Owensboro, KY demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
60,302
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,357/yr
5.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
27,274
0.2% year-over-year change

Owensboro population

How many people live in Owensboro

Owensboro is home to 60,302 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Owensboro locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
60,302
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
29,480
Female
51.1%
30,822
Value Percent YoY change
Male 29,480 48.9% 0.0%
Female 30,822 51.1% 0.6%
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 Owensboro is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.3% are children under 15, then 14.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.9% of the population, while another 22.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.3%
15 to 24
14.5%
25 to 44
24.9%
45 to 64
22.3%
Over 65
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 11,622 19.3% -1.2%
15 to 24 8,741 14.5% 5.0%
25 to 44 15,013 24.9% 0.9%
45 to 64 13,469 22.3% -4.6%
Over 65 11,457 19% 3.9%
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 Owensboro, 94.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.1% of locals are Caucasian, 6.4% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
3.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 56,738 94.1% 0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,571 2.6% 12.1%
Non-citizens 1,993 3.3% -6.6%
Racial breakdown
White
80.1%
Black or African American
6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.1%
Other
3.5%
Value Percent
White 48,295 80.1%
Black or African American 3,849 6.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 145 0.2%
Asian 1,601 2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 22 0%
Two or more races 4,263 7.1%
Other 2,127 3.5%

Households in Owensboro

A peek inside Owensboro households

Owensboro has 25,451 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57% are families, while the remaining 43% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
25,451
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
10,949
Family households
14,502
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 10,949 43% 2.8%
Family households 14,502 57% -0.2%
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 Owensboro

The housing landscape of Owensboro

Owensboro's housing consists of 27,274 units, with 69.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.9% 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 1.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
27,274
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 19,045 69.8%
1 unit, attached 529 1.9%
2 units 1,232 4.5%
3 or 4 units 2,065 7.6%
5 to 9 units 1,604 5.9%
10 to 19 units 1,004 3.7%
20 to 49 units 495 1.8%
50 or more units 871 3.2%
Mobile home 407 1.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 22 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
382
282.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Owensboro

In Owensboro, the median construction year is 1972. About 8.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,259 8.3% -9.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,913 7% 15.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,573 16.8% 1.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 4,136 15.2% 3.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,955 18.2% -0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,324 8.5% -12.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,780 10.2% -8.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,671 9.8% 5.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,281 4.7% -0.8%
Built in 2020 or later 382 1.4% 282.0%
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.

Owensboro occupancy rates

Out of the 25,451 occupied housing units in Owensboro, 57.4% are owner-occupied, while 42.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
25,451
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,839
Owner occupied
14,612
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,839 42.6% -2.6%
Owner occupied 14,612 57.4% 4.0%
Unoccupied housing units
6.7%
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.

Owensboro housing costs

Housing costs in Owensboro come to a median of $925 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $905.

Median housing costs per month
$925/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 Owensboro
$905/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 Owensboro

Owensboro education at a glance

About 41.9% of the population in Owensboro went to high school, while 22.9% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 14.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,435 3.1% -11.9%
High school diploma 19,268 41.9% 0.5%
College diploma 10,502 22.9% 2.5%
Associate degree 4,042 8.8% -3.7%
Bachelor's degree 6,534 14.2% 2.0%
Graduate degree 4,160 9.1% 2.4%
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 Owensboro

How much people earn in Owensboro

The average annual household income in Owensboro was $78,079 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,357, reflecting a +5.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Owensboro
$78,079/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Owensboro
$56,357/year
5.8% year-over-year change

Owensboro income by age

In Owensboro, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,737. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $63,529 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,886, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,967 in earnings. Overall, 81.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,886 4.2%
25 - 44 $68,737 6.0%
45 - 64 $63,529 -1.8%
Over 65 $42,967 2.9%
Above poverty level
46,775
Below poverty level
10,908
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 46,775 81.1% 1.3%
Below poverty level 10,908 18.9% -3.6%

Average renter income in Owensboro

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Owensboro, their median household income was $34,104 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$34,104
Rent-to-income ratio
31.8%
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 Owensboro

Workforce and job types in Owensboro

The job market in Owensboro is powered by 26,820 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.4% run their own businesses, 71.7% are employed by private companies, and 12.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
26,820
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
19,704
Blue collar
7,116
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 19,704 73.5% 2.4%
Blue collar 7,116 26.5% -7.2%
Employer type
Self employees
6.4%
Private companies
71.7%
Governmental workers
12.1%
Not for profit companies
9.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,725 6.4% 0.1%
Private companies 19,220 71.7% -0.7%
Governmental workers 3,235 12.1% 2.9%
Not for profit companies 2,640 9.8% -1.7%
Unemployment rate
5.3%
8.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Owensboro stands at 5.3%, 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 Owensboro

How people get around in Owensboro

Commuting methods vary: 89.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 23,744 89.9% -1.1%
Taxicab 32 0.1% 18.5%
Bus or trolleybus 121 0.5% 36.0%
Subway or elevated 5 0% N/A
Motorcycle 17 0.1% N/A
Bicycle 132 0.5% -13.2%
Walk 504 1.9% -17.1%
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 Owensboro by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
42301 45,445 18,381 $66,885 $80,481
42303 42,119 17,220 $64,773 $95,193

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FAQs about Owensboro demographics 

What is the total population of Owensboro?

Owensboro has a total population of 60,302 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Owensboro?

The gender ratio in Owensboro is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (29,480 residents)
  • 51.1% females (30,822 residents)

What is the median age in Owensboro?

The median age in Owensboro is 37.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Owensboro?

The age distribution in Owensboro is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.3% (11,622 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.5% (8,741 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.9% (15,013 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.3% (13,469 residents)
  • Over 65: 19% (11,457 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Owensboro?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Owensboro is as follows:
  • White: 80.1% (48,295 residents)
  • Black or African American: 6.4% (3,849 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (145 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (1,601 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (22 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.1% (4,263 residents)
  • Other: 3.5% (2,127 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.1% of the population in Owensboro.

How many housing units are there in Owensboro?

There are 27,274 housing units in Owensboro, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Owensboro has a total of 25,451 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Owensboro?

Owensboro has a median household income of $56,357, representing a +5.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Owensboro?

The employment rate is 94.7% in Owensboro, with a workforce of 26,820 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.5% (19,704 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.5% (7,116 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.4% (1,725 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.7% (19,220 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.1% (3,235 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.8% (2,640 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