Home Value
$73,300
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
80/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.4%
5% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$919
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Big Falls Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population157
Median Age60.1 yrs
Density334/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
Per Capita$49,150
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$5,836M
Commute28 min
Housing
Home Value$73,300
Rent$919
Ownership78.8%
Zillow$140,560
Housing Units100
Rent Burden38.1%
Crime
F
Violent80/100K
Property1,046/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Smoking18.2%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation951 ft (290 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.4%
High School+86.4%
Graduate+31.5%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%
Commute28 min
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Big Falls a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Falls receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Big Falls has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Falls is $73,300, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $919 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Big Falls is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,046 per 100,000, 47% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 86.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Big Falls has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Big Falls has a population of 157 with a density of 334 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 60.1 years, 54% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.6% of residents, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 76.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.1yrs
Median Age
54% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Big Falls vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.6%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.4%
60% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Big Falls vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $49,150 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,094, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (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 1,939 business establishments, including 217 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Big Falls vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $49,150 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,094 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,853 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,939 |
| County GDP | $5,836M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 217 |
| Healthcare | 230 |
| Retail | 206 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.52% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 51.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
The median home value in Big Falls is $73,300, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $140,560, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $919 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 100 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $6,247 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 38.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $73,300 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $140,560 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $919 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.2% |
| Housing Units | 100 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.52% |
In Big Falls, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 29.4% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.1% report binge drinking. 29.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,202. The dentist ratio is 1:1,360. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Falls vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.4% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.4% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.3% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,202 |
| Dentists | 1:1,360 |
| Mental Health | 1:602 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 60.3% |
| Premature Death | 5,999/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 230 |
Big Falls has a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,046 per 100,000, 47% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Big Falls receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Big Falls vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 80.5/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,045.9/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 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 44°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 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 34.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 951 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.3°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 951 ft (290 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 334/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.6156°N, 89.0202°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Portage County County |
| Nearest Airport | Appleton International (ATW)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.0"
11% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
355 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 23 fatalities, 268 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1968 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
76 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
39 km |
6 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 1970 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2013 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
94 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Big Falls has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 15°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (0.9").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,022 |
| Toddler | $909 |
| Preschool | $909 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
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 Wisconsin. The population density is 334 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Big Falls expensive to live in?
Big Falls is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $73,300 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $919 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Big Falls safe?
Big Falls is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,046 per 100,000 (below 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 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Big Falls?
The job market in Big Falls is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,094. There are 1,939 business establishments in the area, including 217 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Falls?
The median home value in Big Falls is $73,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $140,560. For renters, the median monthly rent is $919. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,247.
How are the schools in Big Falls?
Schools in Big Falls score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.4% of adults in Big Falls hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 86.4% have completed high school. 31.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Falls?
The obesity rate in Big Falls is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 29.4% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 70.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,202.
What is transportation like in Big Falls?
The average commute in Big Falls is 28 minutes. 51.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Falls?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Falls is 94.3% White. 94.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.4% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 76.5% of residents have a disability. 99.3% have health insurance coverage.
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