exceeds the standard 30% affordability threshold, suggesting rent growth may face resistance — but it also means a large portion of the population finds buying even more out of reach, supporting rental demand.
The vacancy rate in Rochester is 6.5%. This is a healthy vacancy rate that indicates balanced supply and demand. You should be able to find quality tenants without extended vacancies, though expect normal turnover periods of 2-4 weeks between tenants. Population growth of -0.1% annually means demand is flat to declining — focus on properties in the strongest neighborhoods.
Rochester's GRM (price divided by annual rent) is 13.3x. A GRM between 12-16x is moderate and typical of balanced markets. Deals can work but you need to keep expenses controlled. For comparison, the national average GRM for investment-grade rentals is approximately 13-15x.
At the median rent of $1,100/mo, a single-family rental in Rochester generates approximately $13,200 in gross annual income. After accounting for 6.5% vacancy ($858 lost), property taxes of $3,010, insurance (~$700), and maintenance (~$700), the estimated NOI is $7,932 per year, or $661/mo.