Home Value
$95,000
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
324/100K
15% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.9%
80% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.0%
206% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
51.3%
314% higher than US avg
How Bowling Green Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population289
Median Age26.6 yrs
Density578/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
Per Capita$16,912
Unemployment11.0%
Poverty51.3%
County GDP$1,042M
Housing
Home Value$95,000
Ownership69.7%
Zillow$206,471
Housing Units103
Rent Burden24.1%
Crime
F
Violent324/100K
Property4,931/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Smoking16.5%
Depression28.7%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.8 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation658 ft (201 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.9%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.12
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Broadband66.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Bowling Green a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bowling Green receives an overall livability score of 1.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, high obesity rates. Bowling Green faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 11.0%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 51.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bowling Green is $95,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bowling Green is below the national average at 324 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,931 per 100,000, 152% above the national average.
Education
6.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bowling Green experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bowling Green has a population of 289 with a density of 578 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 26.6 years, 32% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.1% female and 41.9% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
26.6yrs
Median Age
32% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bowling Green vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bowling Green vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $16,912 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $881, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 51.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 529 business establishments, including 49 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bowling Green vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $16,912 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $881 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,294 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.0% |
| 206% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 51.3% |
| 314% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 529 |
| County GDP | $1,042M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 49 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 83 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,477 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 64.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Bowling Green is $95,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,471, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 103 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $1,477 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $206,471 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.3% |
| Housing Units | 103 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,477 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.55% |
In Bowling Green, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 34.7% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 28.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,032. The dentist ratio is 1:4,396. 53.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bowling Green vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.7% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 28.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,032 |
| Dentists | 1:4,396 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,035 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.7% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,097/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Bowling Green has a violent crime rate of 324 per 100,000 residents, 15% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,931 per 100,000, 152% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bowling Green receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bowling Green vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 324.1/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,930.8/100K |
| 152% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bowling Green experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 41.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 658 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.8°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 658 ft (201 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 578/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3802°N, 87.0115°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Clay County County |
| Nearest Airport | Terre Haute Regional (HUF)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.8"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
128 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
127 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
128 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
145 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
55 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
80 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
132 km |
| Sep 12, 2004 |
4 km NW of Manilla, Indiana |
M3.8 |
119 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
40 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
48 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
126 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
127 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
113 km |
| Dec 17, 1990 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.2 |
77 km |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
6 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
0 km NW of Emison, Indiana |
M3.1 |
75 km |
| Dec 16, 1996 |
3 km NNE of Terre Haute, Indiana |
M3.1 |
36 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
488 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 41 fatalities, 678 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1972 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
28 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
26 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 2002 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1992 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1978 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,547 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
71 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,102 |
83 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
898 |
70 km |
| 2010 |
FORK RIDGE RX |
697 |
82 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
670 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Bowling Green has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 29°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Bowling Green. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowling Green
What is the population of Bowling Green?
Bowling Green has a population of 289 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 578 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 26.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.1% female and 41.9% male.
Is Bowling Green expensive to live in?
Bowling Green is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $95,000 (66% below the U.S. median).
Is Bowling Green safe?
Bowling Green is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 324 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,931 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bowling Green receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bowling Green?
Bowling Green has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Bowling Green?
The job market in Bowling Green faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $881. There are 529 business establishments in the area, including 49 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Bowling Green?
The median home value in Bowling Green is $95,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $206,471. The homeownership rate is 69.7%. The average annual property tax is $1,477.
How are the schools in Bowling Green?
Schools in Bowling Green score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.9% of adults in Bowling Green hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bowling Green?
The obesity rate in Bowling Green is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 28.7% of residents report depression. 53.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,032.
What are the demographics of Bowling Green?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bowling Green is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.9% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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