Rochester is located in Olmsted County and it is the county seat. It lies in the Mississippi Bluffs Region, on U.S. 63.

Rochester, population 82,238, is home to the Mayo Clinic, established in 1889 by William W. Mayo and his sons, Charles and William. Nearly half a million people seek medical care there each year. In addition to the Clinic, Rochester is known for IBM, established in 1957, and many agricultural products. The city's Civic Music program, three theatrical producers, art center and various dance troupes address the cultural tastes of residents and visitors. Attractions include Assisi Heights, which bears a striking resemblance to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy; and Heritage House, which typifies a middle-class midwestern family's way of life a century ago. In 1988 Rochester was named an All American City. January's average high and low temperatures are 11.4 and -4.7 degrees. June's are 78.8 and 58.4.

Rochester is part of the Rochester, Minnesota metro area.