AreaScoop
Owensboro, KY

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Owensboro, KY

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Demographics

Predominantly WhiteSimpson's Diversity Index: 35
Population60,112
Foreign Born3.6%
Population Density2,821people per mi²
Median Age37.7 yrs
Demographics Trajectory
StableSince 2010, this city has held a relatively stable population and racial composition.
Current Race / Ethnicity Breakdown
Population Trends

Quality of Life

Overall Quality Of Life
B+
Good

Above-average quality of iife. The area offers a reasonable cost of living, decent mobility, and a mix of neighborhood amenities.

Quality of Life blends cost of living, nearby amenities, socioeconomic signals, and neighborhood character. City-level scores represent the whole municipality; individual neighborhoods can differ.

Cost of Living

70/100

30% below national average

A+

The Real Cost of Living in Owensboro, Kentucky

TierIndividualFamily (4)
Survival $14k$27k
Comfortable $32k$47k
Luxury $96k+$149k+
Elite (Top 5%) $129k+$199k+
Affordability Ratio

115%

The Hood Index™

A metric tracking the socioeconomic signals of the area.

A-
Hood Index scan area
Premium Lean79%
RisksNeutralGrowth
Premium
40
Positive
36
Poor
16
Negative
7

Groceries

7 within 10 miles

0.6mi

Gas

20 within 10 miles

0.6mi

Hospital

2 within 20 miles

3.2mi

Airport

BNA — Nashville International

115.2mi

Post Office

USPS — Owensboro, KY

1.1mi

Critical Amenities

Country Clubs

1 private club within 10 miles.

Golf0 
Camping5Nearest 24.8 mi
Marina0 
Winery0 
Ice Rink0 
Gun Range0 

Affluence Level

Overall Affluence Grade
D
Soft

A below-average socioeconomic profile. Incomes, home values, and educational attainment trail the U.S., with higher poverty and unemployment.

Median HHI
$53k+2.5%
29% below US avg
Est. Avg Net Worth
$279k
58% below US avg
College Educated
25.4%
27% below US avg
WFH
5.9%
59% below US avg
Homeownership
55.8%
15% below US avg
Median Home
$163k
42% below US avg

Crime

Overall Crime Grade
C-
Elevated

Higher crime rates than 57% of comparable U.S. locations.

Crime Rate
27.4
Incidents per 1,000 residents
5yr Trend
+20.0%
Overall crime change since 2020

Violent Crime

5yr+78.8%
Homicide
0.05 / 1k Residents88% above state avg
Robbery
0.44 / 1k Residents60% above state avg
Aggravated Assault
3.27 / 1k Residents142% above state avg

Property Crime

5yr−38.9%
Burglary
2.75 / 1k Residents73% above state avg
Larceny-Theft
18.22 / 1k Residents113% above state avg
Motor Vehicle Theft
2.04 / 1k Residents12% above state avg
Source: FBI Crime Data · 2025

Political Climate

Cook PVI: R+20Solidly Conservative

District shown is the primary district for this city’s centroid. Cities may span multiple districts.

Presidential Voting Trends for Owensboro, Kentucky
Dem Rep
20%30%40%50%60%70%2000200420082012201620202024

Personal Sovereignty

Personal Sovereignty measures your capacity for self-reliance and independence with minimal government friction. Higher scores mean fewer barriers between you and the way you want to live... but it assumes you have the space you need and good neighbors.

Overall Sovereignty Grade
B
Self-Reliant

Viable for self-reliance. Generally workable, though some barriers may limit total independence.

State Policy

Tax Burden
C+
Fair9.6% of income
Property Rights
D+
WeakIJ Grade D+
Firearm Rights
A
GreatFPC Grade A
Homeschooling
A-
GoodLow regulation

Energy independence: Importer (60% of energy produced in-state)

Personal Liberty

Raw Milk
D-
RestrictedLimited
Gambling Laws
C+
LimitedTribal · Poker · Sportsbetting
Marijuana Laws
C+
LimitedMedical only

Homesteading

Growing Season211 days294 frost-free
Annual Rainfall52.5"
Elevation427 ft

Strategic Assessment

Strategic Assessment grades tactical survivability using Joel Skousen's Strategic Relocation framework. Major population centers, blast zones, natural disasters, and border exposure all drive risk — lower exposure means a more defensible position in a crisis.

Learn more about Strategic Relocation ($)
Overall Strategic Grade
B-
Defensible

Workable tactical position. Some exposure to population density or targets, but generally defensible in a crisis.

Strategic Pillars

City Proximity
B
Fair730 mi to nearest major city
Pop. Density
D-
Poor2,821/sq mi
Fallout Danger
A+
Great0 within ~30 mi
Natural Disaster
F
PoorInland Flooding, Earthquake, Tornado, Heat Wave, Strong Wind
Border / Coast
A+
Greatborder 442 mi · coast 490 mi
FEMA Expected Loss$69.8M/yrfor the county

* Values derived from national, state, county, city and local statistics and may differ in a specific area. Last updated: 2026-04-21T10:47:14.000Z

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