Median Income
$51,099
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$59,700
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.0%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$809
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.3%
1% lower than US avg
How Bicknell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,879
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density2,133/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,099
Per Capita$29,513
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty12.3%
County GDP$2,502M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$59,700
Rent$809
Ownership62.9%
Zillow$105,208
Housing Units1,474
Rent Burden24.7%
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured5.5%
Smoking20.5%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain45.4 in/yr
Elevation511 ft (156 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.0%
High School+88.7%
Graduate+1.4%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute30 min
Broadband84.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Bicknell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bicknell receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Bicknell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bicknell is $51,099, 32% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bicknell is $59,700, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $809 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
8.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Bicknell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.4 inches, including 15.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bicknell has a population of 2,879 with a density of 2,133 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.8% female and 54.2% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 1.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,879
Total Population
2023 Census
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Bicknell is $51,099, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,513 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 950 business establishments, including 85 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,099 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,513 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,860 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.3% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 950 |
| County GDP | $2,502M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 85 |
| Healthcare | 103 |
| Retail | 153 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,961 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Bicknell is $59,700, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $105,208, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $125,000 with homes selling in an average of 101 days. Homes sell for 86.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $809 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,474 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,961. 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $59,700 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $105,208 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $125,000 |
| Median List Price | $107,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $125,000 |
| Median List Price | $107,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $106 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Days on Market | 101 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 86.1% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $809 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,474 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,961 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.96% |
In Bicknell, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 35.2% have high blood pressure. 20.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 5.5% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,383. The dentist ratio is 1:1,988. 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bicknell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.2% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.5% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.5% |
| Uninsured | 5.5% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,383 |
| Dentists | 1:1,988 |
| Mental Health | 1:468 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,556/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 103 |
Bicknell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.4 inches. The area receives 15.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 87% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 511 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.4°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 511 ft (156 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,133/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7743°N, 87.3078°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Knox County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.4"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 87.2% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
58 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
62 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
60 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
95 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
61 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
94 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
100 km |
| Jun 17, 2021 |
Illinois-Indiana border region |
M3.8 |
118 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
101 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
38 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
65 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
61 km |
| Dec 20, 1990 |
5 km S of Stilesville, Indiana |
M3.7 |
108 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Apr 14, 2000 |
4 km NW of Heritage Lake, Indiana |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
63 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
59 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
60 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
109 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
463 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 29 fatalities, 637 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
92 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
37 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1989 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
67 km |
6 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
100 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2005 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Sep 20, 2002 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1989 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 10, 1986 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,547 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,547 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
898 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
FORK RIDGE RX |
697 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
RICEVILLE RX |
671 |
76 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
670 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Bicknell has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 30°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.5") and February the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Bicknell. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$233 ($140-$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187-$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93-$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746-$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70-$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140-$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23-$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47-$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140-$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373-$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93-$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56-$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47-$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140-$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732-$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373-$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132-$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467-$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665-$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866-$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746-$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187-$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933-$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70-$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47-$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80-$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33-$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33-$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80-$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73-$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56-$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75-$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28-$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47-$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70-$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120-$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28-$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560-$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467-$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187-$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23-$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373-$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665-$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47-$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140-$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93-$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicknell
What is the population of Bicknell?
Bicknell has a population of 2,879 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 2,133 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.8% female and 54.2% male.
Is Bicknell expensive to live in?
Bicknell is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $51,099, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $59,700 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $809 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Bicknell?
Bicknell has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.4 inches, with 15.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Bicknell?
Bicknell has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 950 business establishments in the area, including 85 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bicknell?
The median home value in Bicknell is $59,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $105,208. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $125,000, with homes typically selling within 101 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $809. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,961.
How are the schools in Bicknell?
Schools in Bicknell score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.0% of adults in Bicknell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.7% have completed high school. 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bicknell?
The obesity rate in Bicknell is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.5% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 5.5% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,383.
What is transportation like in Bicknell?
The average commute in Bicknell is 30 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bicknell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bicknell is 90.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Asian. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 94.5% have health insurance coverage.