IndianaPop. 80,049Smaller cities
Is Bloomington a Good Place to Live? Bloomington, Indiana: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bloomington ranks #510 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #234 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.5 min, #41 of 524) and high graduation rates (94.9%, #45 of 437), and trails on high poverty (29.8%, #517 of 524) and low household income ($50,465, #504 of 524).
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 95.1, 5% below the US level of 100 and #439 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,200/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $315,772, 21% above the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
| Measure | Bloomington | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 95.1#439 of 1,308 | 93.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $315,772#420 of 1,187 | $260,095 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,549/mo#379 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $321,400#591 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,200/mo#438 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.4x#1089 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 28.5%#1211 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). Indiana 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, IN metro.
Indiana housing market →Is Bloomington safe?
Bloomington recorded 293 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% below the US rate of 328 and 15% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #553 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #246 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bloomington Police Department. Property crime runs 1,945 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bloomington | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 293#553 of 1,085 | 254 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,945#689 of 1,085 | 1,052 | 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). Indiana 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 $50,465, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 29.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bloomington | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $50,465#1223 of 1,312 | $71,959 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 29.8%#1292 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +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). Indiana 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 25.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 58.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 34.7% 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 | 25.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 58.8%#142 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 34.7% | 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?
Bloomington's 19 public schools graduate 94.9% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 14 students per teacher and $13,183 spent per pupil. 33% of adults are obese and 8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Bloomington | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 94.9%#103 of 1,063 | 87.7% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14#282 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,183#806 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33%#614 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8%#105 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 22.4%#1292 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8.7%#476 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). Indiana is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,871 students are enrolled in Bloomington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bloomington?
The average commute in Bloomington is 17.5 minutes (Indiana 24.6); 3.6% of workers take transit and 18.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bloomington scores 13.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #174 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.3°F and winters 32.8°F, with 46.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bloomington | IndianaIN | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 17.5 min#168 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 4%#391 of 1,312 | 6.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 55.7% | 76.8% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.6% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 10.8% | 2% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.8% | 0.4% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 18.2% | 9.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.9#174 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). Indiana 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 | 38.7 | 21.9 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 42.9 | 24.6 | 2.7 |
| Mar | 53.6 | 32.9 | 3.8 |
| Apr | 65.6 | 43.1 | 4.9 |
| May | 74.4 | 53.2 | 4.5 |
| Jun | 82.3 | 61.8 | 5.1 |
| Jul | 85 | 64.3 | 4.9 |
| Aug | 84.4 | 62.3 | 3.3 |
| Sep | 78.3 | 54.6 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 66.8 | 43.8 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 53.3 | 34.1 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 42.2 | 26.6 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bloomington Monroe Co Airport.
| Measure | Bloomington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 53.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 73.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 32.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 46.9 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 Bloomington Monroe Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bloomington?
Monroe County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Monroe County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
| Measure | Bloomington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 36#161 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.1%#201 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 Monroe County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Monroe County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.01% | 79% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0021% | 50% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0056% | 39% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.068% | 33% 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 #234 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 80,049.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #510 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 | 17.5 min |
| Auburn, ALPop. 80,594 | #414 | 59.8 | $63,668 | $1,098/mo | 99 | 19.9 min |
| Pharr, TXPop. 80,333 | #1197 | 45.1 | $52,814 | $1,037/mo | 214 | 21.1 min |
| Flint, MIPop. 80,175 | #1309 | 32.6 | $37,646 | $915/mo | 1,097 | 22.7 min |
| Jonesboro, ARPop. 80,137 | #1095 | 47.9 | $55,424 | $956/mo | 575 | 18 min |
| Pine Hills, FLPop. 80,105 | #1284 | 39.0 | $58,673 | $1,542/mo | no data | 30.1 min |
| Parma, OHPop. 79,870 | #356 | 60.8 | $69,295 | $1,087/mo | 150 | 24.2 min |
| Lakewood, CAPop. 79,850 | #702 | 54.9 | $119,177 | $2,347/mo | 356 | 28.4 min |
| Pasco, WAPop. 79,575 | #631 | 56.2 | $85,586 | $1,227/mo | 338 | 22.5 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 Indiana?
