RANK #575 / 1001 NAT · #21 / 28 IN · POP 83,536
1YR FORECAST: +2.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +27%
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.
Bartholomew County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +3.7% runs below the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Below national median (11.3x)
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.2x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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 1001 counties.
Bartholomew County scores 42/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 1001 U.S. counties (#575). Median household income is $79,901 and job growth is running at -1.4%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Bartholomew County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $232,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.34, with rents averaging $1,127/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Bartholomew County is attracting residents (population +0.8% YoY) even as the job market softens with employment at -1.4%. Housing values changed +3.7% over the past 12 months. People may be moving here for affordability or lifestyle reasons rather than job opportunities.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.75% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Bartholomew County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.