Population & Size
With a population nearly 80,500, the City of Bloomington includes 20 square miles and ranks as Indiana's sixth largest city. Monroe County has a total population of nearly 138,000 and covers 394 square miles.
Education
Bloomington's population is substantially more highly educated than state or national averages, reflecting the presence Indiana University, Ivy Tech - a robust community college, and numerous scientific, technical and professional establishments. 
Cultural Diversity
Although the most recent US Census numbers indicate that 92% of the Bloomington MSA's population is Caucasian, the presence of Indiana University ensures a lively mix of cultures and ethnicities in and around Bloomington. Of the remaining population, slightly about 4% are Asian, just over 2% are African American and nearly 2% are Hispanic. Bloomington is home to centers celebrating the cultures of Tibetan Buddhists, African Americans, Asian Americans, Jewish Americans and Hispanics.
Economy & Employment
Bloomington has a thriving economy, thanks in part to Indiana University and Crane Naval Base, two of the largest employers in the area. Other major employers can be found in health care, life sciences, social services, tourism and manufacturing. Employment in the life sciences industry is six times greater in Bloomington than the national average. More than 50% of the area's workforce is employed in white-collar occupations and Bloomington ranks number one among 124 small metro areas for high-tech employment.
The Indiana Business Review is a quarterly publication of the Indiana Business Research Center at IU's Kelley School of Business. The IBR provides analysis and insight on economic and demographic issues. Click the link below to download the issue of Indiana Business Review that takes a look at Indiana's and Bloomington's Economic Outlook for 2013.
