Bloomington, IL
Population 78,703 · Illinois
About Bloomington, IL
Bloomington is a mid-sized city located in Illinois with a population of 78,703 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $75,449 per year, which is 0% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bloomington features a median home value of $198,800, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bloomington in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,004, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 37,013 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (21,085 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (13,132 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bloomington shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bloomington have an average one-way commute time of 16.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
48.9% of Bloomington residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 5.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 9.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bloomington Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Bloomington, IL
Compared to national averages, Bloomington has a median household income of $75,449 (0% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $198,800, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,004 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Bloomington's income is 1% above the state average of $75,072, and home values are 20% above the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Bloomington, IL?
Bloomington offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $75,449, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $198,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,004/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%, and a well-educated community where 48.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 16.7 minutes.
Bloomington has a population of 78,703 with a median age of 36 years. Compare Bloomington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Bloomington
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schaumburg | 76,780 | $94,690 | $312,200 | Compare |
| Evanston | 76,552 | $95,766 | $472,300 | Compare |
| Arlington Heights | 76,220 | $118,532 | $403,200 | Compare |
| Cicero | 83,223 | $68,548 | $236,000 | Compare |
| Bolingbrook | 73,813 | $107,552 | $295,500 | Compare |
| Decatur | 70,368 | $50,809 | $97,300 | Compare |
| Champaign | 88,822 | $57,544 | $199,700 | Compare |
| Waukegan | 88,919 | $70,578 | $177,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bloomington With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bloomington
What is the population of Bloomington, IL?
The population of Bloomington, IL is 78,703 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Bloomington?
The median household income in Bloomington, IL is $75,449 per year, which is 0% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bloomington?
The median home value in Bloomington, IL is $198,800, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bloomington?
The median monthly rent in Bloomington, IL is $1,004, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bloomington?
The unemployment rate in Bloomington, IL is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bloomington, IL a good place to live?
Bloomington offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 78,703 and a median age of 36, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bloomington, IL?
48.9% of residents in Bloomington aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bloomington?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bloomington, IL: median home value is $198,800 (19% below national), median rent is $1,004/month, and median household income is $75,449. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bloomington?
The poverty rate in Bloomington, IL is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bloomington, IL?
Bloomington's population is 5.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 9.7% two or more races. 9.8% of residents are foreign-born.