Monroe County is comprised of three municipalities: Bloomington, Ellettsville and Stinesville.  Bloomington is the largest of the three while Stinesville is the smallest.  Ellettsville’s estimated population is 5,178, Stinesville’s is 192.  The County is comprised of 11 townships; Bean Blossom, Benton, Bloomington, Clear Creek, Indian Creek, Perry, Polk, Richland, Salt Creek, Van Buren, and Washington.  The county covers 394 square miles with a population density of approximately 309.6 people per square mile.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Monroe County has a population of 122,613 for 2006.  The average age is 30.3 and the median household income for 2005 was $34,308 with a margin of error of +/-$3,296.  The median family income was $52,491 with a margin of error or +/- $4,263.  The Per Capita income was $21,557 with a margin of error of +/- $1,365. 

Bloomington

Bloomington is a college town.  It is home to Indiana University and Ivy Tech.  Indiana University is internationally known for the quality of its academic programs and attracts students from all over the world. At the same time, IU plays a key role in the economic and social well-being of Indiana residents, offering educational, cultural, and financial benefits to the state.

Bloomington is the eighth largest city in the state.  It is a modern, thriving city that has earned its reputation as a wonderful place to live.

·        Bloomington has twice been designated an All America City based on its high quality of living.

·        Bloomington has been recognized by the National Arbor Day Federation as a “Tree City USA” for many consecutive years.

·        Indiana University is considered one of the five most beautiful college campuses in the nation by author Thomas Gaines

·        IU is listed as the "Big 10 of College Towns” by the New York Times.

·        Bloomington is also rated the seventh best place to cycle in the United States by Bicycling Magazine.

·        8th best place to live in the United States by Men’s Journal!

·        Bloomington is the sixth best place to settle down in the United States, according to Money Magazine.

·        It's the seventh lowest stress city, according to Psychology Today,

·        It is the eighth best place in the nation to retire, according to Rand McNally's Retirement Places.

According to the 2005 U.S. Census Bureau, the city of Bloomington has a population of 69,017.  The average age is 26.9 and the median household income for 2005 was $22,589 with a margin of error of +/-$5,619.  The median family income was $48,347 with a margin of error or +/- $5,936.  The Per Capita income was $20,261 with a margin of error of +/- $2,525. 

Housing

Bloomington's dynamic housing market presents a wealth of diverse residential and investment opportunities. Home purchasers will find a surprisingly wide variation in available housing types from affordable town homes, condominiums and bungalows ideal for first-time homebuyers and empty nesters, to more lavish new construction and tastefully appointed mature homes.  The extensive options allow for a healthy market accessible to people of nearly all income levels.

• According to the 2005 Census, the median cost of housing in Monroe County was $135,100 and the median rental amount was $630 per month.
• Monroe County has 55,601 households of which, 8,539 are vacant. Of the occupied homes, 54.32% are owner occupied and 45.63% are rentals.
• According to the 2005 Census, the median cost of housing in Bloomington City was $150,600 and the median rental amount was $634.
• Bloomington City has 32,508 households of which, 4,951 are vacant. Of the occupied homes, 34.85% are owner occupied and 65.14% are rentals.

Jobs/workforce

• Most of our county population, is working age (25-64), a total of 70,642 people.
• The median household income for 2005 was $34,308 with a margin of error of +/-$3,296.  The median family income was $52,491 with a margin of error or +/- $4,263.  The Per Capita income was $21,557 with a margin of error of +/- $1,365. 
• In 2002, the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation helped generate nearly $60 million in new investment and 500 new jobs in Bloomington by helping businesses expand or locate in the area.
• The biggest employer in the area is Indiana University.  They employ 7,500 area residents.  The other major employers in Bloomington are Cook, Baxter Pharmaceuticals, Bloomington Hospital (2,146 full time employees), and General Electric (around 800). 
• The unemployment rate in Monroe County in 2005 was 4.3% with a margin of error of +/- 1.3%
• Approximately 5,102 county residents commute to jobs outside Monroe County, with most (1,300) driving to Marion County. Other workers travel from Monroe County to Martin (745), Lawrence (616), Morgan (436), and Owen (363) counties. In comparison, Monroe County draws some 15,194 workers from outside the county limits. Most are from Lawrence (3,666), Greene (3,418) and Owen (2,672) counties, with another 750 commuting from Morgan County and 570 from Brown County.
• More than 90% of our work force has at least a high school degree
• More than 60% has some college education.
• Nearly 45% of Monroe County residents who engage in some form of advanced education are age 25 or older.
• 64% of our residents possess a library card. The Monroe County Public Library has the highest circulation in the state.
• More than 18,000 students are enrolled annually in the IU School of Continuing Studies.
• The Scholastic Aptitude Test scores are well above the national average.
• More than 20 of our students are National Merit Scholars every year.
• 68% of our high school seniors are college bound.