Bowling Green, MO
Population 4,130 · Missouri
About Bowling Green, MO
Bowling Green is a small town located in Missouri with a population of 4,130 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,675 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bowling Green features a median home value of $116,400, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bowling Green one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $773, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,586 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (854 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (632 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bowling Green shows an unemployment rate of 7.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bowling Green have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.2% of Bowling Green residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.6% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bowling Green, MO
Compared to national averages, Bowling Green has a median household income of $51,675 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $116,400, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $773 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Missouri, Bowling Green's income is 15% below the state average of $61,047, and home values are 23% below the state median of $150,786.
Why Live in Bowling Green, MO?
Bowling Green offers affordable housing with a median home value of $116,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $773/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,675) that falls below the national average. However, Bowling Green’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bowling Green has a population of 4,130 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare Bowling Green with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Missouri.
Similar Cities Near Bowling Green
Cities in Missouri with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookfield | 4,128 | $55,543 | $86,500 | Compare |
| Riverside | 4,153 | $50,882 | $314,600 | Compare |
| Fenton | 4,087 | $97,991 | $362,800 | Compare |
| High Ridge | 4,209 | $75,040 | $166,400 | Compare |
| Camdenton | 4,017 | $44,800 | $171,600 | Compare |
| Normandy | 4,263 | $33,421 | $91,400 | Compare |
| Lamar | 4,290 | $34,894 | $114,800 | Compare |
| Woodson Terrace | 3,935 | $49,650 | $100,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Missouri
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, MO?
The population of Bowling Green, MO is 4,130 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Missouri.
What is the median household income in Bowling Green?
The median household income in Bowling Green, MO is $51,675 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bowling Green?
The median home value in Bowling Green, MO is $116,400, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bowling Green?
The median monthly rent in Bowling Green, MO is $773, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bowling Green?
The unemployment rate in Bowling Green, MO is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bowling Green, MO a good place to live?
Bowling Green offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,130 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bowling Green, MO?
12.2% 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, MO: median home value is $116,400 (52% below national), median rent is $773/month, and median household income is $51,675. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bowling Green?
The poverty rate in Bowling Green, MO is 21.1%, 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, MO?
Bowling Green's population is 0.6% White, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 9.4% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.