RANK #286 / 996 · POP 82,371 · IN
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.6%
Bartholomew County, Indiana, stands out for its distinctive architecture, particularly in its county seat, Columbus. The city is recognized for its collection of modern architecture and public art, with seven buildings designated as National Historic Landmarks. Located in south-central Indiana, about 40 miles south of Indianapolis, the county offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and cultural attractions. Commuting to Indianapolis is a straightforward interstate drive. The area features scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and waterways, providing opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Parks such as Mill Race Park, known for its design, and Anderson Falls, with its waterfall, offer natural escapes.
Life in Bartholomew County is often described as family-friendly, with a strong sense of community and highly rated public schools. The economy is heavily influenced by manufacturing, particularly durable goods, which has historically driven growth. Recent economic developments include investments in manufacturing facilities, attracting international companies and workers. This has led to population growth, largely due to international migration filling skilled roles. The county's economic landscape is evolving, with efforts to strengthen professional development and address business needs.
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Swallowtail Solar Farm
Arevon Energy Inc. (and Tenaska)
|
$272M | Planned |
|
King's Hawaiian and Irresistible Foods Group Facilities
Irresistible Foods Group, Inc. (King's Hawaiian and Grillo's Pickles)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Multi-family Residential and Commercial Development (Tannehill Road/CR 650N)
Tulsidas Narsinghani
|
$50M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Bartholomew County has a Boom Town Index score of 71/100, ranking #286 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.4% and a median household income of $76,912, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Bartholomew County is $197,500 with median rent at $1,063/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3894, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.8% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.4%. Home values changed +3.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.31% of Bartholomew County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.