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Is Bloomington a Good Place to Live? Bloomington, Illinois: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bloomington ranks #290 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #139 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.8 min, #28 of 524) and low rents ($1,050/mo, #63 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Bloomington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bloomington's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bloomington?
Bloomington's cost of living index is 93.5, 6% below the US level of 100 and #398 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,050/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $270,349, 9% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
| Measure | Bloomington | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 93.5#398 of 1,308 | 100 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $270,349#302 of 1,187 | $297,573 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,336/mo#194 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $203,300#235 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,050/mo#265 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 16.3%#116 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bloomington housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bloomington is in the Bloomington, IL metro.
Illinois housing market →Is Bloomington safe?
Bloomington recorded 318 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% below the US rate of 328 and 26% above Illinois's 251. That ranks #584 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #259 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bloomington Police Department. Property crime runs 1,295 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bloomington | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 318#584 of 1,085 | 251 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,295#356 of 1,085 | 1,508 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bloomington?
The median household in Bloomington earns $77,384, 7% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 11% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bloomington | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $77,384#666 of 1,312 | $83,211 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 11%#571 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bloomington?
The median resident of Bloomington is 36.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 48.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #284 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bloomington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 36.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 48.7%#284 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 61.9% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bloomington's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Bloomington; its public schools have 13.4 students per teacher and spend $17,105 per pupil. 35.7% of adults are obese and 10.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Bloomington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 13.4#206 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,105#404 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.7%#834 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.2%#440 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.2%#457 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.4%#305 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 7,917 students are enrolled in Bloomington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bloomington?
The average commute in Bloomington is 16.8 minutes (Illinois 28.3); 0.6% of workers take transit and 20.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bloomington scores 13.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 72.9°F and winters 27.6°F, with 39.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bloomington | IllinoisIL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 16.8 min#126 of 1,312 | 28.3 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 10.4% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67% | 66% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 7% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.6% | 3.1% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 20.7% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.6#225 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Illinois is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33.4 | 15.6 | 2.4 |
| Feb | 38.2 | 18.9 | 2 |
| Mar | 49.8 | 27.8 | 2.6 |
| Apr | 62.8 | 37.9 | 3.7 |
| May | 74 | 49.8 | 4.8 |
| Jun | 83.3 | 59.9 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 86 | 63 | 4.1 |
| Aug | 84.4 | 60.8 | 3.8 |
| Sep | 78.8 | 53 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 65.6 | 41.8 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 50.2 | 30.7 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 38.3 | 21.4 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Normal 4ne.
| Measure | Bloomington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 51.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 72.9°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 27.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 39.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Normal 4ne.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bloomington?
McLean County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts McLean County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Bloomington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#491 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for McLean County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, McLean County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tornado | 0.016% | 76% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0047% | 69% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0053% | 67% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0032% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.085% | 55% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bloomington compare with similar-size cities?
Bloomington is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #139 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 78,907.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, ILPop. 78,907 | #290 | 62.2 | $77,384 | $1,050/mo | 318 | 16.8 min |
| Pasco, WAPop. 79,575 | #631 | 56.2 | $85,586 | $1,227/mo | 338 | 22.5 min |
| Lynchburg, VAPop. 79,497 | #455 | 58.8 | $57,947 | $1,073/mo | 361 | 16.8 min |
| Plymouth, MNPop. 79,220 | #37 | 71.5 | $136,534 | $1,766/mo | 65 | 21.7 min |
| Castle Rock, COPop. 79,123 | #139 | 66.8 | $145,197 | $2,000/mo | 30 | 28.6 min |
| Daytona Beach, FLPop. 78,992 | #1114 | 47.6 | $52,058 | $1,328/mo | part year | 21.4 min |
| Tustin, CAPop. 78,981 | #548 | 57.3 | $112,503 | $2,449/mo | 216 | 22.8 min |
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #126 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 | 26 min |
| Bethlehem, PAPop. 77,956 | #365 | 60.7 | $68,879 | $1,382/mo | 197 | 22.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bloomington compare with the rest of Illinois?
