Bowling Green, OH
Population 30,051 · Ohio
About Bowling Green, OH
Bowling Green is a mid-sized city located in Ohio with a population of 30,051 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,719 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.6 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 $217,300, which is 11% 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 $874, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,647 total housing units, 37% are owner-occupied (4,445 units) and 63% are renter-occupied (7,638 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 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bowling Green have an average one-way commute time of 18.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
47.0% of Bowling Green residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bowling Green Ranks in Ohio
Cost of Living in Bowling Green, OH
Compared to national averages, Bowling Green has a median household income of $46,719 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $217,300, which is 11% below the national median. Monthly rent at $874 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Bowling Green's income is 35% below the state average of $71,814, and home values are 25% above the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Bowling Green, OH?
Bowling Green offers affordable housing with a median home value of $217,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $874/month, and a well-educated community where 47.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 18.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,719) 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 30,051 with a median age of 23.6 years. Compare Bowling Green with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Bowling Green
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austintown | 30,215 | $50,855 | $133,000 | Compare |
| Garfield Heights | 29,369 | $52,006 | $100,000 | Compare |
| North Royalton | 31,013 | $81,810 | $276,300 | Compare |
| Shaker Heights | 29,004 | $97,721 | $288,000 | Compare |
| North Olmsted | 32,031 | $85,435 | $202,400 | Compare |
| Massillon | 32,177 | $55,308 | $138,800 | Compare |
| Green | 27,381 | $92,653 | $269,400 | Compare |
| Kent | 27,190 | $42,524 | $210,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Ohio
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, OH?
The population of Bowling Green, OH is 30,051 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Ohio.
What is the median household income in Bowling Green?
The median household income in Bowling Green, OH is $46,719 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bowling Green?
The median home value in Bowling Green, OH is $217,300, which is 11% 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, OH is $874, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bowling Green?
The unemployment rate in Bowling Green, OH is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bowling Green, OH a good place to live?
Bowling Green offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 30,051 and a median age of 23.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bowling Green, OH?
47.0% of residents in Bowling Green aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bowling Green?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bowling Green, OH: median home value is $217,300 (11% below national), median rent is $874/month, and median household income is $46,719. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Bowling Green?
The poverty rate in Bowling Green, OH is 29.7%, 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, OH?
Bowling Green's population is 4.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 4.9% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.