Living in Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green is the 480th-largest city in the US, home to about 79,000 people in 2025. It is growing fast: up 8.6% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (90.2 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 78,505+8.6% since 2020
- Median home value
- $241,9004.9 years of median income
- Median rent
- $998/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $48,873median, per year
- Price level
- 90.2US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 46° / 90°lows 28° / 70°
- Average commute
- 18 min6% work from home
- State income tax
- 3.5%top rate, flat
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County: Warren County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 528 ft
Metro area: Bowling Green, KY
Cost of living in Bowling Green
The median home in Bowling Green is worth $241,900 and the median household earns $48,873 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.9 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $998 a month, about 24% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Bowling Green, KY metro area at 90.2, with housing at 63.4 and goods at 96.2 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $67,600 here. Kentucky taxes wages at a top rate of 3.5% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Kentucky is 6%.
What would my salary be worth in Bowling Green?
Bowling Green weather
Average highs run from 46°F in January to 90°F in July, and January nights average 28°F. It gets 50 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 8 inches of snow. Expect about 47 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Nights drop below freezing about 81 times a year. The most comfortable months are September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Bowling Green
People and work
The median resident is 28.7 years old, and 31% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 37% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 18 minutes; 6% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 28.720th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 31%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 37%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,87042.0 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%6% walk, 0.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.9%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 25.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1991median year
Who moves to Bowling Green, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Lexington (Fayette County), Phoenix (Maricopa County) and Pulaski County, KY. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Lexington (Fayette County) and Indianapolis (Marion County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Warren County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: hail, tornado, ice storm.
Home prices
+2.8% in a year
Up 45% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Bowling Green, KY area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
76% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Bowling Green, KY area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Bowling Green
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Western Kentucky University 4 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Bowling Green
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville International Airport BNA | 60 mi | 12,058,688 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Bowling Green
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Kentucky University | 4 mi | 12,155 | $11,789 | 56% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Bowling Green
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 5, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 22 and the first frost comes around October 31.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Bowling Green Warren Co Airport, KY, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Bowling Green.
Wildfire smoke in Bowling Green
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Bowling Green on about 134 days a year, including about 24 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Bowling Green
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 30,633 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Bowling Green
Downtown Bowling Green is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warren County School District | Pre-K to 12 | 18,559 | 34 | 16.4 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Bowling Green Independent School District (4,831 students), Allen County School District (3,138 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Bowling Green's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Bowling Green's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Little Rock, AR84% matchCompare
- Springdale, AR84% matchCompare
- Winston-Salem, NC83% matchCompare
- High Point, NC83% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Bowling Green
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Bowling Green
- Paoli Peaks 110 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Bowling Green
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 10% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 18 minutes each way on average.
- Data The city is growing fast (+8.6% since 2020), a sign of jobs and new housing.
Cons
- Data Poverty is high: 25.6% of residents live below the poverty line.
Bowling Green report card from locals
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Cities near Bowling Green
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | 59 mi | 721,074 | $413,600 | 96.3 | Compare |
| Clarksville, TN | 61 mi | 188,829 | $263,600 | 90.9 | Compare |
| Franklin, TN | 77 mi | 90,226 | $705,400 | 96.3 | Compare |
| Murfreesboro, TN | 77 mi | 171,178 | $402,100 | 96.3 | Compare |
| Louisville, KY | 93 mi | 641,962 | $233,900 | 93.1 | Compare |
| Evansville, IN | 96 mi | 116,176 | $143,100 | 91.5 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Bowling Green with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Bowling Green a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, a growing population, short commutes. Compare Bowling Green side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Bowling Green?
The Census Bureau estimates Bowling Green had 78,505 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 72,306 in April 2020 (+8.6%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Bowling Green?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $67,600 in the Bowling Green area. The median household here earns $48,873.
When is the best time to visit Bowling Green?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 90°F and January 46°F for daytime highs.
What county is Bowling Green in?
Bowling Green is in Warren County, Kentucky. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Bowling Green in?
Bowling Green is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Bowling Green?
About 528 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Kentucky have a state income tax?
Yes. Kentucky has a flat income tax with a top rate of 3.5% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Bowling Green. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Bowling Green, KY metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Bowling Green Warren Co Airport, KY station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.