KentuckyPop. 75,388Smaller cities
Is Bowling Green a Good Place to Live? Bowling Green, Kentucky: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Bowling Green ranks #954 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #402 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and low rents ($998/mo, #40 of 524), and trails on low household income ($48,873, #507 of 524) and high poverty (25.6%, #502 of 524).
Bowling Green by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Bowling Green's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Bowling Green?
Bowling Green's cost of living index is 90.2, 10% below the US level of 100 and #211 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $998/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $281,762, 21% above the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
| Measure | Bowling Green | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 90.2#211 of 1,308 | 90.2 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $281,762#329 of 1,187 | $232,577 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,252/mo#127 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $241,900#368 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $998/mo#211 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.9x#823 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.5%#945 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Bowling Green housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Bowling Green is in the Bowling Green, KY metro.
Kentucky housing market →Is Bowling Green safe?
Bowling Green recorded 187 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 328 and 12% below Kentucky's 212. That ranks #329 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #150 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bowling Green Police Department. Property crime runs 2,284 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Bowling Green | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 187#329 of 1,085 | 212 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,284#789 of 1,085 | 1,262 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Bowling Green?
The median household in Bowling Green earns $48,873, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 25.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Bowling Green | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $48,873#1245 of 1,312 | $64,526 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 25.6%#1248 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +0.5% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Bowling Green?
The median resident of Bowling Green is 28.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 31.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #746 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 36.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Bowling Green | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 28.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 31.2%#746 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 36.6% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Bowling Green's schools and health?
Bowling Green's 19 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 16.3 students per teacher and $12,700 spent per pupil. 37% of adults are obese and 12.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Bowling Green | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16.3#667 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,700#864 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 37%#947 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.1%#810 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.7%#1228 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9%#519 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 14,018 students are enrolled in Bowling Green's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Bowling Green?
The average commute in Bowling Green is 17.8 minutes (Kentucky 24.5); 0.2% of workers take transit and 6.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Bowling Green scores 8.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.1°F and winters 39.6°F, with 50.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Bowling Green | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 17.8 min#182 of 1,312 | 24.5 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 6.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 71.5% | 76.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 5.6% | 1.9% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.3% | 9.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.2#1009 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46.2 | 28.3 | 3.6 |
| Feb | 51 | 31.1 | 4.1 |
| Mar | 60.1 | 38.3 | 4.5 |
| Apr | 70.7 | 47.3 | 4.8 |
| May | 78.7 | 57.2 | 5 |
| Jun | 86.6 | 65.6 | 4.5 |
| Jul | 89.7 | 69.7 | 4.3 |
| Aug | 89.3 | 67.7 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 83 | 59.9 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 72 | 48 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 59.2 | 37.6 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 49.4 | 31.6 | 4.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bowling Green Warren Co Airport.
| Measure | Bowling Green | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 59.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 78.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 39.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 50.1 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Bowling Green Warren Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Bowling Green?
Warren County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Warren County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.26% of building value, higher than 84% of US counties.
| Measure | Bowling Green | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.26%#1067 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Warren County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Warren County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.081% | 100% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.016% | 84% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0032% | 82% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 79% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.011% | 59% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Bowling Green compare with similar-size cities?
Bowling Green is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #402 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 75,388.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KYPop. 75,388 | #954 | 50.8 | $48,873 | $998/mo | 187 | 17.8 min |
| Pawtucket, RIPop. 75,893 | #549 | 57.3 | $68,310 | $1,208/mo | 224 | 25.6 min |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #437 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 | 17.3 min |
| Bismarck, NDPop. 75,556 | #311 | 61.8 | $78,387 | $999/mo | 241 | 15.6 min |
| Apple Valley, CAPop. 75,473 | #1260 | 41.4 | $69,882 | $1,444/mo | 485 | 41.1 min |
| Rock Hill, SCPop. 75,259 | #989 | 50.3 | $68,771 | $1,341/mo | 394 | 25 min |
| Ellicott City, MDPop. 75,257 | #14 | 74.3 | $156,964 | $2,061/mo | no data | 28.2 min |
| Poinciana, FLPop. 75,068 | #1281 | 39.4 | $68,015 | $1,965/mo | no data | 46.8 min |
| Appleton, WIPop. 75,023 | #257 | 63.0 | $80,483 | $1,030/mo | 189 | 19.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Bowling Green compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Bowling Green ranks #13 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 50.8 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 24% below the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 12% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Kentucky home.
