Kentucky · Metropolitan Area
Bowling Green is a mid-size city in Kentucky with a population of 73,638. Residents earn $48,419 per year, which is 36% below the national average.
Based on current data, Bowling Green receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Bowling Green has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Bowling Green is $48,419, 36% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 17.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Bowling Green is $232,100, 18% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $948 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
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 4,730 per 100,000, 141% above the national average.
32.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Bowling Green enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.1 inches, including 8.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
| English Only | 81.6% |
| 4% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 18.4% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $48,419 |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $28,819 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,067 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,149 |
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 17.2% |
| 39% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 5,308 |
| County GDP | $11,131M |
| Restaurants | 301 |
| Healthcare | 414 |
| Retail | 507 |
| Manufacturing | 105 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,486 |
| 0% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.50% |
| Commute Time | 18.8 min |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
| Census Median | $232,100 |
| 18% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $284,533 |
| Median List Price | $289,900 |
| Median List Price | $289,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $155 |
| Homes Sold | 37 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.1% |
| Price Drops | 16.9% |
| Inventory | 255 |
| Census Median Rent | $948 |
| 18% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,257 |
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
| Owner-Occupied | 37.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,486 |
| 0% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.50% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Dental Visits | 60.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,208/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 414 |
| Total Violent | 323.6/100K |
| 15% below US avg | |
| Murder | 1.6/100K |
| 74% below US avg | |
| Rape | 78.9/100K |
| Robbery | 103.0/100K |
| Assault | 140.1/100K |
| Total Property | 4,729.8/100K |
| 141% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 708.3/100K |
| Theft | 3,837.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 183.5/100K |
| Arson | 3.2/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 59.1°F |
| 9% above US avg | |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 50.1 inches |
| 32% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 8.5 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 561 ft (171 m) |
| Area | 42.0 sq mi (108.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,754/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9757°N, 86.4360°W |
| County FIPS | 21227 |
Winner: Republican by 24.3 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 32.0% |
| 5% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 85.5% |
| School Test Score | 5.50 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 1,754/sq mi |
| Total Area | 42.0 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 24 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 28 |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 414 |
| Restaurants | 301 |
| Retail Stores | 507 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 14 |
| Avg Commute | 18.8 min |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |