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SURVEY PHASE |
TIMELINE |
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Randomly selected households receive survey invitations |
July 14, 2026 |
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All Rochester residents may participate online |
August 17 - September 9, 2026 |
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Presentation to City Council (Study Session) |
November 9, 2026 |
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Survey Results posted to this webpage |
November 10, 2026 |
Community Survey
The City of Rochester conducts a Community Survey every two years to gather feedback from residents about the quality of life and local government services. Results help the City identify what's working well and where services can be improved.
The next survey is anticipated in 2026. Updates, including how to participate, will be shared on this webpage once the survey timeline is finalized.
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 that City decisions reflect the community's needs and priorities.
Individual responses are not shared publicly. Survey results are reported only in summary form to help the City understand overall community trends and priorities.
2024 Survey Findings
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
- 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.
Resources
- 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
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.
Business Survey
The National Business Survey was an opt-in opportunity and over 230 businesses participated.
Highlights
- 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.
Resources:
- Survey results were presented at the August 1, 2022, Study Session.
- 2022 National Community Survey Dashboard
- 2022 National Business Survey Dashboard
Questions?
Call 507-328-2123 during business hours.
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