Bloomington, IN
Population 78,791 · Indiana
About Bloomington, IN
Bloomington is a mid-sized city located in Indiana with a population of 78,791 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,918 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bloomington features a median home value of $289,700, which is 18% above 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 $1,160, 0% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 37,537 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (11,721 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (21,651 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bloomington shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bloomington have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
60.0% 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 2.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 12.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bloomington Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in Bloomington, IN
Compared to national averages, Bloomington has a median household income of $48,918 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $289,700, which is 18% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,160 is 0% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Bloomington's income is 29% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 77% above the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Bloomington, IN?
Bloomington offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,160/month, and a well-educated community where 60.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,918) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Bloomington provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Bloomington has a population of 78,791 with a median age of 24.9 years. Compare Bloomington with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Bloomington
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammond | 77,098 | $53,950 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Noblesville | 71,940 | $102,319 | $321,800 | Compare |
| Lafayette | 70,650 | $52,946 | $157,600 | Compare |
| Gary | 68,604 | $37,380 | $85,300 | Compare |
| Muncie | 64,739 | $43,395 | $92,000 | Compare |
| Greenwood | 64,237 | $78,765 | $248,700 | Compare |
| Kokomo | 59,375 | $54,195 | $126,500 | Compare |
| Terre Haute | 58,491 | $41,960 | $109,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
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, IN?
The population of Bloomington, IN is 78,791 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Bloomington?
The median household income in Bloomington, IN is $48,918 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bloomington?
The median home value in Bloomington, IN is $289,700, which is 18% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Bloomington?
The median monthly rent in Bloomington, IN is $1,160, which is 0% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bloomington?
The unemployment rate in Bloomington, IN is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bloomington, IN a good place to live?
Bloomington offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 78,791 and a median age of 24.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bloomington, IN?
60.0% 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, IN: median home value is $289,700 (18% above national), median rent is $1,160/month, and median household income is $48,918. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bloomington?
The poverty rate in Bloomington, IN is 30.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bloomington, IN?
Bloomington's population is 2.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 4.8% two or more races. 12.3% of residents are foreign-born.