KentuckyPop. 60,302Smaller cities
Is Owensboro a Good Place to Live? Owensboro, Kentucky: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Owensboro ranks #908 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #378 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($905/mo, #12 of 524) and low living costs (88.6, #33 of 524), and trails on low household income ($56,357, #469 of 524) and high poverty (18.9%, #447 of 524).
Owensboro by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Owensboro'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 Owensboro?
Owensboro's cost of living index is 88.6, 11% below the US level of 100 and #153 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $905/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $214,021, 8% below the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
| Measure | Owensboro | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 88.6#153 of 1,308 | 90.2 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $214,021#149 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 | $1,212/mo#107 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $178,900#165 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $905/mo#96 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.3%#361 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.
Owensboro 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. Owensboro is in the Owensboro, KY metro.
Kentucky housing market →Is Owensboro safe?
Owensboro recorded 413 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% above the US rate of 328 and 95% above Kentucky's 212. That ranks #737 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #329 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Owensboro Police Department. Property crime runs 2,343 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Owensboro | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 413#737 of 1,085 | 212 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,343#810 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 Owensboro?
The median household in Owensboro earns $56,357, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Owensboro | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $56,357#1122 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% | 18.9%#1074 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 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 Owensboro?
The median resident of Owensboro is 37.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #934 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Owensboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 26.1%#934 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 57.4% | 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 Owensboro's schools and health?
Owensboro's 20 public schools graduate 89.7% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $14,626 spent per pupil. 36% of adults are obese and 13.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Owensboro | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89.7%#436 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.5#546 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,626#631 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36%#866 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.8%#1056 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.1%#264 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. 13,103 students are enrolled in Owensboro's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Owensboro?
The average commute in Owensboro is 17.1 minutes (Kentucky 24.5); 0.5% of workers take transit and 6.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Owensboro scores 8.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #895 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 76.2°F and winters 36.9°F, with 45.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Owensboro | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 17.1 min#144 of 1,312 | 24.5 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 6.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 82% | 76.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 0.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.9% | 1.9% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.9% | 9.5% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.7#895 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 | 42.5 | 26.1 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 46.7 | 29.5 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 57.1 | 37.2 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 68.2 | 46.9 | 4.5 |
| May | 76.8 | 56.8 | 4.6 |
| Jun | 84.3 | 64.7 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 87.2 | 67.8 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 86.5 | 66.5 | 2.9 |
| Sep | 81.7 | 59 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 70.3 | 47.3 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 56.5 | 36.3 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 46 | 30.6 | 4.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Calhoun Lock 2.
| Measure | Owensboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 57.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 76.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 36.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 45.6 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 Calhoun Lock 2.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Owensboro?
Daviess County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 62% 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 Daviess County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, ice storm, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 80% of US counties.
| Measure | Owensboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 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% | 0.23%#1009 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 Daviess County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Daviess County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.041% | 90% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0066% | 90% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 87% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0013% | 84% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.006% | 80% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0072% | 78% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0076% | 46% 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 Owensboro compare with similar-size cities?
Owensboro is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #378 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 60,302.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #908 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 | 17.1 min |
| Meriden, CTPop. 60,545 | #599 | 56.7 | $71,253 | $1,294/mo | 153 | 23 min |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #1155 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data | 36 min |
| Taunton, MAPop. 60,433 | #611 | 56.5 | $79,283 | $1,324/mo | 386 | 29.3 min |
| North Miami, FLPop. 60,344 | #1156 | 46.5 | $57,188 | $1,702/mo | part year | 31.8 min |
| Wylie, TXPop. 60,334 | #278 | 62.6 | $119,522 | $2,189/mo | 81 | 31.4 min |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #997 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 | 14.9 min |
| Pico Rivera, CAPop. 60,272 | #1100 | 47.9 | $88,201 | $1,786/mo | 480 | 30.3 min |
| Madison, ALPop. 60,106 | #28 | 72.1 | $134,655 | $1,453/mo | 152 | 20.2 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 Owensboro compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Owensboro ranks #12 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 51.6 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 13% below the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 95% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below 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 Owensboro's score calculated?
Owensboro scores 51.6 out of 100, #908 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 Owensboro. Similar-size median 55.5.
42.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Owensboro's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
63.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Owensboro. Similar-size median 58.9.
46.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Owensboro's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
61.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Owensboro's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
85.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Owensboro. Similar-size median 56.1.
29.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Owensboro. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Owensboro. Similar-size median 50.0.
45.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Owensboro's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
40.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
37.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Owensboro'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 Owensboro 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 Owensboro
Is Owensboro, KY a good place to live?
Owensboro ranks #908 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #378 of 524 smaller cities and #12 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($905/mo, #12 of 524) and low living costs (88.6, #33 of 524), and trails on low household income ($56,357, #469 of 524) and high poverty (18.9%, #447 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Owensboro?
Owensboro's cost of living index is 88.6, 11% below the US level of 100 and #153 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $905/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $214,021, 8% below the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
What is the crime rate in Owensboro?
Owensboro recorded 413 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% above the US rate of 328 and 95% above Kentucky's 212. That ranks #737 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #329 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Owensboro Police Department. Property crime runs 2,343 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Owensboro?
The median household in Owensboro earns $56,357, 32% below the US figure of $83,163 and 13% below Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.3%). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Owensboro?
Median rent in Owensboro is $905/mo (Census), #96 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,212/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Owensboro?
The typical home value in Owensboro is $214,021, up 4.1% in a year, against $232,577 for Kentucky and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $178,900.
How are the public schools in Owensboro?
Owensboro's 20 public schools graduate 89.7% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 15.5 students per teacher and $14,626 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Owensboro?
The average commute is 17.1 minutes, #144 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.5 minutes across Kentucky. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Owensboro?
Owensboro averages 57.2°F over the year, 76.2°F in summer and 36.9°F in winter, with 45.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Owensboro walkable?
Owensboro scores 8.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #895 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 Owensboro at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Daviess County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, ice storm, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 80% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Owensboro?
Daviess County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 62% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Owensboro?
Owensboro has 60,302 residents. The median resident of Owensboro is 37.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 26.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #934 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Owensboro compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Owensboro ranks #12 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 51.6 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 13% below the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 95% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% below the typical Kentucky home.
What cities are similar in size to Owensboro?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Owensboro's population of 60,302 are Meriden, CT (#599 overall), Stonecrest, GA (#1155 overall), Taunton, MA (#611 overall), North Miami, FL (#1156 overall), and Wylie, TX (#278 overall). Owensboro is #908.