Owensboro, KY
Population 60,112 · Kentucky
About Owensboro, KY
Owensboro is a mid-sized city located in Kentucky with a population of 60,112 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,295 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Owensboro features a median home value of $162,900, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Owensboro in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $900, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 27,214 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (14,050 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (11,131 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Owensboro shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Owensboro have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.4% of Owensboro 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 3.3% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 5.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Owensboro Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Owensboro, KY
Compared to national averages, Owensboro has a median household income of $53,295 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $162,900, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $900 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Owensboro's income is 20% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 11% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Owensboro, KY?
Owensboro offers affordable housing with a median home value of $162,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $900/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,295) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Owensboro provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Owensboro has a population of 60,112 with a median age of 37.7 years. Compare Owensboro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Owensboro
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green | 73,638 | $48,419 | $232,100 | 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 Owensboro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Owensboro
What is the population of Owensboro, KY?
The population of Owensboro, KY is 60,112 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 Owensboro?
The median household income in Owensboro, KY is $53,295 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Owensboro?
The median home value in Owensboro, KY is $162,900, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Owensboro?
The median monthly rent in Owensboro, KY is $900, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Owensboro?
The unemployment rate in Owensboro, KY is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Owensboro, KY a good place to live?
Owensboro offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 60,112 and a median age of 37.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Owensboro, KY?
25.4% of residents in Owensboro 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 Owensboro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Owensboro, KY: median home value is $162,900 (33% below national), median rent is $900/month, and median household income is $53,295. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Owensboro?
The poverty rate in Owensboro, KY is 19.9%, 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 Owensboro, KY?
Owensboro's population is 3.3% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 6.4% two or more races. 5.0% of residents are foreign-born.