Game 10: Saturday, November 9, 2024 | Michigan vs. Indiana | Memorial Stadium | 3:30 PM
The Michigan Wolverines hit the road this weekend to take on the Indiana Hoosiers in Bloomington, eager to bounce back after a tough loss to the No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks. Now 5-4, Michigan aims to regain its momentum in the season’s final stretch. Beyond the field, this matchup also highlights two unique college towns—Ann Arbor and Bloomington—each with its own character and contributions.
Ann Arbor, MI vs. Bloomington, IN
Ann Arbor and Bloomington both embody the vibrant energy of their universities, though they differ in size, economic landscape, and culture. Ann Arbor has a population of about 119,000, while Bloomington is smaller, with around 78,840 residents. Both cities are known for their strong university presence and community involvement. Here’s how these two college towns compare:
Economic Indicators: Income, Cost of Living, and Employment
While both towns revolve around their universities, their economic indicators reveal some differences:
- Median Household Income: Ann Arbor’s median household income is $78,546, significantly higher than Bloomington’s $46,543. The income gap reflects Ann Arbor’s more tech-oriented economy and access to higher-paying jobs in fields tied to the University of Michigan and nearby industries.
- Cost of Living: Bloomington has a slightly more affordable cost of living, with an index of 94.8 compared to Ann Arbor’s 99.5.
- Unemployment Rate: As of September 2024, Bloomington’s unemployment rate is 3.9%, slightly higher than Ann Arbor’s 3.6%. Both cities benefit from their university-centered job markets, with employment stability supported by education and related industries.
Education and Research: Comparing Academic Strengths
Both the University of Michigan and Indiana University are known for their academic offerings and research, though their areas of strength vary:
- Educational Attainment: Ann Arbor boasts a highly educated population, with 77.5% of residents aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Bloomington’s educational attainment is 59.8%, a strong percentage that reflects Indiana’s focus on higher education.
- University Enrollment and Graduates: Michigan enrolled 51,225 students in Fall 2022, while Indiana enrolled 47,005. In terms of graduates, Michigan awarded 16,132 degrees during the 2022-2023 academic year, while Indiana awarded 12,005.
- Research and Development (R&D) Expenditures: Michigan leads in research spending, with $1.77 billion spent on R&D in 2022, ranking #4 nationally. Indiana, while still impressive, spent $751.3 million, ranking #42. Both universities contribute significantly to research, but Michigan’s larger investment underscores its focus on academic and technological advancement.
Looking Ahead
This weekend’s matchup presents a crucial opportunity for Michigan to bounce back and demonstrate resilience in the second half of the season. Indiana, meanwhile, aims to defend its home turf and build on a solid season. As the Wolverines and Hoosiers take the field, the game is sure to offer plenty of action and strategic play.
Beyond football, Ann Arbor and Bloomington reflect the distinct cultures of Michigan and Indiana, from Ann Arbor’s tech-driven economy to Bloomington’s strong presence in the arts and public service fields. These two college towns embody the passion and pride that make college sports so compelling.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re interested in discovering more about what makes Ann Arbor a thriving community, our business development team at SPARK is here to help. We can connect you with detailed data, resources, and insights about the region to support your business decisions or relocation plans. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in tapping into the opportunities that Ann Arbor has to offer.
In case you missed it, here are links to the regional comparisons we’ve posted so far this season:
Game 1: Ann Arbor vs. Fresno, CA
Game 2: Ann Arbor vs. Austin, TX
Game 3: Ann Arbor vs. Jonesboro, AR
Game 4: Ann Arbor vs. Los Angeles, CA
Game 5: Ann Arbor vs. Minneapolis, MN
Game 6: Ann Arbor vs. Seattle, WA
Game 7: Ann Arbor vs. Urbana-Champaign, IL
Game 8: Ann Arbor vs. East Lansing, MI
Game 9: Ann Arbor vs. Eugene, OR
