Rochester metropolitan area, New York

The Rochester metropolitan area in New York is a group of six counties in Western New York centered around the city of Rochester, New York. Many of these counties are mostly rural, with farms and small villages spread across the land.

As of the 2025 census estimates, about 1 million people live in this area, making it one of the larger groups of counties in New York. The city of Rochester is the main hub, bringing together the surrounding towns and villages.

Counties

Metropolitan area

The Rochester metropolitan area has several counties in Western New York. These counties are Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, and Wayne.

Micropolitan statistical area

The area also includes Genesee and Seneca counties.

Communities

The Rochester metropolitan area has many places of different sizes.

The largest city is Rochester. There are also suburbs like Irondequoit and Greece.

Other suburbs such as Brighton, Chili, Gates, Henrietta, Perinton, Penfield, Pittsford, and Webster are also part of the area.

Smaller towns and cities like Arcadia, Canandaigua, Farmington, Geneva, Geneseo, Ontario, Ogden, Parma, Sweden, and Victor are there too.

There are also many smaller communities with fewer people.

Demographics

The Rochester, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area had many people living there. Most people were White. Some were African American, Asian, and people from other races.

Families in the area earned a good amount of money. Men usually earned more than women. The Rochester area was an important place for work and money in New York State.

Rochester-Batavia-Seneca Falls Combined statistical area

The Rochester–Batavia–Seneca Falls combined statistical area is made up of seven counties in western New York. The combined statistical area includes one metropolitan area and two micropolitan areas.

• Metropolitan statistical area (MSA)
  • Rochester (Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, and Wayne counties)
• Micropolitan statistical areas (μSAs)
  • Batavia (Genesee County)
  • Seneca Falls (Seneca County)

Economy

Rochester has a big economy, and is the third largest in New York State, after New York City and Buffalo.

Top regional employers

This list is from 2016.

Major shopping centers

• Rochester Public Market
• Village Gate Square
• The Marketplace Mall (located in Henrietta)
• The Mall at Greece Ridge (located in Greece)
• Eastview Mall (located in Victor)
• Pittsford Plaza (located in Pittsford)

Former shopping centers

• Midtown Plaza (Closed in 2008 and torn down in 2010)
• Irondequoit Mall (Located in Irondequoit) (Closed in 2010)

Colleges and universities

See also: Rochester Area Colleges

The Rochester area, especially in Monroe County, has many colleges and universities. Education is important to the local economy. The area has several colleges and universities in six counties:

• Livingston County
  • SUNY Geneseo
• Monroe County
  • Bryant & Stratton College in Greece and Henrietta
  • Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School
  • Empire State College's Genesee Valley Learning Center
  • Monroe Community College
  • Nazareth University
  • Roberts Wesleyan College in Chili
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
  • St. John Fisher University
  • SUNY Brockport
  • University of Rochester
• Ontario County
  • Finger Lakes Community College
  • Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Together with several other colleges and universities nearby, they form the Rochester Area Colleges group.

University of Rochester

Main article: University of Rochester

The University of Rochester is one of the top universities in the nation. It is known for its programs in nursing and business. The university also has a famous music school and a special laboratory with a very powerful laser.

Rochester Institute of Technology

Main article: Rochester Institute of Technology

The Rochester Institute of Technology was founded in 1829 and is one of the largest private universities in the country. It is well-known for its programs in science, engineering, art, and for helping students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Monroe Community College

Main article: Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College is the largest community college in Upstate New York. It has four campuses and is known for its strong athletic programs.

Roberts Wesleyan College

Main article: Roberts Wesleyan College

Roberts Wesleyan College was once ranked as one of the best value colleges in the United States. It is also the only college in Rochester that works closely with a group of Christian colleges and universities.