Bloomington ranks #7 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 57.9 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 30% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Indiana home.
| City | Rank in IN | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel, INPop. 101,651 | #1 | 73.1 | $141,505 | $1,712/mo | 51 |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #2 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 |
| Fishers, INPop. 102,337 | #3 | 70.7 | $130,203 | $1,611/mo | 78 |
| Noblesville, INPop. 73,362 | #4 | 66.6 | $104,047 | $1,389/mo | 71 |
| Greenwood, INPop. 66,029 | #5 | 60.4 | $83,608 | $1,312/mo | 142 |
| Columbus, INPop. 51,824 | #6 | 59.6 | $77,456 | $1,157/mo | 88 |
| Bloomington, INPop. 80,049 | #7 | 57.9 | $50,465 | $1,200/mo | 293 |
| Lafayette, INPop. 71,159 | #8 | 57.7 | $53,716 | $1,079/mo | 396 |
| Jeffersonville, INPop. 51,043 | #9 | 57.2 | $70,930 | $1,148/mo | 330 |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #10 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 |
| Mishawaka, INPop. 51,021 | #11 | 53.7 | $54,291 | $1,070/mo | 306 |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #12 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 |
| South Bend, INPop. 103,085 | #13 | 52.2 | $55,786 | $1,033/mo | 453 |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #14 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #15 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 |
| Muncie, INPop. 64,751 | #16 | 49.8 | $44,471 | $904/mo | 485 |
| Kokomo, INPop. 59,122 | #17 | 48.8 | $55,360 | $939/mo | 477 |
| Terre Haute, INPop. 58,427 | #18 | 47.6 | $43,126 | $922/mo | 494 |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #19 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 |
| Hammond, INPop. 76,768 | #20 | 44.6 | $55,504 | $1,134/mo | 589 |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #21 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 |
All 21 Indiana cities we track, by overall score. Indiana statewide: median income $71,959, violent crime 254.4 per 100,000.
How is Bloomington's score calculated?
Bloomington scores 57.9 out of 100, #510 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 Indiana'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.
44.4 - 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.
74.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bloomington. Similar-size median 58.9.
51.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bloomington's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
66.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bloomington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
72.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bloomington. Similar-size median 56.1.
7.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bloomington. Similar-size median 42.4.
51.6 - 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.
75.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bloomington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
67.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
77.7 - 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, IN a good place to live?
Bloomington ranks #510 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #234 of 524 smaller cities and #7 of 21 in Indiana. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.5 min, #41 of 524) and high graduation rates (94.9%, #45 of 437), and trails on high poverty (29.8%, #517 of 524) and low household income ($50,465, #504 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Bloomington?
Bloomington's cost of living index is 95.1, 5% below the US level of 100 and #439 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,200/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $315,772, 21% above the typical Indiana home ($260,095).
What is the crime rate in Bloomington?
Bloomington recorded 293 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 11% below the US rate of 328 and 15% above Indiana's 254. That ranks #553 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #246 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bloomington Police Department. Property crime runs 1,945 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bloomington?
The median household in Bloomington earns $50,465, 39% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Indiana ($71,959). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.3%). 29.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bloomington?
Median rent in Bloomington is $1,200/mo (Census), #438 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,549/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bloomington?
The typical home value in Bloomington is $315,772, up 1.4% in a year, against $260,095 for Indiana and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $321,400.
How are the public schools in Bloomington?
Bloomington's 19 public schools graduate 94.9% of students in four years (Indiana 87.7%), with 14 students per teacher and $13,183 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bloomington?
The average commute is 17.5 minutes, #168 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Indiana. 4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bloomington?
Bloomington averages 53.8°F over the year, 73.3°F in summer and 32.8°F in winter, with 46.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bloomington walkable?
Bloomington scores 13.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #174 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 Monroe County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 87% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bloomington?
Monroe County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Bloomington?
Bloomington has 80,049 residents. The median resident of Bloomington is 25.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 58.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 34.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bloomington compare with the rest of Indiana?
Bloomington ranks #7 of the 21 Indiana cities we track, with a score of 57.9 against Indiana's statewide 59.2. Its households earn 30% below the Indiana median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Indiana home.
What cities are similar in size to Bloomington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bloomington's population of 80,049 are Auburn, AL (#414 overall), Pharr, TX (#1197 overall), Flint, MI (#1309 overall), Jonesboro, AR (#1095 overall), and Pine Hills, FL (#1284 overall). Bloomington is #510.