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ClosedBloomington, Indiana, Bloomington, IN
Bloomington, IN
Bloomington is a vibrant city in south-central Indiana and the county seat of Monroe County, set amid the rolling hills and distinctive limestone terrain of the Norman Upland and Mitchell Plain. Founded in 1818, it is best known as the home of Indiana University Bloomington, a major research campus with more than 40,000 students. Tree-lined neighborhoods, historic districts, a lively cultural identity, and its connection to the film Breaking Away give Bloomington a character that blends collegiate energy with small-city charm.
Recreational Delights
Bloomington offers extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation across its wooded hills, trails, lakes, and parks. Griffy Lake is popular for kayaking, fishing, hiking, and nature observation, while nearby Monroe Lake provides boating, swimming, camping, and shoreline recreation. Lake Lemon, about 10 miles northeast, adds another destination for boating and fishing. In town, the B-Line Trail runs nearly four miles through downtown and connects with the Bloomington Rail Trail, Clear Creek Trail, and Limestone Greenway. Switchyard Park provides open space, paths, play areas, and community events. Bloomington’s gold-rated bicycle-friendly status, limestone landscapes, caves, ravines, and proximity to the Hoosier National Forest make hiking, cycling, paddling, and exploring especially appealing.
Culinary Scene
Bloomington’s culinary scene reflects its large university population and international community, with restaurants spanning Thai, Korean, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Italian, and traditional American cooking. Downtown Bloomington and the Courthouse Square area form the primary dining district, offering independent restaurants, cafés, bakeries, bars, and locally focused eateries within a walkable historic setting. The university area adds affordable global cuisine, coffee shops, casual dining, and student-oriented food venues. Local food culture is also supported by cooperatives and specialty grocers such as Bloomingfoods, farmers’ markets, craft beverages, and farm-to-table dining. The result is an unusually diverse and energetic restaurant culture for a city of Bloomington’s size, shaped by both Hoosier traditions and international academic life.
Demographics
- The Bloomington metropolitan area has approximately 162,569 residents, while the city itself recorded 79,168 residents in the 2020 census. The broader region includes Monroe, Greene, and Owen counties.
- Bloomington is notably young, with a supplied median age of 33.1 compared with 38.9 nationally; Indiana University’s enrollment of more than 40,000 strongly influences the city’s age profile and cultural life.
- Median household income is $65,543, below the U.S. median of $80,734. The 2023 city estimates identify 77.8% of residents as White alone, 10.5% Asian alone, 4.8% Black alone, and 5.6% Hispanic or Latino.
Population
162,569
Growth 0.81%
Households
67,854
Growth 1.48%
Median Age
33.1
US Median Age 38.9
Median Household Income
$65,543
US Median Household Income $80,734
Radius Metrics Highlights in 3-mile radius
80,626
Total population
7%
5 year population growth projection
34,654
Total households
$34,750
Per capita income
| 1 Mile | 3 Miles | 5 Miles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 22,932 | 80,626 | 105,319 |
| 5 year projected total population | 22,805 | 86,021 | 115,405 |
| Total households | 7,292 | 34,654 | 45,151 |
| Current Median Household Income | $24,689 | $51,617 | $60,019 |
| 5 year projected median household income | $32,784 | $69,521 | $82,617 |
| Current Per Capita Income | $19,618 | $34,750 | $37,346 |
| 5 year projected per capita income | $20,650 | $49,731 | $53,478 |
| Median home value | $120,674 | $207,852 | $229,192 |
Education
Indiana University Bloomington
Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington
Bloomington High School North
Bloomington High School South
Entertainment
Buskirk-Chumley Theater
Indiana University Auditorium
Constellation Stage and Screen
Monroe County Public Library and Community Access Television Services
Quality of Life
Bloomington combines a strong university presence, abundant trails and lakes, a walkable historic core, diverse restaurants, and active arts and community life. Its rolling terrain and green spaces support an outdoors-oriented lifestyle, while Indiana University anchors education, culture, health care, and employment. Housing and incomes can be more modest than national benchmarks, but the city offers an appealing balance of amenities, intellectual energy, and access to nature.
2022 Population by age
4%
0-4 Years
20%
5-19 Years
15%
20-24 Years
25%
25-44 Years
21%
45-64 Years
16%
65+ Years
Employers
5%
Unemployment rate
Employment sectors
Educational Services
22.46%
Health Care and Social Assistance
12.96%
Manufacturing
12.78%
Accommodation and Food Services
8.69%
Retail Trade
8.64%
Construction
5.64%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
5.2%
Public Administration
4.88%
Transportation and Warehousing
4.48%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management Services
2.84%
Finance and Insurance
2.83%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
2.72%
Other
5.89%