Owatonna, MN vs Rochester, MN
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.
Owatonna
77.3
#258 nationally
Rochester
76
#401 nationally
Rochester leads in walk score (30 vs 25). Owatonna leads in cost of living index (98 vs 106). Rochester leads in median household income ($83,973 vs $78,295).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Owatonna, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.3 (#258) | 76 (#401) |
| Population | 26,534 | 122,413 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $302,747 | $347,877 |
| Median Household Income | $78,295 | $83,973 |
| Average Commute | 16.6 min | 17.1 min |
| Walk Score | 25 | 30 |
| Crime Level | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+24.5 | D+10.7 |
C+
77.3 Score
Owatonna, MN
Small Minnesota city with local appeal
Median Home
$302,747
Population
26,534
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
25
Midwest
View Owatonna, MN →
C
76 Score
Rochester, MN
Mid-size Minnesota city with community character
Median Home
$347,877
Population
122,413
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
30
Midwest
View Rochester, MN →