Home Value
$103,600
63% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.1%
91% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$776
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.5%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.9%
92% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.9%
77% higher than US avg
How Big Clifty Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population302
Median Age27.0 yrs
Density210/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
Per Capita$28,282
Unemployment6.9%
Poverty21.9%
County GDP$997M
Commute36 min
Housing
Home Value$103,600
Rent$776
Ownership70.4%
Zillow$175,948
Housing Units157
Rent Burden36.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,339/100K
Health
Obesity34.5%
Smoking23.3%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain49.8 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation747 ft (228 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.1%
High School+55.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.61
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute36 min
Broadband92.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Big Clifty a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Clifty receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, long commute times. Big Clifty faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 6.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 21.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Clifty is $103,600, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $776 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Big Clifty is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,339 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
3.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 55.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Clifty experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.8 inches, including 9.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Big Clifty has a population of 302 with a density of 210 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 27.0 years, 31% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.4% female and 58.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 22.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.0yrs
Median Age
31% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Big Clifty vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Big Clifty vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $28,282 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $847, 41% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 687 business establishments, including 36 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Big Clifty vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $28,282 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $847 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,508 |
| Gini Index | 0.483 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.9% |
| 77% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 687 |
| County GDP | $997M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 36 |
| Healthcare | 64 |
| Retail | 95 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,458 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Big Clifty is $103,600, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,948, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $776 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 157 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2002. The average annual property tax is $2,458 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 36.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $103,600 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $175,948 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $776 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.6% |
| Housing Units | 157 |
| Median Year Built | 2002 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,458 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.37% |
In Big Clifty, 34.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 38.0% have high blood pressure. 23.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 33.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,658. The dentist ratio is 1:2,959. 27.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Clifty vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.5% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.3% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.3% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,658 |
| Dentists | 1:2,959 |
| Mental Health | 1:789 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 13,589/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 64 |
Big Clifty has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,339 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Big Clifty receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Big Clifty vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,339.3/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Big Clifty experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 305 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 49.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 747 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.8°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 747 ft (228 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 210/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5450°N, 86.1510°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Grayson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Bowling Green-Warren County Regional (BWG)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.8"
31% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 68.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
27 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.8 on May 11, 2025.
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
150 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
139 km |
| Jan 24, 1990 |
6 km WNW of Alton, Indiana |
M3.9 |
73 km |
| Jan 27, 1990 |
6 km N of Alton, Indiana |
M3.8 |
75 km |
| May 30, 2023 |
6 km W of Calhoun, Kentucky |
M3.0 |
104 km |
| Nov 28, 1998 |
6 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.9 |
102 km |
| Aug 20, 2015 |
6 km SE of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
126 km |
| Jan 28, 1991 |
9 km SW of Sacramento, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
106 km |
| May 11, 2025 |
11 km SE of High Bridge, Kentucky |
M2.8 |
138 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
8 km ENE of New Amsterdam, Indiana |
M2.7 |
66 km |
| Mar 6, 2000 |
0 km E of Darmstadt, Indiana |
M2.7 |
139 km |
| Aug 15, 2001 |
5 km SSE of Spottsville, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
114 km |
| Mar 21, 1990 |
1 km W of Spring Mill, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
80 km |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
4 km E of Burgin, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| Aug 4, 2023 |
11 km ENE of Lancaster, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Feb 27, 2020 |
5 km SW of Bremen, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
101 km |
| Sep 12, 2015 |
5 km SE of Corydon, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
134 km |
| Jan 8, 1995 |
Kentucky |
M2.6 |
99 km |
| Mar 22, 1990 |
9 km E of Rochester, Kentucky |
M2.6 |
68 km |
| Aug 26, 2000 |
6 km N of Boonville, Indiana |
M2.6 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
421 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 95 fatalities, 1,261 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
79 km |
6 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF5 |
39 km |
31 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF4 |
99 km |
11 |
| May 28, 1996 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
29 km |
3 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
81 km |
3 |
| Apr 27, 1971 |
EF4 |
76 km |
6 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Dec 11, 2021 |
EF3 |
81 km |
16 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2003 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2000 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jan 3, 2000 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1997 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLOATING MILL HOLLOW (2,422 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
FLOATING MILL HOLLOW |
2,422 |
38 km |
| 2008 |
BROOKS KNOB |
2,225 |
39 km |
| 2012 |
FY2012 CRYSTAL CAVE BROADCAST BURN |
2,221 |
38 km |
| 2010 |
JOPPA CHURCH |
2,037 |
41 km |
| 2004 |
JIM LEE |
1,770 |
42 km |
| 2009 |
TEMPLE HILL |
1,628 |
37 km |
| 2009 |
JIM LEE |
1,613 |
42 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD DEER |
1,557 |
76 km |
| 2007 |
Big Woods |
1,500 |
35 km |
| 2008 |
GOBLIN KNOB |
1,445 |
35 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,336 |
67 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
66 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,039 |
74 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
959 |
67 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
910 |
72 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
892 |
72 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
848 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
LONG RUN RX |
774 |
69 km |
| 2010 |
RICEVILLE RX |
671 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
DENNISON FERRY RX |
655 |
38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.6 in |
|
Big Clifty has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 32°F in January to 75°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 49.4 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Big Clifty. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $732 |
| Toddler | $644 |
| Preschool | $644 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $564 |
| Toddler | $540 |
| Preschool | $540 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Clifty
What is the population of Big Clifty?
Big Clifty has a population of 302 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 210 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.4% female and 58.6% male.
Is Big Clifty expensive to live in?
Big Clifty is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $103,600 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $776 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Big Clifty safe?
Big Clifty is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,339 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Big Clifty receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Big Clifty?
Big Clifty has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.8 inches, with 9.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Big Clifty?
The unemployment rate in Big Clifty is 6.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $847. There are 687 business establishments in the area, including 36 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Clifty?
The median home value in Big Clifty is $103,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $175,948. For renters, the median monthly rent is $776. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,458.
How are the schools in Big Clifty?
Schools in Big Clifty score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.1% of adults in Big Clifty hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 55.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Clifty?
The obesity rate in Big Clifty is 34.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.3% of adults are smokers. 33.1% are physically inactive. 27.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,658.
What is transportation like in Big Clifty?
The average commute in Big Clifty is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Clifty?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Clifty is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 22.5% of residents have a disability. 90.3% have health insurance coverage.
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