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Bowling Green, MO

Missouri

Bowling Green is a small town in Missouri with a population of 4,130. Residents earn $51,675 per year, which is 31% below the national average.

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
4,130 Population 1,535/sq mi density
$51,675 Median Income $22,752 per capita
$116,400 Home Value $219,122 Zillow
$773 Median Rent 25.3% income on rent
53°F Avg Temperature 268 sunny days/yr
180 Violent Crime/100K 2,089 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$51,675 median income, 3.6% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$116,400 home value, $773/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
180 violent crimes/100K (53% below avg)
D
Education
2.0 / 5.0
12.2% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $51,675
31% lower than US avg
Home Value $116,400
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 180/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 12.2%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent $773
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment 3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 19.8%
60% higher than US avg

How Bowling Green Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population4,130
Median Age37.1 yrs
Density1,535/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans7.0%

Economy

B
Median Income$51,675
Per Capita$22,752
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty19.8%
Commute20 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$116,400
Rent$773
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$219,122
Housing Units1,502
Rent Burden25.3%

Crime

F
Violent180/100K
Property2,089/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault126/100K
Burglary216/100K

Health

Obesity39.6%
Uninsured12.0%
Smoking22.0%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease6.8%

Climate

Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain37.3 in/yr
Sunny Days268/yr
Elevation899 ft (274 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+12.2%
High School+82.6%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.51

Community

2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute20 min
Broadband86.7%
EV Stations1

Is Bowling Green a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Bowling Green receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. 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 $51,675, 31% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 19.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Bowling Green is $116,400, 59% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $773 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

Violent crime in Bowling Green is below the national average at 180 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,089 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

12.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.

Climate & Weather

Bowling Green experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 268 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.3 inches, including 5.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.

Bowling Green has a population of 4,130 with a density of 1,535 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age is 37.1 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.9% female and 59.1% male. The city is predominantly White (81%), with 3.7% Hispanic, 9.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.7% of residents, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 23.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.

Population

4,130
Total Population
1,535
People / sq mi
37.1yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
2.7mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 59.1%
Female 40.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Bowling Green vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only93.7%
19% above US avg
Spanish6.3%
53% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Bowling Green vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Bowling Green is $51,675, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,752 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Bowling Green vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$51,675
31% below US avg
Per Capita Income$22,752

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.6%
0% below US avg
Poverty Rate19.8%
60% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time20.2 min
Drive Alone76.9%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home5.4%

Walkability

The median home value in Bowling Green is $116,400, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,122, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $773 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. There are 1,502 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. 25.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$116,400
59% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$219,122

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$773
34% below US avg
Rent Burden25.3%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied57.5%
Housing Units1,502
Median Year Built1970

Property Tax

In Bowling Green, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 37.3% have high blood pressure. 22.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 33.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 12.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).

Health Metrics: Bowling Green vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity39.6%
23% above US avg
Diabetes12.2%
Heart Disease6.8%
High Blood Pressure37.3%
Asthma10.8%
COPD9.4%
Cancer7.0%
Stroke3.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking22.0%
57% above US avg
Binge Drinking17.7%
Physical Inactivity33.6%
Depression24.6%
Mental Distress20.1%
Physical Distress16.0%
Short Sleep41.8%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate91.2%
Uninsured12.0%
40% above US avg
Checkup Rate75.8%
Dental Visits50.2%

Food & Exercise

Bowling Green has a violent crime rate of 180 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 126.1 per 100,000, robbery at 18.0, rape at 36.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,089 per 100,000, 7% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,819, burglary at 216, vehicle theft at 54 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Bowling Green receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Bowling Green vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent180.1/100K
53% below US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape36.0/100K
Robbery18.0/100K
Assault126.1/100K

Property Crime

Total Property2,089.0/100K
7% above US avg
Burglary216.1/100K
Theft1,818.8/100K
Vehicle Theft54.0/100K
Arson0.0/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Bowling Green experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 268 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 37.3 inches. The area receives 5.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 899 feet.

Temperature

26°F Jan (-3°C) 77°F Jul (25°C)
Annual Average53.0°F
2% below US avg
January Average26°F (-3°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days268 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall37.3 inches
2% below US avg
Snowfall5.8 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation899 ft (274 m)
Area2.7 sq mi (7.0 km²)
Population Density1,535/sq mi
Coordinates39.3420°N, 91.1951°W
TimezoneAmerica/Chicago

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 26°F (-3°C) 1.6 in Coldest, Driest
February 31°F (-0°C) 1.7 in
March 42°F (6°C) 3.0 in
April 54°F (12°C) 3.8 in
May 63°F (17°C) 4.3 in Wettest
June 72°F (22°C) 3.7 in
July 77°F (25°C) 3.6 in Warmest
August 75°F (24°C) 3.5 in
September 67°F (19°C) 3.5 in
October 56°F (13°C) 2.9 in
November 43°F (6°C) 3.3 in
December 31°F (-0°C) 2.4 in

Bowling Green has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F — from 26°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (1.6").

12.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 64% below the national average of 33.7%. 82.6% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 86.7% of households have broadband internet access. The area has 1 EV charging stations. 76.9% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+12.2%
64% below US avg
High School+82.6%
Graduate Degree+4.0%
School Test Score5.51
D Education Grade (2.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density1,535/sq mi
Total Area2.7 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access86.7%
EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations3

Safety & Disasters

F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute20.2 min
Drive Alone76.9%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home5.4%

Frequently Asked Questions About Bowling Green

What is the population of Bowling Green?

Bowling Green has a population of 4,130 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,535 people per square mile, spread across 2.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.1 years. The population is 40.9% female and 59.1% male.

Is Bowling Green expensive to live in?

Bowling Green is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $51,675, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,400 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $773 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Bowling Green safe?

Bowling Green is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 180 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,089 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 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 268 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.3 inches, with 5.8 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 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 5.4% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Bowling Green?

The median home value in Bowling Green is $116,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,122. For renters, the median monthly rent is $773. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

How are the schools in Bowling Green?

Schools in Bowling Green score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.2% of adults in Bowling Green hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.6% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Bowling Green?

The obesity rate in Bowling Green is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.0% of adults are smokers. 33.6% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 12.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate).

What is transportation like in Bowling Green?

The average commute in Bowling Green is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.4% work from home.

What are the demographics of Bowling Green?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bowling Green is 81% White, 9.4% Black or African American, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino. 93.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 23.2% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Louisiana, MO 3,231 pop · 10.6 mi Vandalia, MO 3,260 pop · 15.8 mi New London, MO 1,118 pop · 20.1 mi Lincoln, MO 1,795 pop · 23.2 mi Elsberry, MO 2,010 pop · 25.3 mi Barry, IL 1,442 pop · 26.0 mi Hannibal, MO 16,825 pop · 26.8 mi Pittsfield, IL 4,422 pop · 27.2 mi Wellsville, MO 1,197 pop · 27.4 mi Troy, MO 13,467 pop · 27.6 mi Montgomery City, MO 2,810 pop · 30.2 mi Moscow Mills, MO 3,647 pop · 31.0 mi Payson, IL 1,030 pop · 32.9 mi Winfield, MO 1,726 pop · 34.1 mi
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