Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bowling Green, KY
Thinking of moving to Bowling Green, KY? With a youthful population of 74,926, affordable median home prices around $235,000, and average rents near $1,050, the city offers a low cost of living and short 19-minute commutes. Education is bolstered by Western Kentucky University and solid schools, while residents enjoy 56% sunny days and mild seasonal weather. Crime rates are slightly above national averages, but Bowling Green’s vibrant community, accessible healthcare, and budget-friendly lifestyle make it a welcoming choice for new residents.
Demographics - Bowling Green, KY
Demographics - Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green is home to nearly 75,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 27.8 years and a diverse community that is about 72% White, 14% Black, and over 5% Asian. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a notable 12% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
74,926
Density:
1,865 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.8
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.3%
Black:
13.8%
Asian:
5.6%
Others:
8.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bowling Green, KY?
The cost of living in Bowling Green is attractively low, with a cost of living index of 84.3 and median home values around $235,000. Monthly rent averages $1,050, utilities are affordable, and state taxes remain moderate, making the city budget-friendly for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$235,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,310
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
2%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.3
Grocery:
93.1
Housing:
74.2
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
90.1
Health Care:
95.6
Miscellaneous:
88.5
Crime
Is Bowling Green, KY a safe place to live?
Bowling Green experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a rate of 2,272 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime is less common with a 1 in 304 chance. Prospective residents should be aware of these trends but will find that many neighborhoods remain safe and family-friendly.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
329
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,272
Crime Index:
2,601
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 304
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Bowling Green, KY year-round?
The city enjoys four distinct seasons with mild winters averaging lows of 27°F and warm summers reaching up to 89°F. With 56% sunny days and over 51 inches of annual rainfall, residents benefit from a generally pleasant and moderate climate.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
45°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Typical households in Bowling Green have a median income of $47,600, with 87.6% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. The city has a 22.7% poverty rate and a short average commute of under 19 minutes, contributing to a convenient and community-focused lifestyle.
Median Income:
$35,500
Household Income:
$47,600
Family Income:
$65,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,400
Income Male:
$37,500
Income Female:
$29,100
Poverty Rate:
22.7%
Non English Speakers:
12.4%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
1.3%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.6%
Bachelors or More:
29.1%
Education
How are the schools in Bowling Green, KY?
Bowling Green’s educational landscape is anchored by Western Kentucky University, enrolling over 16,000 students, and supported by reputable public and private schools. The city’s schools offer reasonable student-teacher ratios and serve families with diverse academic needs.
Public Schools
Name:
Bowling Green High School
Street:
1801 Rockingham Ln
Phone:
270-746-2300
Students:
1,210
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Parker-Bennett-Curry Elementary
Street:
1601 Parkside Dr
Phone:
270-746-2270
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Interparochial School
Street:
1837 Modern Way
Phone:
270-842-1235
Students:
390
Colleges
Name:
Western Kentucky University
City:
Bowling Green
State:
KY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
16,500
Healthcare
Bowling Green offers quality healthcare with major hospitals like The Medical Center at Bowling Green and TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital, both providing emergency services. The city has a high insurance coverage rate at nearly 90% and a healthy ratio of physicians to residents, ensuring accessible care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
The Medical Center at Bowling Green
Address:
250 Park St, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone:
(270) 745-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital
Address:
1801 Ashley Cir, Bowling Green, KY 42104
Phone:
(270) 793-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
69.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bowling Green, KY?
The housing market is affordable and competitive, with a median home price of $235,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,050. Home values have appreciated by over 4% in the past year, and a rental vacancy rate of 7.1% gives renters a variety of options.
Median Home Price:
$235,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
42.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Motor vehicle services in Bowling Green are managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which provides licensing and registration through its main office in Frankfort. Residents can access forms and renewals quickly online or by phone, making DMV tasks straightforward and efficient.
State:
Kentucky
Department:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing
Address:
200 Mero St, Frankfort, KY 40622
Phone:
502-564-1257
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.