About Rochester, MN
The Best Small City in America
Money Magazine recently said it best, "One thing to remember about Rochester is that it has the sophistication of a larger metro area, but not the congestion or the complications." Named "Best Small City" in America by the nationally recognized magazine, Rochester merges a cosmopolitan atmosphere with Midwestern hospitality, giving convention attendees a most memorable experience.
Population
Rochester: 93,037
Olmsted County: 132,013
Time Zone
Minnesota is in the Central Standard Time (CST -6:00 GMT) zone and central daylight time.
Climate and Average Weather
Below is a list of average high and low temperatures throughout the year in Rochester.
January: 20°/4°
February: 26°/11°
March: 39°/23°
April: 55°/35°
May: 68°/46°
June: 77°/56°
July: 80°/60°
August: 78°/58°
September: 69°/49°
October: 57°/37°
November: 39°/24°
December: 24°/10°
City, County & State Laws
Alcohol Laws
The drinking age in Minnesota is 21 years of age. Supermarkets and grocery stores sell 3.2 beer. Bars stop serving alcohol at 2:00 a.m. Monday-Saturday, and at midnight on Sundays.
Taxes
In Minnesota you can enjoy no sales tax on clothing, groceries, or medicine. The current state sales tax on other items is 6.5%, in addition to a local sales tax of .5% and lodging tax of 4%.
Smoking
Rochester, MN is located in Olmsted County. The Olmsted County Smoke-Free Restaurant Ordinance prohibits smoking in dining establishments that earn more than half their revenues from food sales. The ordinance excludes bars that have liquor sales exceeding food sales and private clubs that are open to serve only members, and restaurants that are closed to serve a private gathering.