Median Income
$26,071
65% lower than US avg
Home Value
$48,500
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
189/100K
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.3%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$550
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.0%
68% lower than US avg
How Big Falls Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population157
Median Age63.0 yrs
Density26/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$26,071
Per Capita$29,245
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty4.0%
County GDP$643M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$48,500
Rent$550
Ownership79.2%
Zillow$163,779
Housing Units154
Rent Burden27.5%
Crime
F
Violent189/100K
Property2,573/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking17.1%
Depression27.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (3°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain27.3 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation1,222 ft (372 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.3%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute25 min
Broadband79.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Big Falls a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Falls receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Big Falls has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Big Falls is $26,071, 65% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Falls is $48,500, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $550 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Big Falls is below the national average at 189 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,573 per 100,000, 31% above the national average.
Education
11.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Falls has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Big Falls has a population of 157 with a density of 26 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age is 63.0 years, 62% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58% female and 42% male. The city is predominantly White (94.9%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.3% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 31.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
63.0yrs
Median Age
62% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Big Falls vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.3%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.7%
95% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Big Falls vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Big Falls is $26,071, which is 65% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,245 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,093, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 428 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 27.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Big Falls vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $26,071 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,245 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,093 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,473 |
| Gini Index | 0.402 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.0% |
| 68% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 428 |
| County GDP | $643M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 51 |
| Retail | 74 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,029 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.25% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 27.4% |
The median home value in Big Falls is $48,500, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,779, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $550 (53% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 154 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $3,029. 27.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $48,500 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $163,779 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $550 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.8% |
| Housing Units | 154 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,029 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.25% |
In Big Falls, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.7% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 27.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,985. The dentist ratio is 1:2,961. 77.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Falls vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 27.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,985 |
| Dentists | 1:2,961 |
| Mental Health | 1:534 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,809/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 51 |
Big Falls has a violent crime rate of 189 per 100,000 residents, 50% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,573 per 100,000, 31% above the U.S. average. Overall, Big Falls receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Big Falls vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 189.4/100K |
| 50% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,572.6/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 35 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Big Falls has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winters average 5°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 269 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 27.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,222 feet.
Temperature
5°F Jan (-15°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 37.5°F |
| 31% below US avg |
| January Average | 5°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,222 ft (372 m) |
| Area | 6.0 sq mi (15.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 26/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.1796°N, 93.8092°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Koochiching County County |
| Nearest Airport | Falls International/Einarson Field (INL)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.3"
28% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
68 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 18 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1973 |
EF2 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1963 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1959 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2018 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2018 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2018 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2017 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2016 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1993 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1987 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
15 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,376 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
3,376 |
63 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,181 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
3,051 |
75 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,615 |
77 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,986 |
74 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,874 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,775 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,637 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKDUCK RIVER |
1,620 |
74 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
1,096 |
93 km |
| 2004 |
SECTION 33 WFU |
1,064 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
HWY 72 EASTPOWERLINE |
811 |
75 km |
| 2007 |
THE PITT FIRE |
745 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
INDIAN PINES HWY 72 |
590 |
64 km |
| 2003 |
BIG BOG |
503 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
53°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
54°F (12°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
10°F (-12°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Big Falls has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 5°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Big Falls. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Falls
What is the population of Big Falls?
Big Falls has a population of 157 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 26 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58% female and 42% male.
Is Big Falls expensive to live in?
Big Falls has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $26,071, 65% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $48,500 (83% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $550 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Big Falls safe?
Big Falls is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 189 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,573 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Big Falls receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Big Falls?
Big Falls has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 5°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Big Falls?
Big Falls has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,093. There are 428 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 27.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Falls?
The median home value in Big Falls is $48,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $163,779. For renters, the median monthly rent is $550. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,029.
How are the schools in Big Falls?
Schools in Big Falls score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.3% of adults in Big Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Falls?
The obesity rate in Big Falls is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 27.1% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 77.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,985.
What is transportation like in Big Falls?
The average commute in Big Falls is 25 minutes. 65.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 27.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Falls?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Falls is 94.9% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.4% of residents have a disability. 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
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