Bloomington ranks #15 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 62.2 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 7% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 26% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Illinois home.
| City | Rank in IL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville, ILPop. 150,692 | #1 | 73.2 | $155,105 | $1,885/mo | 70 |
| Wheaton, ILPop. 53,557 | #2 | 72.0 | $120,008 | $1,799/mo | 34 |
| Arlington Heights, ILPop. 76,005 | #3 | 70.8 | $116,723 | $1,760/mo | 43 |
| Evanston, ILPop. 76,340 | #4 | 69.6 | $96,434 | $1,762/mo | 115 |
| Des Plaines, ILPop. 59,156 | #5 | 69.4 | $97,875 | $1,606/mo | 108 |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #6 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 |
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #7 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 |
| Skokie, ILPop. 66,219 | #8 | 68.7 | $95,337 | $1,552/mo | 151 |
| Hoffman Estates, ILPop. 51,175 | #9 | 68.0 | $106,806 | $1,734/mo | 75 |
| Schaumburg, ILPop. 76,868 | #10 | 67.0 | $97,514 | $1,812/mo | 68 |
| Palatine, ILPop. 66,293 | #11 | 66.5 | $97,819 | $1,549/mo | 86 |
| Tinley Park, ILPop. 54,842 | #12 | 65.7 | $105,189 | $1,495/mo | 93 |
| Orland Park, ILPop. 57,916 | #13 | 65.3 | $98,910 | $1,440/mo | 9 |
| Bolingbrook, ILPop. 74,096 | #14 | 63.8 | $108,400 | $1,749/mo | 220 |
| Bloomington, ILPop. 78,907 | #15 | 62.2 | $77,384 | $1,050/mo | 318 |
| Oak Lawn, ILPop. 56,861 | #16 | 61.7 | $83,911 | $1,335/mo | 73 |
| Berwyn, ILPop. 55,595 | #17 | 60.5 | $78,408 | $1,215/mo | 161 |
| Aurora, ILPop. 179,898 | #18 | 60.4 | $93,633 | $1,596/mo | 220 |
| Champaign, ILPop. 89,996 | #19 | 59.6 | $56,118 | $1,123/mo | 374 |
The top 10 of the 29 and the cities ranked either side of Bloomington among the Illinois cities we track, by overall score. Illinois statewide: median income $83,211, violent crime 251 per 100,000.
How is Bloomington's score calculated?
Bloomington scores 62.2 out of 100, #290 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Illinois's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bloomington. Similar-size median 55.5.
53.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bloomington's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
77.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bloomington. Similar-size median 58.9.
56.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bloomington's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
65.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bloomington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
80.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bloomington. Similar-size median 56.1.
53.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bloomington. Similar-size median 42.4.
40.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bloomington. Similar-size median 50.0.
63.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bloomington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
66.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
58.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bloomington's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bloomington has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bloomington
Is Bloomington, IL a good place to live?
Bloomington ranks #290 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #139 of 524 smaller cities and #15 of 29 in Illinois. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.8 min, #28 of 524) and low rents ($1,050/mo, #63 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Bloomington?
Bloomington's cost of living index is 93.5, 6% below the US level of 100 and #398 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,050/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $270,349, 9% below the typical Illinois home ($297,573).
What is the crime rate in Bloomington?
Bloomington recorded 318 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3% below the US rate of 328 and 26% above Illinois's 251. That ranks #584 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #259 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bloomington Police Department. Property crime runs 1,295 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bloomington?
The median household in Bloomington earns $77,384, 7% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Illinois ($83,211). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 11% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bloomington?
Median rent in Bloomington is $1,050/mo (Census), #265 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,336/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 16.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bloomington?
The typical home value in Bloomington is $270,349, up 2.1% in a year, against $297,573 for Illinois and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $203,300.
How are the public schools in Bloomington?
There is no city graduation rate for Bloomington; its public schools have 13.4 students per teacher and spend $17,105 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bloomington?
The average commute is 16.8 minutes, #126 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.3 minutes across Illinois. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bloomington?
Bloomington averages 51.1°F over the year, 72.9°F in summer and 27.6°F in winter, with 39.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bloomington walkable?
Bloomington scores 13.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #225 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bloomington at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts McLean County's biggest natural hazard losses in tornado, hail, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bloomington?
McLean County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 66% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Bloomington?
Bloomington has 78,907 residents. The median resident of Bloomington is 36.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 48.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #284 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bloomington compare with the rest of Illinois?
Bloomington ranks #15 of the 29 Illinois cities we track, with a score of 62.2 against Illinois's statewide 47.6. Its households earn 7% below the Illinois median. Violent crime is 26% above the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Illinois home.
What cities are similar in size to Bloomington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bloomington's population of 78,907 are Pasco, WA (#631 overall), Lynchburg, VA (#455 overall), Plymouth, MN (#37 overall), Castle Rock, CO (#139 overall), and Daytona Beach, FL (#1114 overall). Bloomington is #290.