Median Income
$101,250
35% higher than US avg
Home Value
$276,400
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
492/100K
30% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
49.6%
47% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,470
26% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.1%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
13.2%
267% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Big Delta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population646
Median Age29.7 yrs
Density14/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$101,250
Per Capita$26,793
Unemployment13.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$7,891M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$276,400
Rent$1,470
Ownership62.0%
Zillow$320,632
Housing Units291
Rent Burden23.0%
Crime
F
Violent492/100K
Property3,087/100K
Health
Obesity33.1%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking16.0%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp26°F (-3°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain12.6 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,020 ft (311 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+49.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+12.4%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute12 min
Broadband67.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Big Delta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Delta receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Big Delta offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Big Delta is $101,250, which is significantly higher than the national average / 35% above $75,149. This places Big Delta among higher-income communities. At 13.2%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Delta is $276,400, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,470 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 492 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,087 per 100,000, 58% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 49.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Delta has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F. Winters average -7°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.6 inches, including 42.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Big Delta has a population of 646 with a density of 14 people per square mile, spread across 53.3 square miles. The median age is 29.7 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.4% female and 63.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.7yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Big Delta vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Big Delta vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Big Delta is $101,250, which is 35% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,793 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,340. The unemployment rate is 13.2% (above 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 2,441 business establishments, including 247 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Big Delta vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $101,250 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,793 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,952 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 13.2% |
| 267% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,441 |
| County GDP | $7,891M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 247 |
| Healthcare | 325 |
| Retail | 270 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Big Delta is $276,400, 2% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,470 (26% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 291 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. The average annual property tax is $6,621 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $276,400 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $320,632 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,470 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,061 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,467 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,304 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.0% |
| Housing Units | 291 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.40% |
In Big Delta, 33.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.0% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 19.8% report depression. 16.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166. The dentist ratio is 1:706. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Delta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.1% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.0% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,166 |
| Dentists | 1:706 |
| Mental Health | 1:118 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.0% |
| Dental Visits | 59.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,713/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 325 |
Big Delta has a violent crime rate of 492 per 100,000 residents, 30% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,087 per 100,000, 58% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Big Delta receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Big Delta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 492.2/100K |
| 30% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,087.3/100K |
| 58% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Big Delta has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F (-3°C). Winters average -7°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 65°F. The area gets 274 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 12.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 1,020 feet.
Temperature
-7°F Jan (-21°C)
58°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 25.9°F |
| 52% below US avg |
| January Average | -7°F (-21°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (15°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,020 ft (311 m) |
| Area | 53.3 sq mi (138.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 14/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.1570°N, 145.7409°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Fairbanks North Star Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
78 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.6"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.48"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0254 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.74 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.29 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,664 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.9. Most recent: M3.4 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
2002 Denali Fault, Alaska Earthquake |
M7.9 |
110 km |
| Oct 23, 2002 |
53 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M6.6 |
128 km |
| Oct 22, 1996 |
31 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.7 |
92 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km NNW of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
96 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km N of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
95 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
45 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.4 |
135 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
19 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.4 |
101 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
36 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.4 |
99 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
4 km SW of Salcha, Alaska |
M5.3 |
70 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
41 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.2 |
119 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
32 km SW of Dry Creek, Alaska |
M5.2 |
89 km |
| Jul 5, 2002 |
77 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
109 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
78 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M5.1 |
107 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
44 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.1 |
117 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
36 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
145 km |
| Jan 24, 2003 |
31 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.1 |
103 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
28 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.0 |
103 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
57 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.0 |
126 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
27 km SW of Dry Creek, Alaska |
M4.9 |
81 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
14 km N of Paxson, Alaska |
M4.9 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CAMP CREEK (173,441 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
CAMP CREEK |
173,441 |
55 km |
| 2013 |
STUART CREEK #2 |
87,981 |
81 km |
| 2002 |
SPURS |
72,638 |
41 km |
| 2022 |
2022 OKLAHOMA AND STUART CREEK RX |
63,684 |
40 km |
| 1998 |
CARLA LAKE |
62,508 |
20 km |
| 2013 |
MISSISSIPPI |
59,188 |
22 km |
| 2023 |
DELTA |
57,975 |
37 km |
| 2021 |
MUNSON CREEK |
54,099 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
1 OKLAHOMA RANGE |
53,368 |
37 km |
| 2023 |
POGO MINE ROAD |
51,225 |
19 km |
| 2003 |
SAND CREEK |
49,787 |
33 km |
| 2012 |
DRY CREEK |
49,047 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
EAST VOLKMAR |
48,652 |
48 km |
| 1987 |
GRANITE CREEK |
40,844 |
34 km |
| 2009 |
OKLAHOMA 2 |
38,398 |
38 km |
| 2015 |
BLAIR |
37,977 |
71 km |
| 2004 |
TORS |
32,002 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
LITTLE DELTA |
29,836 |
59 km |
| 2019 |
OREGON LAKES |
23,924 |
28 km |
| 1990 |
MILITARY 7 |
23,797 |
37 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-7°F (-21°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
2°F (-17°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| April |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| May |
45°F (7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| June |
56°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| July |
58°F (15°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| September |
44°F (6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
-2°F (-19°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Big Delta has a seasonal temperature swing of 65°F / from -7°F in January to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.5") and March the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Big Delta. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154–$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205–$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102–$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819–$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77–$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154–$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51–$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410–$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102–$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61–$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51–$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154–$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096–$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410–$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632–$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512–$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120–$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048–$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819–$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205–$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024–$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31–$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77–$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51–$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07–$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56–$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56–$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07–$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10–$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61–$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82–$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51–$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77–$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229–$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31–$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614–$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512–$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205–$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26–$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410–$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120–$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51–$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102–$410) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,711 |
| Toddler | $1,239 |
| Preschool | $1,148 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,368 |
| Toddler | $1,018 |
| Preschool | $933 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Delta
What is the population of Big Delta?
Big Delta has a population of 646 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 14 people per square mile, spread across 53.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.4% female and 63.6% male.
Is Big Delta expensive to live in?
Big Delta has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $101,250, 35% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $276,400 (2% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,470 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Big Delta safe?
The violent crime rate in Big Delta is 492 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,087 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Big Delta receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Big Delta?
Big Delta has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F (-3°C). Winter temperatures average -7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.6 inches, with 42.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Big Delta?
The job market in Big Delta faces challenges, with unemployment at 13.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,340. There are 2,441 business establishments in the area, including 247 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Delta?
The median home value in Big Delta is $276,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,470. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,621.
How are the schools in Big Delta?
Schools in Big Delta score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 49.6% of adults in Big Delta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 12.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Delta?
The obesity rate in Big Delta is 33.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166.
What is transportation like in Big Delta?
The average commute in Big Delta is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Delta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Delta is 100% White. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 92.1% have health insurance coverage.
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