The City of Bowling Green is the county seat and a regional trade, transportation, and health care center. The City was named for a popular Revolutionary War event in New York City and developed rapidly as a port at the head of navigation on the Barren River. Today, excellent access is provided by the CSX rail system, Interstate 65, US Routes 68 and 231, and the William H. Natcher Parkway, all of which converge on the City. Bowling Green is home to Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green State Vocational Technical School, and two major hospitals, with several smaller specialty facilities. Industry is well established and diversified, featuring the General Motors Corvette plant, Hills Pet Nutrition products, Eaton Corporation, Holley Performance Products, and the headquarters of Fruit of the Loom, a major national underwear manufacturer.
Agriculture is still important, especially production of livestock and tobacco.
The Barren River bisects Warren County, leading first to the Green River, and then on to the Ohio near Henderson. In addition to flooding from the Barren River and its several tributaries, the County faces hazards from severe winter weather, electrical storms and tornadoes. Earthquakes in the New Madrid seismic zone, droughts, and hazardous materials incidents are other disaster risks to the area. In 1994, the County Judge Executive formed and chairs a Hazard Mitigation Team composed of concerned citizens, representatives of private industry, and local government officials to assess the hazards and risks and develop a plan to mitigate the potential of disasters. This Team remains active and serves as a vehicle for spearheading and implementing projects.