Kentucky · Metropolitan Area
Owensboro is a mid-size city in Kentucky with a population of 60,112. Residents earn $53,295 per year, which is 29% below the national average.
Based on current data, Owensboro receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Owensboro offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Owensboro is $53,295, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. The poverty rate of 16.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Owensboro is $162,900, 42% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Violent crime in Owensboro is below the national average at 208 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,839 per 100,000, 96% above the national average.
25.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Owensboro enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
| English Only | 93.1% |
| 19% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 6.9% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $53,295 |
| 29% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $32,557 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,030 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,067 |
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 16.4% |
| 32% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 3,566 |
| County GDP | $6,151M |
| Restaurants | 202 |
| Healthcare | 391 |
| Retail | 388 |
| Manufacturing | 86 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,003 |
| 14% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.46% |
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
| Census Median | $162,900 |
| 42% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $205,948 |
| Median List Price | $189,900 |
| Median List Price | $189,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $145 |
| Homes Sold | 53 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.7% |
| Price Drops | 33.9% |
| Inventory | 121 |
| Census Median Rent | $900 |
| 23% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,286 |
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,003 |
| 14% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.46% |
| Short Sleep | 38.6% |
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Dental Visits | 59.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,962/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 391 |
| Total Violent | 208.0/100K |
| 45% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 47.7/100K |
| Robbery | 69.9/100K |
| Assault | 90.4/100K |
| Total Property | 3,839.1/100K |
| 96% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 656.3/100K |
| Theft | 3,005.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 177.3/100K |
| Arson | 11.9/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 57.2°F |
| 6% above US avg | |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 45.6 inches |
| 20% above US avg | |
| Snowfall | 4.3 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 417 ft (127 m) |
| Area | 21.3 sq mi (55.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,822/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.7571°N, 87.1167°W |
| County FIPS | 21059 |
Winner: Republican by 31.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 25.4% |
| 25% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 89.7% |
| School Test Score | 5.50 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 2,822/sq mi |
| Total Area | 21.3 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 6 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 7 |
| Public Libraries | 1 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 391 |
| Restaurants | 202 |
| Retail Stores | 388 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Commute | 17.9 min |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |