Big Falls, WI — City Data & Statistics

Home Value $73,300

74% lower than US avg

Bachelor's+ 35.4%

5% higher than US avg

Median Rent $919

21% lower than US avg

Unemployment 1.3%

64% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 14.7%

18% higher 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

Median IncomeN/A

Per Capita$49,150

Unemployment1.3%

Poverty14.7%

County GDP$5,836M

Commute28 min

Housing

Home Value$73,300

Rent$919

OwnershipN/A

Housing Units100

Rent Burden38.1%

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 Score5.81

Community

2024 VoteR 49% / D 50%

Commute28 min

Broadband85.0%

Libraries5

Is Big Falls a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Big Falls receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Big Falls offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 14.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average 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.

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. 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 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

157

Total Population

334

People / sq mi

60.1yrs

Median Age

54% above US avg

0.5mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.3%

Female 49.7%

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

The median household income in Big Falls is N/A. 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). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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.

Commute Mode

Income


Per Capita Income	$49,150
Avg Weekly Wage	$1,094
IRS Avg AGI	$75,853

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment	1.3%
	64% below US avg
Poverty Rate	14.7%
	18% above 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%

Walkability

The median home value in Big Falls is $73,300, 74% below the national median of $281,900. 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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median	$73,300
	74% below US avg

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

Owner-Occupied	78.8%
Housing Units	100
Median Year Built	1957

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)	$6,247
	78% above US avg
Effective Rate	8.52%

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

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	34.0 inches
	11% below US avg

Air Quality

AQI Median	38.0
Rating	Good

Geography

Elevation	951 ft (290 m)
Area	0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²)
Population Density	334/sq mi
Coordinates	44.6156°N, 89.0202°W
Timezone	America/Chicago
County	Portage County County
County FIPS	55097

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").

Big Falls is located in Portage County. It is classified as Nonmetro — Urban 20K+, adjacent, a smaller urban community. 35.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 5% above the national average of 33.7%. 86.4% have completed high school. 31.5% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5.8 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Democrat with 49.8% of the vote, a 1.2-point margin. 85.0% of households have broadband internet access. There are 5 public libraries serving the community. 230 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 51.5% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 48.6%

D 49.8%

Winner: Democrat by 1.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	35.4%
	5% above US avg
High School+	86.4%
Graduate Degree+	31.5%
School Test Score	5.81

B+ Education Grade (3.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 4	Nonmetro — Urban 20K+, adjacent
Population Density	334/sq mi
Total Area	0.5 sq mi
County	Portage County County

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	85.0%
Public Libraries	5
Healthcare Facilities	230
Restaurants	217
Retail Stores	206

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)	9

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	27.7 min
Drive Alone	51.5%
Public Transit	0.0%
Work from Home	2.0%

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.

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. 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 average annual property tax is $6,247.

How are the schools in Big Falls?

Schools in Big Falls score 5.8 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.

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.

Nearby Cities

Marion, WI 1,167 pop · 7.2 mi Iola, WI 1,230 pop · 8.7 mi Manawa, WI 1,317 pop · 11.7 mi Clintonville, WI 4,553 pop · 13.2 mi Amherst, WI 1,033 pop · 17.3 mi Waupaca, WI 6,314 pop · 18.5 mi King, WI 1,474 pop · 19.6 mi New London, WI 7,492 pop · 20.6 mi Weyauwega, WI 1,760 pop · 20.6 mi Chain O' Lakes, WI 1,006 pop · 20.8 mi Shawano, WI 9,236 pop · 24.1 mi Stevens Point, WI 25,497 pop · 26.8 mi Hortonville, WI 3,180 pop · 27.0 mi Keshena, WI 1,487 pop · 27.5 mi

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