Median Income
$48,672
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$261,400
7% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
86/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.9%
12% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.8%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Big Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population307
Median Age53.2 yrs
Density79/mi²
Male / Female30% / 70%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$48,672
Per Capita$21,913
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,597M
Commute24 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$261,400
Ownership82.4%
Zillow$218,521
Housing Units525
Rent Burden15.6%
Crime
F
Violent86/100K
Property1,686/100K
Health
Obesity36.8%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking14.7%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.8 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation637 ft (194 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+37.9%
High School+97.0%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 54%
Commute24 min
Broadband71.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Big Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Bay receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Big Bay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Big Bay is $48,672, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Bay is $261,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. The price-to-income ratio of 5.4x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Big Bay is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,686 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches, including 132.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Big Bay has a population of 307 with a density of 79 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age is 53.2 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 69.7% female and 30.3% male. The city is predominantly White (93.5%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.2yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.2%
61% below US avg
The median household income in Big Bay is $48,672, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,913 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,051, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,762 business establishments, including 184 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,672 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,913 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,051 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,951 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,762 |
| County GDP | $3,597M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 184 |
| Healthcare | 217 |
| Retail | 260 |
| Manufacturing | 48 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,514 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 62.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Big Bay is $261,400, 7% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,521, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 525 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1951. The average annual property tax is $5,514 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 15.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $261,400 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $218,521 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.6% |
| Housing Units | 525 |
| Median Year Built | 1951 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,514 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.11% |
In Big Bay, 36.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 20.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:870. The dentist ratio is 1:1,111. 84.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Bay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.8% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.0% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:870 |
| Dentists | 1:1,111 |
| Mental Health | 1:198 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 68.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,011/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 217 |
Big Bay has a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,686 per 100,000, 14% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Big Bay receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Big Bay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 86.5/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,686.1/100K |
| 14% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Big Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.8 inches. The area receives 132.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 637 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 41.8°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 637 ft (194 m) |
| Area | 5.9 sq mi (15.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 79/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.8173°N, 87.7080°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Marquette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marquette/Sawyer Regional (MQT)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.8"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
26 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1972 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1968 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1964 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2012 |
EF1 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 2000 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1987 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1973 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1968 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 2014 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2011 |
EF0 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 2005 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2003 |
EF0 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1997 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1995 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 1987 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MARQUETTE9 (4,224 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
MARQUETTE9 |
4,224 |
43 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE11 |
3,983 |
63 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE13 |
2,491 |
70 km |
| 2007 |
BARAGA BUMP |
1,047 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
FALLS |
820 |
47 km |
| 2009 |
PINERY |
695 |
52 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE10 |
671 |
47 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE9 |
521 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Big Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 17°F in February to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Big Bay. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $618 |
| Toddler | $627 |
| Preschool | $627 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $860 |
| Toddler | $806 |
| Preschool | $806 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Bay
What is the population of Big Bay?
Big Bay has a population of 307 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 79 people per square mile, spread across 5.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 69.7% female and 30.3% male.
Is Big Bay expensive to live in?
Big Bay has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $48,672, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $261,400 (7% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Big Bay safe?
Big Bay is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,686 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Big Bay receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Big Bay?
Big Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 32.8 inches, with 132.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Big Bay?
The job market in Big Bay is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,051. There are 1,762 business establishments in the area, including 184 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Bay?
The median home value in Big Bay is $261,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,521. The homeownership rate is 82.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,514.
How are the schools in Big Bay?
Schools in Big Bay score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.9% of adults in Big Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.0% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Bay?
The obesity rate in Big Bay is 36.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 20.0% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:870.
What is transportation like in Big Bay?
The average commute in Big Bay is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 62.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Bay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Bay is 93.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.2% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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