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
Largest counties in Kentucky
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
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).
Where to stay in Bowling Green
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.