Bowling Green, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Bowling Green, Kentucky is 73,638 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest city in Kentucky. The median household income is $48,419, the median home value is $232,100, and the median age is 27.9.
The population has grown 32.4% since 2010 (59,727 → 79,076).
73,638
Population
1754
People / sq mi
$48,419
Median Income
$232,100
Median Home Value
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Bowling Green covers 42.0 sq mi of land at 1754 people per square mile.
About Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green skews on age — the median resident is 27.9, younger than the national median. Bowling Green is a city in Kentucky with a population of 73,638. It is the #3-largest of all cities in Kentucky nationally.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $48,419, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 17.2% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $232,100, with typical rent around $948.
32.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.2%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Bowling Green city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Bowling Green city had a population of 59,727 in 2010 and 79,076 in 2024, a 32.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 79,076 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.03%.
79,076
Population (2024)
59,727
Population (2010)
79,076
Peak (2024)
2.03%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 59,727 |
| 2011 | 60,357 |
| 2012 | 61,294 |
| 2013 | 62,698 |
| 2014 | 63,528 |
| 2015 | 64,940 |
| 2016 | 66,087 |
| 2017 | 67,866 |
| 2018 | 68,633 |
| 2019 | 70,543 |
| 2020 | 72,472 |
| 2021 | 73,151 |
| 2022 | 75,233 |
| 2023 | 77,069 |
| 2024 | 79,076 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 67.4% |
| Black or African American | 12.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$48,419
Median Household Income
$28,819
Per Capita Income
17.2%
Poverty Rate
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$232,100
Median Home Value
$948
Median Rent
37.3%
Owner-Occupied
Education
85.5%
High School+
32.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.3%
Drive Alone
74.5%
Public Transit
5.2%
Work From Home
18.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
31.5%
Foreign Born
79.4%
Non-English at Home
5.0%
Veterans
14.6%
With Disability
90.8%
Health Insurance
95.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 22.2% |
| Manufacturing | 15.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 14.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.3% |
| Retail Trade | 6.0% |
| Construction | 5.1% |
| Information | 4.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.7% |
| Public Administration | 1.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.9% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.6% |
Largest cities in Kentucky
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bowling Green, Kentucky has a population of 73,638 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest city in Kentucky.
The median household income in Bowling Green, Kentucky is $48,419, with 17.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Bowling Green, Kentucky is $232,100, with median monthly rent at $948 and a homeownership rate of 37.3%.
The median age in Bowling Green, Kentucky is 27.9 years. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The population has grown 32.4% since 2010 (59,727 → 79,076).
Bowling Green city, KY Climate
Bowling Green city, KY has an average annual temperature of 14.2°C (58°F) and receives about 1290 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.2°C
Avg Temp
1290
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 34° | 96 mm |
| February | 4° / 38° | 105 mm |
| March | 9° / 48° | 128 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 107 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 131 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 109 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 114 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 86 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 98 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 79 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 112 mm |
| December | 4° / 39° | 125 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Bowling Green city, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Bowling Green city, KY are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
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Statewide data for Kentucky
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Kentucky
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.