Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bowling Green, OH
Planning a move to Bowling Green, OH? With a welcoming college-town vibe and a population around 31,000, Bowling Green offers affordable living—median home prices are about $202,500 and average rents just $930. The city features quick commutes (average 16 minutes), low violent crime, and a youthful, diverse community thanks to Bowling Green State University. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, quality local schools, and access to Wood County Hospital, making Bowling Green an inviting choice for students, families, and professionals alike.
Demographics - Bowling Green, OH
Demographics - Bowling Green, OH
Bowling Green, OH is home to approximately 30,800 residents with a notably young median age of 23.2, reflecting its vibrant college-town atmosphere. The population is primarily White, with a modest mix of other ethnicities, and around 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The city offers a balanced gender ratio and a moderately dense urban feel.
Population:
30,808
Density:
2,860 per sq mi
Median Age:
23.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.4%
Black:
5.3%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
6.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bowling Green, OH?
Bowling Green features a cost of living index well below the national average, making it an affordable place to live. Median home values are about $202,500, and average rents are around $930, providing budget-friendly housing options. Daily expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation also remain accessible for most residents.
Median House Value:
$202,500
Gross Rent:
$930
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,300
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
2.85%
|
High:
3.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.2
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
68.5
Utilities:
96.0
Transportation:
85.2
Health Care:
92.3
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Bowling Green, OH a safe place to live?
The city experiences low violent crime rates, with just 98 incidents per 100,000 people, making it safer than many comparable communities. Property crime is more common, but overall, Bowling Green maintains a reassuringly low crime index. Residents can feel secure in this welcoming environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
98
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,360
Crime Index:
1,458
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,020
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Bowling Green, OH year-round?
Bowling Green enjoys all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers where highs reach the mid-80s. The city sees about 52% sunny days annually and receives roughly 35 inches of rainfall, supporting lush scenery and seasonal outdoor activities. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures that make for comfortable transitions between seasons.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
34.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
52%
Neighbors
Residents of Bowling Green benefit from a close-knit community, with a median household income of $41,600 and a high percentage of adults holding at least a high school diploma. The city has a relatively high poverty rate, influenced by its large student population, but maintains low unemployment and quick average commutes of about 16 minutes. Education levels are strong, and the area is known for its welcoming, diverse neighbors.
Median Income:
$25,800
Household Income:
$41,600
Family Income:
$72,300
Per Capita Income:
$23,500
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
29.4%
Non English Speakers:
7.4%
Rent:
$930
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.8%
Commute Time:
15.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
40.5%
Education
How are the schools in Bowling Green, OH?
Bowling Green is known for its strong educational offerings, highlighted by Bowling Green State University, which enrolls around 18,000 students and shapes the city's collegiate identity. Local public schools such as Bowling Green High School and Crim Elementary provide quality education, and families can also choose from private and nearby community college options. The city's educational environment supports learners of all ages and backgrounds.
Public Schools
Name:
Bowling Green High School
Street:
530 W Poe Rd
Phone:
419-354-0100
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Crim Elementary School
Street:
1020 Scott Hamilton Ave
Phone:
419-352-0516
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Private Schools
Name:
St. Aloysius Catholic School
Street:
148 S Enterprise St
Phone:
419-352-8614
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Bowling Green State University
City:
Bowling Green
State:
OH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
18,000
Name:
Owens Community College
City:
Perrysburg
State:
OH
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
7,200
Healthcare
Bowling Green provides reliable healthcare access, anchored by Wood County Hospital which offers comprehensive general and emergency services. There are about 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 92% of people have health insurance coverage. The area boasts a solid healthcare index that supports a healthy lifestyle for all ages.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Wood County Hospital
Address:
950 W Wooster St, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Phone:
(419) 354-8900
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bowling Green, OH?
The local housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $202,500 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment at $930. Home ownership is less common due to the student population, but rental options are widely available and vacancy rates are moderate. Property values have appreciated steadily in recent years, making it an appealing choice for both renters and buyers.
Median Home Price:
$202,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$930
Owner Occupied Rate:
37.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles located conveniently on East Wooster Street in Bowling Green. The local DMV offers standard vehicle registration, licensing, and renewal services, and information is readily available online or by phone. This ensures easy access for both new arrivals and long-term residents.
State:
Ohio
Department:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1616 E Wooster St, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Phone:
1-844-644-6268
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.