Median Income
$45,101
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$106,500
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
172/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.5%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,116
4% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.6%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.6%
56% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.1%
135% higher than US avg
How Bowling Green Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,283
Median Age27.4 yrs
Density1,812/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 53%
Economy
C
Median Income$45,101
Per Capita$21,859
Unemployment5.6%
Poverty29.1%
County GDP$1,476M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$106,500
Rent$1,116
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$193,368
Crime
F
Violent172/100K
Property3,265/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault172/100K
Burglary825/100K
Health
Obesity40.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression17.2%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp72°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain52.0 in/yr
Elevation115 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.5%
High School+78.7%
School Score5.60
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 22%
Commute31 min
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Bowling Green a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bowling Green receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Bowling Green has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bowling Green is $45,101, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 29.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bowling Green is $106,500, 62% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,116 per month. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bowling Green is below the national average at 172 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,265 per 100,000, 67% above the national average.
Education
9.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Bowling Green has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 72°F. Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bowling Green has a population of 2,283 with a density of 1,812 people per square mile. The median age is 27.4 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (52.7%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 6.1% Black.
Population
27.4yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bowling Green vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 57.4% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Spanish | 42.6% |
| 218% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Bowling Green vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bowling Green is $45,101, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 5.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 29.1% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Income: Bowling Green vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,101 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,859 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $908 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,719 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.6% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.1% |
| 135% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 596 |
| County GDP | $1,476M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 39 |
| Healthcare | 54 |
| Retail | 68 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,540 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.6 min |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Bowling Green is $106,500, 62% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,116 (4% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $193,368.
Home Values
| Census Median | $106,500 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $193,368 |
| Median List Price | $254,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $254,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $208 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.4% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,116 |
| 4% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,540 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.26% |
In Bowling Green, 40.6% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 17.2% report depression. 33.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Bowling Green vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.5% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 14.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.6% |
| Depression | 17.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.7% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,769/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 31.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 54 |
Bowling Green has a violent crime rate of 172 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,265 per 100,000 (67% above US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Bowling Green vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 171.8/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 171.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,264.6/100K |
| 67% above US avg |
| Burglary | 824.7/100K |
| Theft | 2,302.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 137.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bowling Green has an average annual temperature of 72°F (22°C). Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation is 52.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
60°F Jan (16°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 72.4°F |
| 34% above US avg |
| January Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 52.0 inches |
| 37% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 115 ft (35 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,812/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 27.6378°N, 81.8248°W |
| County FIPS | 12049 |