Taxes in Bowling Green, Kentucky
Complete tax guide for Bowling Green, KY. State income tax up to 4%, 0.71% property tax, 6% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
4%
Kentucky
Property Tax
0.71%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
6%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Very Low
Bowling Green, KY Tax Overview
No city occupational tax
Population
80,447
Median Income
$42,611
Cost of Living
85.7 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
4%
Median Home Price
$210,000
Bowling Green Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Bowling Green median: $42,611
Total Tax Burden in Bowling Green
$8,039
Take-Home: $34,572 · Effective Rate: 18.87%
Federal Tax
$3,075
7.22% eff.
KY State
$1,704
4.00% eff.
FICA
$3,260
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$34,572
81.13% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $42,611.00 | $3,550.92 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$3,074.82 | -$256.23 |
| Kentucky State Tax | -$1,704.44 | -$142.04 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$2,641.88 | -$220.16 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$617.86 | -$51.49 |
| Take-Home Pay | $34,572.00 | $2,881.00 |
Property Tax in Bowling Green
Median Home
$210,000
Annual Tax
$1,491
Monthly Tax
$124
Effective Rate
0.71%
Sales Tax in Bowling Green
Combined Rate
6%
State Portion
~3.5%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Bowling Green is 6%, which is below the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $6.00 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Bowling Green | Kentucky Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 4% | 4% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.71% | ~0.71% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 6% | ~6% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Very Low | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Bowling Green
Bowling Green has a population of approximately 80,447 residents with a median household income of $42,611. The cost of living index is 85.7 (14.3% lower than the national average of 100).
Local context: No city occupational tax
Tax burden classification: Very Low. Effective combined tax rate of 22.9% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Bowling Green household.
Official Tax Resources for Kentucky
For authoritative Kentucky tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- Kentucky Department of Revenue — official state revenue agency
- Kentucky Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for Bowling Green Residents
- Kentucky's income tax rate of 4% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- Property tax in Bowling Green (0.71%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Kentucky
Sources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and Kentucky state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use Bowling Green's median home value of $210,000and the local effective property tax rate of 0.71%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: Kentucky Department of Revenue
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate Your Full Kentucky Tax Burden
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Bowling Green, KY?
Bowling Green, Kentucky has a state income tax rate up to 4%. The property tax rate is 0.71% and the combined sales tax rate is 6%. No city occupational tax
How much is property tax in Bowling Green?
The effective property tax rate in Bowling Green is 0.71%. On the median home price of $210,000, this equals approximately $1,491 per year or $124 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Bowling Green?
The combined sales tax rate in Bowling Green is 6%, which includes both state and local components. This is below the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Bowling Green's tax burden compare to other cities?
Bowling Green has a very low overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 22.9%. The combination of 4% state income tax, 0.71% property tax, and 6% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 85.7 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Bowling Green?
Bowling Green does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 4%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). No city occupational tax