Median Income
$71,875
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,600
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
732/100K
93% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.7%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$852
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.5%
72% lower than US avg
How Bowling Green Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,096
Median Age43.1 yrs
Density1,142/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,875
Per Capita$38,601
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$3,542M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,600
Rent$852
Ownership59.6%
Zillow$148,791
Housing Units586
Rent Burden25.1%
Crime
F
Violent732/100K
Property6,413/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured11.1%
Smoking21.8%
Depression29.2%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation665 ft (203 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.7%
High School+99.6%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.78
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute15 min
Broadband96.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Bowling Green a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bowling Green receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Bowling Green offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bowling Green is $71,875, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bowling Green is $123,600, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $852 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 732 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,413 per 100,000, 227% above the national average.
Education
17.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Bowling Green experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches, including 28.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Bowling Green has a population of 1,096 with a density of 1,142 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 43.1 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.4% female and 48.6% male. The city is predominantly White (97%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 16.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.1yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bowling Green vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bowling Green vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bowling Green is $71,875, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,601. The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,577 business establishments, including 167 restaurants. The cost of living index is 105, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.3% of workers work from home.
Income: Bowling Green vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,875 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,601 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,857 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,577 |
| County GDP | $3,542M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 167 |
| Healthcare | 256 |
| Retail | 244 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,083 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 105.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.49% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.4% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 12.3% |
The median home value in Bowling Green is $123,600, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,791, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $852 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,400 for a one-bedroom to $1,648 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 586 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $3,083. 25.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,600 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,791 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $852 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,312 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,400 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,648 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,123 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.4% |
| Housing Units | 586 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,083 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.49% |
In Bowling Green, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.5% have high blood pressure. 21.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 33.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 29.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.4% experience frequent mental distress. 11.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881. The dentist ratio is 1:1,294. 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bowling Green vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.5% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 9.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.8% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.4% |
| Depression | 29.2% |
| Mental Distress | 22.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 43.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.3% |
| Uninsured | 11.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,881 |
| Dentists | 1:1,294 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 53.3% |
| Premature Death | 11,358/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 256 |
Bowling Green has a violent crime rate of 732 per 100,000 residents, 93% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,413 per 100,000, 227% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 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 | 731.7/100K |
| 93% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,413.3/100K |
| 227% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 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 31°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 302 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 39.2 inches. The area receives 28.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 665 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.7°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 665 ft (203 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,142/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.6271°N, 78.8050°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Allegany County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE) 2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 13, 2019.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
127 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
191 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 4 fatalities, 126 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
27 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1989 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1975 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WAITES RUN (5,496 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
68 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
95 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
80 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
80 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
DRY HOLLOW |
1,327 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
92 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
27 km |
| 2024 |
SPRING RUN |
847 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
GRACE MOUNTAIN |
760 |
96 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF GAP |
710 |
79 km |
| 1994 |
ELKHORN TOWER |
696 |
82 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
696 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
618 |
96 km |
| 2001 |
SOUTH BRANCH |
519 |
51 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
510 |
24 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Bowling Green has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 31°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and February 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) |
$263 ($158–$420) |
| Specialist Visit |
$368 ($210–$578) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$210 ($105–$368) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,310 ($840–$5,250) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$137 ($79–$210) |
| Dental Filling |
$263 ($158–$420) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$79) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$79 ($53–$126) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Tire Rotation |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$630 ($420–$1,050) |
| Battery Replacement |
$210 ($105–$368) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$105 ($63–$158) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$95 ($53–$147) |
| HVAC Repair |
$420 ($158–$840) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,350 ($4,200–$12,600) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,050 ($420–$2,100) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,450 ($5,775–$15,750) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,575 ($525–$3,675) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,750 ($5,250–$31,500) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,250 ($2,100–$10,500) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,575 ($840–$3,150) |
| Will Preparation |
$525 ($210–$1,050) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,625 ($1,050–$5,250) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$58 ($32–$105) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$158 ($79–$263) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$42 ($26–$68) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$84 ($53–$137) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.31 ($3.15–$5.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.68 ($2.63–$5.25) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.99 ($2.63–$5.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.73 ($3.15–$6.83) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.78 ($4.20–$7.88) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.05 ($0.63–$1.89) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$147 ($84–$263) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$158) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$126) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$74 ($42–$105) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$68 ($32–$105) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$89 ($53–$158) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$210 ($79–$525) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,100 ($1,260–$3,675) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$74 ($32–$137) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.40–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$105 ($32–$263) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$79) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,260 ($630–$2,625) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,050 ($525–$2,100) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$420 ($210–$735) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$53 ($26–$105) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,050 ($420–$2,625) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,125 ($5,250–$31,500) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$105 ($53–$210) |
| Dog Grooming |
$63 ($32–$105) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$42 ($21–$79) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$315 ($158–$525) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$210 ($105–$420) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,030 |
| Toddler | $695 |
| Preschool | $695 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $647 |
| Toddler | $587 |
| Preschool | $587 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowling Green
What is the population of Bowling Green?
Bowling Green has a population of 1,096 residents and is located in Maryland. The population density is 1,142 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
Is Bowling Green expensive to live in?
Bowling Green has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 105 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $71,875, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,600 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $852 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bowling Green safe?
Public safety is a concern in Bowling Green, with a violent crime rate of 732 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,413 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 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches, with 28.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Bowling Green?
Bowling Green has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 1,577 business establishments in the area, including 167 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 12.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bowling Green?
The median home value in Bowling Green is $123,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,791. For renters, the median monthly rent is $852. Fair market rent is $1,400 for a 1-bedroom and $1,648 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,083.
How are the schools in Bowling Green?
Schools in Bowling Green score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.7% of adults in Bowling Green hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.6% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bowling Green?
The obesity rate in Bowling Green is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.8% of adults are smokers. 33.4% are physically inactive. 29.2% of residents report depression. 11.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881.
What is transportation like in Bowling Green?
The average commute in Bowling Green is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 12.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bowling Green?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bowling Green is 97% White. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 16.5% of residents have a disability. 98.3% have health insurance coverage.