Median Income
$57,929
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$136,800
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
89/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.5%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$816
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.8%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
61% lower than US avg
How Bluffton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,539
Median Age38.9 yrs
Density1,236/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,929
Per Capita$30,105
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty4.8%
County GDP$1,577M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$136,800
Rent$816
Ownership63.7%
Zillow$178,916
Housing Units4,820
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent89/100K
Property1,608/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault20/100K
Burglary168/100K
Health
Obesity42.8%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking17.8%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation814 ft (248 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.5%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score6.22
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 20%
Commute18 min
Broadband79.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Bluffton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bluffton receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bluffton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bluffton is $57,929, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bluffton is $136,800, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $816 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bluffton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 89 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,608 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
16.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bluffton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches, including 23.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bluffton has a population of 10,539 with a density of 1,236 people per square mile, spread across 8.4 square miles. The median age is 38.9 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (90.9%), with 2.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.8% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.9yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.8%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.2%
69% below US avg
The median household income in Bluffton is $57,929, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,105 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 706 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,929 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,105 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,980 |
| Gini Index | 0.391 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 706 |
| County GDP | $1,577M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 63 |
| Retail | 88 |
| Manufacturing | 56 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,911 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
The median home value in Bluffton is $136,800, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,916, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $816 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,820 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $2,911 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,800 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $178,916 |
| Median List Price | $230,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $230,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $118 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.0% |
| Price Drops | 41.7% |
| Inventory | 12 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $816 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.3% |
| Housing Units | 4,820 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,911 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.13% |
In Bluffton, 42.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,169. The dentist ratio is 1:3,542. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
4.3
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
5.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
7.2
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.0
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
174.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Bluffton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.3% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,169 |
| Dentists | 1:3,542 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,360 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 59.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,314/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 63 |
Bluffton has a violent crime rate of 89 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 19.7 per 100,000, robbery at 49.3, rape at 19.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,608 per 100,000, 18% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,362, burglary at 168, vehicle theft at 79 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bluffton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bluffton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 88.8/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 19.7/100K |
| Robbery | 49.3/100K |
| Assault | 19.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,608.5/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
| Burglary | 167.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,361.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 78.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bluffton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches. The area receives 23.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 814 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 814 ft (248 m) |
| Area | 8.4 sq mi (21.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,236/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7435°N, 85.1721°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Wells County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 12, 2015.
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
133 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
96 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
42 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
76 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
92 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
42 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
45 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
518 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 41 fatalities, 820 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
34 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
80 km |
3 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
28 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
13 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
39 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
89 km |
3 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1998 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Bluffton has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Bluffton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Bluffton
What is the population of Bluffton?
Bluffton has a population of 10,539 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 1,236 people per square mile, spread across 8.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Bluffton expensive to live in?
Bluffton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,929, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $136,800 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $816 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bluffton safe?
Bluffton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 89 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,608 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bluffton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bluffton?
Bluffton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.0 inches, with 23.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Bluffton?
The job market in Bluffton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 706 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bluffton?
The median home value in Bluffton is $136,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $178,916. For renters, the median monthly rent is $816. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,911.
How are the schools in Bluffton?
Schools in Bluffton score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.5% of adults in Bluffton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bluffton?
The obesity rate in Bluffton is 42.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 48.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,169.
What is transportation like in Bluffton?
The average commute in Bluffton is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bluffton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bluffton is 90.9% White, 2.2% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 95.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.2% speak Spanish. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 16.1% of residents have a disability. 91.3% have health insurance coverage.
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