Bloom, Illinois is a city located in McLean County in central Illinois. As of the 2010 census, Bloom had a population of 2,137 people. Although it is not a large city, Bloom has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike.
Population and Demographics
The population of Bloom has remained relatively steady over the past few decades. After reaching a peak of 2,307 people in 1980, the population declined slightly to 2,186 in 1990. It then dropped to 2,044 in 2000 before rebounding to 2,137 in 2010, which is the most recent census data available.
Ethnically, Bloom is predominantly white, making up about 97% of the population. Other races such as African American, Asian and Hispanic/Latino represent less than 3% of the total population. The median age is 41.3 years old. About 24% of the population is under age 18, and 16% is aged 65 or older.
There are an average of 2.54 people per household in Bloom. Approximately 66% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The median household income is $55,833, with 10% of the population living below the poverty line.
Economy and Major Employers
The economy of Bloom is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, retail trade, healthcare and social assistance. Some of the top employers in Bloom include:
- COUNTRY Financial – Insurance and financial services company
- OSI Industries – Food processing and production
- Advocate BroMenn Medical Center – Regional medical center and top area employer
- State Farm Insurance – Insurance company with regional office located in Bloom
- Evergreen Village – Retirement community
- Bloomington Normal Water Reclamation District – Public utility
Many Bloom residents also work in nearby Bloomington-Normal, home to major employers such as Illinois State University, Country Insurance and Beer Nuts. The unemployment rate in Bloom is low, at around 3.5%. Job growth has been modest but steady in recent years.
Places of Interest
Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in Bloom include:
Miller Park Zoo
This small but popular zoo is located right off the downtown square and features exotic animals like Amur leopards, monkeys, and wallabies.
U.S. Cellular Coliseum
This large arena and convention center hosts concerts, sporting events and other major happenings in Bloomington-Normal. It is home to the Bloomington Edge indoor football team.
Children’s Discovery Museum
This interactive children’s museum offers fun learning exhibits and activities for kids.
Constitution Trail
This 24-mile biking and walking trail connects Bloomington-Normal and offers a scenic recreational spot.
Franklin Park
Bloom’s largest park includes baseball diamonds, playgrounds, and walking paths.
Sports
Bloom enjoys an active sports culture centered around school athletics and local teams. The town is home to the Bloomington High School Purple Raiders who compete in various IHSA sports. Popular local teams include:
- Bloomington Edge – Indoor football team playing at the Coliseum
- Bloomington Bobcats – Amateur collegiate summer baseball team
Many Bloom residents also support the nearby Illinois State University Redbirds athletics programs.
Final Thoughts
Bloom offers small town charm along with easy access to larger cities like Bloomington-Normal. From cultural attractions to outdoor recreation, Bloom provides a range of amenities to enhance quality of life. The community prides itself on family-friendly offerings and events. With its low cost of living, safe neighborhoods and solid employment base, Bloom remains an attractive place to live, work and visit in Central Illinois.