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Bowling Green, KY Metro Area

Bowling Green, KY · Metro Area

186,959Population

A metropolitan statistical area of 4 counties (1 central, 3 outlying), part of the Bowling Green-Glasgow-Franklin, KY combined area. The counties are tied together by commuting: people live in one and work in another.

Median household income
$63,328
Median home value
$233,700
Land area
1,616 sq mi
116 people per sq mi

Market now

Counties in this metro area

Central counties hold the urban core; outlying counties are linked to it by commuting.

CountyRolePopulationMedian incomeMedian home value
Warren County, KYCentral140,918$65,794$258,000
Allen County, KYOutlying21,293$61,403$192,300
Butler County, KYOutlying12,393$56,092$111,100
Edmonson County, KYOutlying12,355$54,937$160,300

Largest cities and towns

11 places in our city pages lie in this area.

PlaceTypePopulationMedian income
Bowling Green, KYCity75,388$48,873
Scottsville, KYCity4,427$35,562
Morgantown, KYCity2,479$37,604
Plano, KYCDP1,290$80,188
Brownsville, KYCity1,068$35,481
Smiths Grove, KYCity786$53,098
Plum Springs, KYCity405$61,635
Woodburn, KYCity319$85,625
Oakland, KYCity280$67,188
Rochester, KYCity155$78,542
Woodbury, KYCity84$70,357

Also in the Bowling Green-Glasgow-Franklin, KY combined area

Demographic Rates

Poverty Rate
16.7%
Unemployment
4.9%
College Educated
27.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1701, S2301, S1501

Race & Ethnicity

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B02001, B03003

Income Profile

Median Household Income
$63,328
Mean Household Income
$85,606

Income Distribution

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S1902, S1903, B19013, B19113

Sex Distribution

Male
49.6%
Female
50.4%

Population Split

Male49.6%
Female50.4%

The sex distribution of a population provides insight into the demographic balance of a community. Significant skews in this ratio can be influenced by local industries (e.g., military bases, mining, or tech hubs), educational institutions, or migration patterns. Understanding this balance is essential for planning public health initiatives and social services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Ancestry

English13.2%
Irish9.1%
German8.9%
Mexican3.2%
Italian2.4%
Scottish2.1%
African1.4%
Polish1.3%
French0.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B04006

Immigration & Nativity

Nativity Status

8.2%Foreign Born
91.8%Native Born

Citizenship Status

Naturalized37.0%
Non-Citizen63.0%

Period of Entry

2010 or Later55.8%
Before 201044.2%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B05001, B05002

Housing Characteristics

Total Housing Units
81,047
Median Rent
$975/mo
Median Home Value
$233,700
Median Year Built
1992

Housing Tenure

Housing Types

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table DP04

Education Enrollment

Total Enrolled
47,764
College Enrollment
28.2%
High School
18.2%
College Educated
27.3%

K-12 Enrollment

Higher Education

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1401, S1501

Transportation & Commute

Mean Commute Time
22.1 min
Drive Alone Rate
76.6%
Public Transit
0.1%
Work From Home
7.0%

Commute Mode

Vehicle Ownership

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0801, B08141

Age Distribution

Under 18
23.2%
18-34 Years
26.4%
35-64 Years
35.7%
65+ Years
14.7%

Population Composition

Under 1823.2%
18-3426.4%
35-6435.7%
65+14.7%

The age distribution of a community impacts local services, school requirements, and the labor market. A higher percentage of youth suggests a need for schools and family services, while a larger senior population may indicate a retirement destination or a need for healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Household Composition

Married Couples
46.0%
Single Parent
6.0%
Living Alone
28.9%
Avg Size
2.47

Household Types

Married Couples46.0%
Single Parent6.0%
Living Alone28.9%

Household composition offers insights into the social fabric of a community. A high percentage of married couples often correlates with stability and higher household incomes, while a significant number of single-person households may indicate a younger transient population or an aging community.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1101

Economic Profile

Per Capita Income
$34,032
SNAP Usage
13.3%
Health Insurance
91.9%

Household Income Breakdown

Under $25k19.0%
$25k - $50k22.2%
$50k - $100k30.2%
$100k+28.6%

Key Industries

Manufacturing
18.3%
Retail Trade
12.4%
Education & Health Care
22.7%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S2201, DP03

Health & Disability

Disability Rate

15.7%With Disability

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability.

Health Insurance Coverage

91.9%With Coverage

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with health insurance coverage.

Why this matters: High disability rates may indicate a need for accessible infrastructure and specialized healthcare services. Health insurance coverage is a key indicator of a community's access to preventative care and financial resilience against medical emergencies.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1810, S2701

Technology Access

Broadband Internet
89.4%vs ~90% National Avg
Computer Ownership
94.4%vs ~95% National Avg
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S2801

Cost of Living & Housing

Cost of Living Scale

Lower is better
90.2
0130
Below average< 97
Near average97 - 103
Above average> 103

Prices compared with the US average (100). 105 means about 5% more expensive than average.

Housing Affordability

Higher is better
140.1
0200
Hard to Afford< 80
Moderate80 - 100
Affordable> 100

100 means a family earning the median family income just qualifies to buy the median-value home (20% down, 30-year loan at 6.72%).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities · NAR affordability formula with Census ACS 2020–2024 incomes and home values and the Freddie Mac 30-year rate (2024)