Rents are 4% below what Bloomington's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,463 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.
Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →
12-month history
Last updated: August 17, 2026
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Who lives here
Bloomington, IN is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 58.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Bloomington, IN has changed in 5 years
The median rent in Bloomington, IN stood at $1,111 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,463, reflecting a 31.7% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Bloomington, IN now reports about $50,465, up from $41,995 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Bloomington, IN reflects that arc in its own way.
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Can you afford rent in Bloomington on your salary?
At $1,463/mo, how Bloomington rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Bloomington rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Bloomington. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Bloomington
Last updated: August 17, 2026
The median rent in Bloomington is $1,463/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $938/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,198/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,055/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,583/mo.
At 35% of local median household income ($50,465/yr), Bloomington ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.1% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
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What percentage of Bloomington residents rent vs. own?
How does Bloomington rent compare to the national average?
At $1,463/mo, rent takes ~35% of Bloomington's median household income ($50,465/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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