Bloomington, IL Homeowners Can Expect a Cool and Dry Fall, Says The Old Farmer’s Almanac

As fall settles across the Midwest, Bloomington, IL residents can expect a season that feels distinctly cooler and drier than usual.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s 2025 forecast points to a brisk autumn ahead for Illinois, even as much of the western U.S. experiences lingering warmth.

But while the state is seeing a cool down, several suburbs like Bloomington are having a red hot moment after being named among the top ZIP codes in the country this year.

Illinois gears up for a brisk season

The Almanac’s state breakdown places Illinois squarely in the cool and dry category this fall. Looking at the Upper Midwest region, September is expected to average 57°F—2° below normal—with 3.5 inches of rain, slightly above average. October cools even further, averaging 45°F with just 1.5 inches of precipitation, about an inch below normal.

That means Bloomington residents should expect a mix of light rain, occasional drizzle, and even a chance of early snow in northern parts of the region, paired with stretches of sunny but chilly weather. Overall, the season looks to be a throwback to classic Midwestern autumns.

Bloomington’s housing market heats up

While the temperatures drop, Bloomington’s housing market is trending hot. The city’s 61704 ZIP code ranked No. 26 on the Realtor.com® 2025 Hottest ZIP Codes list.

Homes here are seeing 3.0× more views per property than the national average and are selling in 31 days, outpacing the broader U.S. market. The median listing price in Bloomington is $358,000, offering a relatively affordable option compared with the national median in June of $441,000.

Nearby markets also highlight the Midwest’s appeal. Jefferson City, MO (65109) ranked No. 20 with a median price of $363,000, and Council Bluffs, IA (51503) took No. 28 at $302,000. Together, these cities underscore how buyers are seeking out Midwestern value in a high-rate environment.

Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale explained the draw: “Shoppers are increasingly seeking out ZIPs with better value just outside of expensive urban cores," she says.

Bloomington fits that profile, offering a balance of affordability and lifestyle benefits that continue to attract attention.

September maintenance tips for homeowners

With cooler, drier weather on the way, September is the ideal month for Bloomington homeowners to prepare their properties for the months ahead.

“Before the grass is covered with snow, or it’s too cold to venture outside, check walkways for cracks and loose paver material,” advises Ryan Williams of 128 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric. These small fixes can prevent bigger problems once icy conditions arrive.

Chris Granger of Sears Home Services also notes: “September is a great time to use a pressure washer to clean [siding] up—and inspect for more serious problems before winter comes”.

Other key fall to-dos include:

• Sealing drafty windows to lower energy bills.
  
• Sweeping chimneys before the first fire of the season.
  
• Changing HVAC filters to keep heating systems efficient.
  

These steps not only protect homes but also help residents save money through the colder months. See the Realtor.com September home maintenance checklist for more.

This article was produced with editorial input from Dina Sartore-Bodo and Gabriella Iannetta.