Bowling Green, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
75,388
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,873/yr
0.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
33,481
2.3% year-over-year change

Bowling Green population

How many people live in Bowling Green

Bowling Green is home to 75,388 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.3% of Bowling Green locals are male, and 49.7% are female.

Total population
75,388
2.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.3%
37,902
Female
49.7%
37,486
Value Percent YoY change
Male 37,902 50.3% 3.9%
Female 37,486 49.7% 0.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bowling Green is 29, with the population distributed as follows: about 19% are children under 15, then 25.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 17.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
28.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
19%
15 to 24
25.2%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
17.3%
Over 65
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 14,347 19% 1.9%
15 to 24 19,018 25.2% 0.1%
25 to 44 20,356 27% 1.8%
45 to 64 13,037 17.3% 4.3%
Over 65 8,630 11.4% 7.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bowling Green, 83.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 65% of locals are Caucasian, 14.2% are African American and 7.8% have Asian roots. Another 0.9% are Indigenous American, 1.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.9%
Non-citizens
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 63,113 83.7% 1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,477 5.9% 13.1%
Non-citizens 7,798 10.3% 1.5%
Racial breakdown
White
65%
Black or African American
14.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
7.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1.1%
Two or more races
7%
Other
4%
Value Percent
White 49,001 65%
Black or African American 10,716 14.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 662 0.9%
Asian 5,909 7.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 827 1.1%
Two or more races 5,239 7%
Other 3,034 4%

Households in Bowling Green

A peek inside Bowling Green households

Bowling Green has 30,633 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.5% are families, while the remaining 49.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
30,633
3.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
15,157
Family households
15,476
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 15,157 49.5% 6.7%
Family households 15,476 50.5% -0.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bowling Green

The housing landscape of Bowling Green

Bowling Green's housing consists of 33,481 units, with 45.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
33,481
2.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 15,177 45.3%
1 unit, attached 1,010 3%
2 units 2,152 6.4%
3 or 4 units 3,784 11.3%
5 to 9 units 4,041 12.1%
10 to 19 units 2,784 8.3%
20 to 49 units 2,126 6.4%
50 or more units 1,253 3.7%
Mobile home 1,105 3.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 49 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
1,087
79.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bowling Green

In Bowling Green, the median construction year is 1991. About 5.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 17.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,839 5.5% -2.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,166 3.5% -7.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,388 7.1% 3.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,033 9.1% -2.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,057 12.1% 11.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,912 11.7% 0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,206 12.6% -4.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 6,037 18% -6.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,756 17.2% 11.2%
Built in 2020 or later 1,087 3.2% 79.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bowling Green occupancy rates

Out of the 30,633 occupied housing units in Bowling Green, 36.6% are owner-occupied, while 63.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
30,633
3.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
19,418
Owner occupied
11,215
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 19,418 63.4% 4.3%
Owner occupied 11,215 36.6% 1.2%
Unoccupied housing units
8.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bowling Green housing costs

Housing costs in Bowling Green come to a median of $1,015 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $998.

Median housing costs per month
$1,015/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bowling Green
$998/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bowling Green

Bowling Green education at a glance

About 32.9% of the population in Bowling Green went to high school, while 28.4% pursued college studies. Another 6.7% earned an associate degree and 15.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,836 6.6% 4.3%
High school diploma 19,190 32.9% 6.9%
College diploma 16,519 28.4% -0.2%
Associate degree 3,917 6.7% -0.9%
Bachelor's degree 9,136 15.7% -2.7%
Graduate degree 5,666 9.7% 7.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bowling Green

How much people earn in Bowling Green

The average annual household income in Bowling Green was $71,555 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,873, reflecting a +0.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bowling Green
$71,555/year
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bowling Green
$48,873/year
0.9% year-over-year change

Bowling Green income by age

In Bowling Green, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $57,641. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $54,609 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $29,010, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,016 in earnings. Overall, 74.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $29,010 0.8%
25 - 44 $57,641 3.2%
45 - 64 $54,609 -6.2%
Over 65 $50,016 -1.3%
Above poverty level
51,382
Below poverty level
17,673
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 51,382 74.4% 2.0%
Below poverty level 17,673 25.6% 3.5%

Average renter income in Bowling Green

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bowling Green, their median household income was $35,919 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$35,919
Rent-to-income ratio
33.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Bowling Green

Workforce and job types in Bowling Green

The job market in Bowling Green is powered by 36,885 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.3% run their own businesses, 72.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
36,885
-0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
26,370
Blue collar
10,515
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 26,370 71.5% -2.3%
Blue collar 10,515 28.5% 4.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.3%
Private companies
72.4%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,690 7.3% 0.5%
Private companies 26,710 72.4% -2.0%
Governmental workers 4,592 12.4% 7.5%
Not for profit companies 2,893 7.8% 1.7%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
-5.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bowling Green stands at 4.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bowling Green

How people get around in Bowling Green

In Bowling Green, the average commute time is 18 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
18 min
-5.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 30,576 86.2% -2.3%
Taxicab 3 0% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 84 0.2% -11.6%
Motorcycle 39 0.1% 25.8%
Bicycle 65 0.2% -45.8%
Walk 1,969 5.6% 17.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bowling Green by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
42101 65,421 24,361 $48,217 $64,512
42103 21,911 9,944 $87,689 $134,924
42104 42,076 17,045 $75,164 $93,615

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FAQs about Bowling Green demographics 

What is the total population of Bowling Green?

Bowling Green has a total population of 75,388 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bowling Green?

The gender ratio in Bowling Green is as follows:
  • 50.3% males (37,902 residents)
  • 49.7% females (37,486 residents)

What is the median age in Bowling Green?

The median age in Bowling Green is 28.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bowling Green?

The age distribution in Bowling Green is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19% (14,347 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 25.2% (19,018 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (20,356 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.3% (13,037 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.4% (8,630 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bowling Green?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bowling Green is as follows:
  • White: 65% (49,001 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.2% (10,716 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (662 residents)
  • Asian: 7.8% (5,909 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.1% (827 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7% (5,239 residents)
  • Other: 4% (3,034 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bowling Green are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.7% of the population in Bowling Green.

How many housing units are there in Bowling Green?

There are 33,481 housing units in Bowling Green, reflecting a +2.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bowling Green and what is the average household size?

Bowling Green has a total of 30,633 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bowling Green?

Bowling Green has a median household income of $48,873, representing a +0.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bowling Green?

The employment rate is 95.1% in Bowling Green, with a workforce of 36,885 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.5% (26,370 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.5% (10,515 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.3% (2,690 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.4% (26,710 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (4,592 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.8% (2,893 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025