Bloomington, MN: The Data Profile (2026)

Bloomington presents a compelling statistical profile for the post-remote worker seeking suburban stability with urban access. The city's population stands at 87,378, placing it firmly in the "smaller city" category, yet its economic metrics punch above the national weight class. The median income is $86,206, which is a significant +15.6% deviation above the US median of $74,580. This income premium is critical; while the Cost of Living Index (COL) is below average at 92.0 (where 100 is the US mean), the income lift creates a distinct net-positive financial floor.

The statistical target demographic is the "Dual-Income Efficiency Seeker." This profile includes professionals aged 30-50 who prioritize commute flexibility—leveraging Bloomington's proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and downtown Minneapolis (approx. 10-15 miles)—while capitalizing on a housing market that is 8.0% cheaper than the national average. It is ideal for those who require occasional in-office attendance but want to maximize purchasing power in a stable, low-risk environment.

Cost of Living Analysis

The financial advantage in Bloomington is systemic, extending across all major expenditure categories. The aggregate COL index of 92.0 suggests a 8.0% savings relative to the national baseline. However, the nuance lies in the specific utility and service costs, which are significantly lower.

The following table breaks down the estimated monthly budgets based on the verified index data.

Note: Estimates derived from index percentages relative to US baseline spending patterns.

Disposable Income Analysis:
With a median household income of $86,206, the monthly gross income is roughly $7,184. For a single adult adhering to the $2,565 monthly budget, the disposable income (post-tax and essentials) is approximately $3,100. For a family of four, the margin tightens to roughly $1,200 monthly, assuming a dual-income household matching the median. The key financial lever here is the 15.45¢/kWh electricity rate, which is 3.4% lower than the US average, offering minor but consistent long-term savings.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Bloomington is defined by "relative affordability." While home prices are rising, the Price-to-Income ratio remains healthier than in many coastal metros. The rental market is tight, with a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent of $1,709.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The data strongly favors buying for long-term residents. The median home price of $345,000 is $67,000 cheaper than the national median. Furthermore, the Price/SqFt of $215 allows for significant square footage acquisition compared to the national average. Renting is a viable strategy for the first 12-24 months, given the $1,709 2-bedroom cost, but the -14.3% discount on 3BR rentals suggests that upgrading space before buying is cost-effective.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Bloomington's economy is robust, anchored by the "Airport & Medical" corridor. The unemployment rate sits at 4.0%, mirroring the national average exactly, which indicates a balanced, stable labor market without overheating.

RTO & Commute:
In the post-remote landscape, Bloomington’s location is a strategic asset. It serves as a buffer zone between residential suburbs and the Minneapolis/St. Paul downtown cores.

• Commute to MSP Airport: < 10 minutes (Major employer hub).
• Commute to Downtown Minneapolis: 12-18 minutes (via I-494/MN-100).
• Commute to Downtown St. Paul: 20-25 minutes.

The infrastructure supports hybrid models. Professionals can access major office hubs in under 25 minutes, while maintaining a suburban lifestyle. The local industry is diversified across aviation services (MSP), healthcare (Fairview Health), and retail (Mall of America proximity), insulating the job market from sector-specific shocks.

Quality of Life Audit

Bloomington scores high on health and safety metrics, though the weather remains a significant lifestyle variable. The city is statistically safer than the US average, with violent crime significantly suppressed.

[TABLE 3: Quality of Life Metrics]

Safety & Air Quality:

• Violent Crime: 234 incidents per 100k residents (US Avg: 380). This is 38.4% lower than the national average.
• Property Crime: 2,123 incidents per 100k residents (US Avg: 2,000). This is slightly above average, requiring standard suburban vigilance.
• Air Quality: An AQI of 42 is classified as "Good." The primary pollutant concern is typically particulate matter (PM2.5), but regional levels remain well below EPA thresholds.

Schools & Weather:
Bloomington Public Schools (ISD 271) and private options generally perform above the state average for graduation rates. However, the weather is the primary lifestyle friction point. Today’s temperature of 30.0°F with a high of 23°F and low of 22°F is standard for winter. Residents must be prepared for 5-6 months of freezing temperatures and snowfall.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Premium: Median income ($86,206) significantly outpaces the cost of living (92.0 Index).
• Safety: Violent crime is 38.4% lower than the US average.
• Housing Value: Home prices are $67,000 below the national median.
• Health: Low diabetes (8.9%) and smoking (11.4%) rates.

Cons:

• Property Crime: Slightly above national average (2,123 vs 2,000).
• Weather: Harsh winters with sub-freezing highs (23°F) are the norm.
• Renting: While cheaper than average, renting offers a lower return on investment compared to buying due to the strong housing market discount.

Final Recommendation:
Bloomington is a Buy for the data-driven relocater. The combination of a +15.6% income lift and a -8.0% housing discount creates a wealth-building environment that is rare in mid-sized cities. It is highly recommended for hybrid workers who need airport access and value safety/health metrics over nightlife or climate warmth.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Bloomington?
For a single adult, a salary of $65,000 allows for a comfortable budget, covering the $2,565 monthly expenses while retaining savings. For a family, a household income of $110,000+ is recommended to maintain a healthy savings rate after housing and childcare costs.

2. How does Bloomington compare to the US average value?
Bloomington offers 8% better value on housing and essentials than the US average, but with 15.6% higher median earnings. This creates a net value proposition ~23% higher than the typical US city.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 234/100k is statistically significant compared to the US average of 380/100k. However, the property crime rate of 2,123/100k suggests that auto and home security measures should be standard practice.

4. What is the best timing for relocation?
Target May through September. The weather today (30°F) highlights the winter challenge; moving in winter increases logistical risks due to snow. Summer offers an AQI of 42 and temps in the 70s-80s, allowing for better neighborhood assessment.