Rochesteris acityon the southern shore ofLake Ontarioin the western portion of theU.S. stateofNew York, and the seat ofMonroe County. The city's population (210,565) was the state's third largest — afterNew York CityandBuffalo— at the time of the2010 census. Rochester is the center of a largermetropolitan areathat encompasses and extends beyondMonroe County, and comprisesGenesee County,Livingston County,Ontario County,Orleans CountyandWayne County.
Rochester was one of America's first boomtowns, and rose to prominence as the site of many flour mills along theGenesee River, and then as a major hub of manufacturing. Several of the region's universities (notably theUniversity of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology) have renowned research programs. In addition, Rochester is the site of many important inventions and innovations in consumer products.