Bloomington, IL: The 2026 Deep Dive Relocation Report

Bloomington: The Data Profile (2026)

Bloomington, Illinois, represents a distinct statistical outlier in the post-2026 relocation landscape. With a population of 78,591, it functions as a mid-sized node rather than a major metropolitan hub. The economic engine here is driven by a highly educated workforce, where 54.4% of residents hold a college degree, significantly outpacing the US average of 33.1%. This educational attainment correlates with a median income of $77,577, which is $2,997 higher than the national median of $74,580.

The statistical target demographic is the "High-Earning Remote Hybrid." This profile fits individuals or families earning between $80,000 and $120,000 annually who require a low cost of living but demand high infrastructure quality. The 4.4% unemployment rate suggests a tight labor market, though local opportunities may be more limited compared to Tier-1 cities, making remote income the primary leverage for wealth accumulation here.

Cost of Living Analysis

The Cost of Living Index (COLI) in Bloomington is favorable across almost every sector. The aggregate score for housing sits at 92.0, meaning it is 8.0% cheaper than the national baseline. This advantage extends to essentials: Groceries are 7.0% cheaper (Index 93.0), and transportation costs are 6.0% lower (Index 94.0). Even utilities show a marginal advantage, with electricity rates at $0.1587 per kWh compared to the US average of $0.1600.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $77,577 takes home approximately $58,000 annually after taxes ($4,833 monthly). With a monthly burn rate of $2,800, the theoretical savings rate is 42%, or $2,033 monthly. In contrast, a family of four earning $155,154 (dual median income) has a take-home of roughly $116,000 ($9,666 monthly). After expenses of $5,830, they retain $3,836 monthly, showcasing the high savings potential relative to income.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Bloomington is currently undervalued relative to the national curve. The median home price is approximately $230,000, which is $115,000 lower than the projected US median of $345,000. This represents a 33.3% discount on entry costs. The price per square foot sits at $145, compared to the US average of $205.

The rent-to-price ratio heavily favors renting in the short term, but the low entry price for buying makes purchasing a long-term wealth generator.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Relative Analysis:
If you plan to stay in Bloomington for less than 3 years, renting is the mathematically superior option due to closing costs and interest accumulation. However, if your horizon extends beyond 5 years, buying becomes highly advantageous. The monthly mortgage payment on a $230,000 home (with 20% down) is roughly $1,350 (including taxes/insurance), which is only slightly higher than the $1,280 average rent for a 2BR, yet builds equity.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Bloomington’s economy is transitioning in the post-remote era. While local RTO (Return to Office) mandates are present, they are less aggressive than in major metros. The average commute time is 19.5 minutes, significantly lower than the US average of 27.6 minutes. This saves the average commuter roughly 1.5 hours per week in transit time alone.

The local industry is anchored by State Farm Insurance and Country Financial, providing stability. However, the 4.4% unemployment rate, while low, sits 0.4% above the national average, indicating a slightly tighter search for local on-site roles. For the remote worker, this is a non-issue, as the infrastructure supports high-speed connectivity essential for the 54.4% educated workforce.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is strong, the health metrics require attention. Bloomington’s Health Score of 81.5/100 is "Good," but underlying risk factors are elevated. The obesity rate is 35.7%, which is 3.8% higher than the US average. Conversely, air quality is a major asset, with an AQI of 45 (Good) and low PM2.5 levels.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime: 426 per 100k (vs US 380). This is 12% higher than average, categorized as "Average," but trending slightly upward.
• Property Crime: 1790 per 100k (vs US 2000). This is 10.5% lower than average, offering better security for assets.
• Weather: Currently 37.0°F with rain showers. Winters are cold with average highs in the 30s, and summers are humid with highs in the 80s.
• Schools: The district performs 8% above state averages in standardized testing, a key draw for families.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: A 33.3% discount on home prices compared to the national median.
• Disposable Income: High savings potential due to a 8.5% lower total cost of living.
• Education: A workforce where 54.4% are college educated creates a stimulating social environment.
• Air Quality: AQI of 45 is superior to 70% of US cities.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Obesity rate of 35.7% indicates a culture that may not support active lifestyle goals.
• Crime: Violent crime is 12% above the national average, though property crime is lower.
• Economic Ceiling: Local job market is dominated by insurance; tech or creative sectors are limited.

Final Recommendation:
Bloomington, IL is a Buy for the remote worker prioritizing financial velocity. The combination of a median income that is 4% higher than the US average and a housing market that is 33% cheaper creates a unique arbitrage opportunity. However, it is a Pass for those strictly prioritizing a "health-conscious" or "high-energy" urban vibe, given the elevated obesity rates and average crime metrics.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Bloomington?
For a single person, a salary of $65,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with savings. For a family, $120,000 is recommended to maintain a 20% savings rate while covering a mortgage on a $250,000 home.

2. How does the value compare to other Midwest cities like Chicago or Indianapolis?
Bloomington offers 33% lower housing costs than Indianapolis and 60% lower than Chicago. However, it trades off amenities and transit access.

3. Are the safety stats concerning?
The violent crime rate of 426/100k warrants standard urban caution but is not statistically alarming compared to high-crime metros. The low property crime rate (1790/100k) suggests car and home security is generally effective.

4. When is the best time to move to maximize value?
The housing market typically cools in Q4 (October-December), where listing prices can drop by 3-5%. Moving in late autumn, when the current temperature is 37°F, may yield better negotiation leverage on rent or purchase price.