| City | Rank in KY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence, KYPop. 29,392 | #1 | 64.4 | $102,361 | $1,250/mo | 49 |
| Jeffersontown, KYPop. 29,199 | #2 | 61.1 | $81,506 | $1,320/mo | 65 |
| Florence, KYPop. 32,803 | #3 | 60.5 | $71,003 | $1,329/mo | 199 |
| Georgetown, KYPop. 39,117 | #4 | 60.3 | $80,088 | $1,255/mo | 165 |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #5 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 |
| Erlanger, KYPop. 19,875 | #6 | 58.4 | $75,840 | $970/mo | 69 |
| Nicholasville, KYPop. 32,197 | #7 | 58.0 | $68,503 | $1,147/mo | 197 |
| Covington, KYPop. 41,110 | #8 | 57.5 | $61,166 | $1,006/mo | 290 |
| Elizabethtown, KYPop. 32,576 | #9 | 57.4 | $60,760 | $909/mo | 110 |
| Richmond, KYPop. 37,111 | #10 | 55.5 | $50,870 | $917/mo | 243 |
| Frankfort, KYPop. 28,503 | #11 | 53.8 | $53,073 | $944/mo | 238 |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #12 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 |
| Bowling Green, KYPop. 75,388 | #13 | 50.8 | $48,873 | $998/mo | 187 |
| Ashland, KYPop. 21,295 | #14 | 50.8 | $52,715 | $872/mo | 244 |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #15 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 |
| Paducah, KYPop. 26,845 | #16 | 49.8 | $49,915 | $834/mo | 274 |
| Henderson, KYPop. 27,852 | #17 | 49.6 | $48,186 | $771/mo | 278 |
| Madisonville, KYPop. 19,515 | #18 | 46.6 | $53,860 | $838/mo | 149 |
| Hopkinsville, KYPop. 30,906 | #19 | 45.9 | $49,139 | $902/mo | 300 |
| Radcliff, KYPop. 22,864 | #20 | 45.6 | $58,559 | $971/mo | 287 |
All 20 Kentucky cities we track, by overall score. Kentucky statewide: median income $64,526, violent crime 212.1 per 100,000.
How is Bowling Green's score calculated?
Bowling Green scores 50.8 out of 100, #954 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Kentucky's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Bowling Green. Similar-size median 55.5.
39.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Bowling Green's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
78.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Bowling Green. Similar-size median 58.9.
41.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Bowling Green's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
62.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Bowling Green's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
81.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Bowling Green. Similar-size median 56.1.
14.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Bowling Green. Similar-size median 42.4.
41.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Bowling Green. Similar-size median 50.0.
51.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Bowling Green's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
37.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
39.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Bowling Green's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Bowling Green has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Bowling Green
Is Bowling Green, KY a good place to live?
Bowling Green ranks #954 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #402 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (96%, #8 of 437) and low rents ($998/mo, #40 of 524), and trails on low household income ($48,873, #507 of 524) and high poverty (25.6%, #502 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Bowling Green?
Bowling Green's cost of living index is 90.2, 10% below the US level of 100 and #211 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $998/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $281,762, 21% above the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
What is the crime rate in Bowling Green?
Bowling Green recorded 187 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 43% below the US rate of 328 and 12% below Kentucky's 212. That ranks #329 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #150 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Bowling Green Police Department. Property crime runs 2,284 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Bowling Green?
The median household in Bowling Green earns $48,873, 41% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 25.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Bowling Green?
Median rent in Bowling Green is $998/mo (Census), #211 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,252/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Bowling Green?
The typical home value in Bowling Green is $281,762, up 0.2% in a year, against $232,577 for Kentucky and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $241,900.
How are the public schools in Bowling Green?
Bowling Green's 19 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 16.3 students per teacher and $12,700 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Bowling Green?
The average commute is 17.8 minutes, #182 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.5 minutes across Kentucky. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Bowling Green?
Bowling Green averages 59.1°F over the year, 78.1°F in summer and 39.6°F in winter, with 50.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Bowling Green walkable?
Bowling Green scores 8.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1009 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Bowling Green at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Warren County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.26% of building value, higher than 84% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Bowling Green?
Warren County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Bowling Green?
Bowling Green has 75,388 residents. The median resident of Bowling Green is 28.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 31.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #746 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 36.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Bowling Green compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Bowling Green ranks #13 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 50.8 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 24% below the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 12% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Kentucky home.
What cities are similar in size to Bowling Green?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Bowling Green's population of 75,388 are Pawtucket, RI (#549 overall), Iowa City, IA (#437 overall), Bismarck, ND (#311 overall), Apple Valley, CA (#1260 overall), and Rock Hill, SC (#989 overall). Bowling Green is #954.