Median Income
$51,675
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,400
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
45/100K
88% 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
7.7%
114% higher 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
C+
Median Income$51,675
Per Capita$22,752
Unemployment7.7%
Poverty19.8%
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,400
Rent$773
Ownership57.5%
Zillow$235,252
Housing Units1,502
Rent Burden25.3%
Crime
F
Violent45/100K
Property673/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking22.0%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
Rain40.6 in/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 2.6 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 $51,675, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 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
Bowling Green is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 673 per 100,000, 66% below 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 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches, including 15.6 inches of snow.
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 9.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94% of residents, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 19.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
4,130
Total Population
2023 Census
37.1yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bowling Green vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.0%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.3%
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 7.7% (above 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.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,675 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,752 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.7% |
| 114% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.8% |
| 60% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.4% |
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 $235,252, 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. 57.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). 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 Values
| Census Median | $116,400 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $235,252 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $773 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,502 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
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. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Bowling Green vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.3% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.0% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.6% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 41.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.4% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 50.2% |
Food & Exercise
Bowling Green has a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents, 88% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 673 per 100,000, 66% below the U.S. average. Overall, Bowling Green receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bowling Green vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 44.8/100K |
| 88% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 672.7/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 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 53°F (12°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches. The area receives 15.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 899 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 53.3°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 899 ft (274 m) |
| Area | 2.7 sq mi (7.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,535/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.3420°N, 91.1951°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field (UIN)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.6"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.67"
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
62 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Apr 29, 2022 |
1 km SSW of Peerless Park, Missouri |
M2.8 |
109 km |
| May 5, 2008 |
3 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| Sep 5, 2015 |
5 km SE of High Ridge, Missouri |
M2.7 |
119 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
130 km |
| Feb 3, 2014 |
18 km NW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.6 |
144 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
61 km |
| Jan 15, 1998 |
1 km SSE of Fenton, Missouri |
M2.5 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
437 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 505 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 22, 2011 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
92 km |
3 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1984 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1961 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1961 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1954 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2021 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 2015 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Bowling Green has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 27°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (2.1").
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) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
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 considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 45 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 673 per 100,000 (below 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 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 40.6 inches, with 15.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bowling Green?
The unemployment rate in Bowling Green is 7.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 $235,252. For renters, the median monthly rent is $773. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.5%.
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. 9.6% lack health insurance.
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, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 94% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.3% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.6% of residents have a disability. 90.4% have health insurance coverage.