Lansing, MI vs Rochester, NY
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Lansing
76.6
#331 nationally
Rochester
71.9
#953 nationally
Rochester leads in walk score (59 vs 46). Lansing leads in median household income ($50,747 vs $42,124). Lansing leads in average commute (19.3 min vs 21.2 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 76.6 (#331) | 71.9 (#953) |
| Population | 112,115 | 211,328 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $170,959 | $249,152 |
| Median Household Income | $50,747 | $42,124 |
| Average Commute | 19.3 min | 21.2 min |
| Walk Score | 46 | 59 |
| Crime Level | 36.9 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87 | 88 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+3.1 | D+19.1 |
C
76.6 Score
Lansing, MI
Mid-size Michigan city with community character
Median Home
$170,959
Population
112,115
Crime
Very High
Walk Score
46
Midwest
View Lansing, MI →
C-
71.9 Score
Rochester, NY
Flour City innovation hub
Median Home
$249,152
Population
211,328
Crime
High
Schools
C-
Northeast
View Rochester, NY →