Bowling Green, KY
Population 73,638 · Kentucky
About Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green is a mid-sized city located in Kentucky with a population of 73,638 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,419 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bowling Green features a median home value of $232,100, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bowling Green in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $948, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 32,726 total housing units, 37% are owner-occupied (11,086 units) and 63% are renter-occupied (18,613 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bowling Green shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 25.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bowling Green have an average one-way commute time of 18.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
32.0% of Bowling Green residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 6.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 3.7% Asian residents, with 14.5% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Bowling Green With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Bowling Green?
The median household income in Bowling Green, KY is $48,419 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bowling Green?
The median home value in Bowling Green, KY is $232,100, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Bowling Green?
The median monthly rent in Bowling Green, KY is $948, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bowling Green?
The unemployment rate in Bowling Green, KY is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bowling Green, KY a good place to live?
Bowling Green offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 73,638 and a median age of 27.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bowling Green, KY?
32.0% of residents in Bowling Green aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Bowling Green?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bowling Green, KY: median home value is $232,100 (5% below national), median rent is $948/month, and median household income is $48,419. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bowling Green?
The poverty rate in Bowling Green, KY is 25.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bowling Green, KY?
Bowling Green's population is 6.6% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 12.7% two or more races. 14.5% of residents are foreign-born.