Bowling Green, KY
Population 73,638 · Kentucky
About Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green is a mid-sized city in Kentucky with a population of 73,638 residents. The median household income is $48,419 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Bowling Green is 27.9 years.
Housing in Bowling Green has a median home value of $232,100 and median monthly rent of $948. Of the 32,726 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 11,086 owner-occupied and 18,613 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Bowling Green is 5.1% and the poverty rate is 25.4%. 32.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.8 minutes.
How Bowling Green Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Bowling Green, KY
Compared to national averages, Bowling Green has a median household income of $48,419 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $232,100, which is 5% below the national median. Monthly rent at $948 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Bowling Green's income is 27% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 27% above the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Bowling Green, KY?
Bowling Green offers affordable housing with a median home value of $232,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $948/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,419) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Bowling Green provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Bowling Green has a population of 73,638 with a median age of 27.9 years. Compare Bowling Green with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Bowling Green
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owensboro | 60,112 | $53,295 | $162,900 | Compare |
| Covington | 40,902 | $58,814 | $167,900 | Compare |
| Georgetown | 38,206 | $78,373 | $244,200 | Compare |
| Richmond | 35,498 | $48,223 | $205,900 | Compare |
| Florence | 32,334 | $68,508 | $196,200 | Compare |
| Elizabethtown | 31,870 | $56,250 | $223,200 | Compare |
| Nicholasville | 31,625 | $67,514 | $210,700 | Compare |
| Hopkinsville | 31,011 | $47,428 | $140,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kentucky
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bowling Green
What is the population of Bowling Green, KY?
The population of Bowling Green, KY is 73,638 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Bowling Green?
The median household income in Bowling Green, KY is $48,419 per year.
What is the median home value in Bowling Green?
The median home value in Bowling Green, KY is $232,100.
What is the average rent in Bowling Green?
The median monthly rent in Bowling Green, KY is $948.
What is the unemployment rate in Bowling Green?
The unemployment rate in Bowling Green, KY is 5.1%.