Living in Bloomington, IN
Bloomington is the 440th-largest city in the US, home to about 83,000 people in 2025. It has grown 3.9% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (95.1 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 83,307+3.9% since 2020
- Median home value
- $321,4006.4 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,200/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $50,465median, per year
- Price level
- 95.1US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 37° / 85°lows 21° / 65°
- Average commute
- 18 min18% work from home
- State income tax
- 2.95%top rate, flat
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County: Monroe County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 771 ft
Metro area: Bloomington, IN
Cost of living in Bloomington
The median home in Bloomington is worth $321,400 and the median household earns $50,465 a year, so a typical home costs about 6.4 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,200 a month, about 28% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Bloomington, IN metro area at 95.1, with housing at 85.6 and goods at 94.3 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $71,300 here. Indiana taxes wages at a top rate of 2.95% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Indiana is 7%.
What would my salary be worth in Bloomington?
Bloomington weather
Average highs run from 37°F in January to 85°F in July, and January nights average 21°F. It gets 49 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 18 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 108 times a year. The most comfortable months are August to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Bloomington
People and work
The median resident is 25.1 years old, and 59% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 35% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 18 minutes; 18% of workers work from home and 4% take public transit.
- Median age
- 25.14th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 59%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 35%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,58323.2 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 4%11% walk, 1.8% bike
- Unemployment
- 6.6%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 29.8%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1985median year
Who moves to Bloomington, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Chicago (Cook County), Hammond (Lake County) and Fort Wayne (Allen County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Chicago (Cook County), Seattle (King County) and Fort Wayne (Allen County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Low
FEMA rating for Monroe County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: winter weather, strong wind.
Home prices
+0.4% in a year
Up 34% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Bloomington, IN area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
68% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Bloomington, IN area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Bloomington
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Indiana University-Bloomington in Bloomington
- Franklin College 32 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Bloomington
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis International Airport IND | 39 mi | 5,181,947 |
| Louisville International Airport SDF | 81 mi | 2,343,305 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Bloomington
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Bloomington | in town | 37,806 | $16,003 | 80% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Bloomington
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 15, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 16 and the first frost comes around October 26.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Bloomington Indiana University, IN, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Bloomington.
Wildfire smoke in Bloomington
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Bloomington on about 134 days a year, including about 29 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Bloomington
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 34,514 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Bloomington
Downtown Bloomington is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe County Community School Corporation | Pre-K to 12 | 10,480 | 24 | 13.2 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation (2,776 students), Spencer-Owen Community Schools (2,156 students), Brown County County School Corporation (1,549 students), Eastern Greene County School District (1,111 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Bloomington's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Bloomington's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Olathe, KS78% matchCompare
- Bethlehem, PA76% matchCompare
- Pawtucket, RI75% matchCompare
- Lee's Summit, MO74% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Bloomington
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Bloomington
- Paoli Peaks 43 miles
- Perfect North Slopes 87 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Bloomington
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Commutes are short: 18 minutes each way on average.
- Data A highly educated city: 59% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
- Data Low natural hazard risk: FEMA rates Monroe County relatively low overall.
Cons
- Data Poverty is high: 29.8% of residents live below the poverty line.
Bloomington report card from locals
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Cities near Bloomington
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis, IN | 46 mi | 901,116 | $224,800 | 95.7 | Compare |
| Carmel, IN | 60 mi | 105,634 | $486,800 | 95.7 | Compare |
| Fishers, IN | 60 mi | 104,812 | $391,000 | 95.7 | Compare |
| Noblesville, IN | 66 mi | 76,111 | $349,700 | 95.7 | Compare |
| Louisville, KY | 81 mi | 641,962 | $233,900 | 93.1 | Compare |
| Evansville, IN | 100 mi | 116,176 | $143,100 | 91.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Bloomington with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Bloomington a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, short commutes; the trade-offs are expensive homes relative to local incomes. Compare Bloomington side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Bloomington?
The Census Bureau estimates Bloomington had 83,307 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 80,157 in April 2020 (+3.9%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Bloomington?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $71,300 in the Bloomington area. The median household here earns $50,465.
When is the best time to visit Bloomington?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, August to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 85°F and January 37°F for daytime highs.
What county is Bloomington in?
Bloomington is in Monroe County, Indiana. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Bloomington in?
Bloomington is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Bloomington?
About 771 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Indiana have a state income tax?
Yes. Indiana has a flat income tax with a top rate of 2.95% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Bloomington. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Bloomington, IN metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Bloomington Indiana University, IN station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.