Median Income
$76,292
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$286,600
2% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
579/100K
52% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.6%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,165
0% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Big Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,291
Median Age36.9 yrs
Density29/mi²
Male / Female55% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans12.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,292
Per Capita$41,948
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$32,113M
Commute40 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$286,600
Rent$1,165
Ownership77.8%
Zillow$375,242
Housing Units2,902
Rent Burden36.1%
Crime
F
Violent579/100K
Property6,733/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking19.4%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp33°F (1°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation179 ft (55 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.6%
High School+96.3%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 56%
Commute40 min
Broadband88.8%
Libraries5
Is Big Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, long commute times. Big Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Big Lake is $76,292, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Lake is $286,600, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,165 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 579 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,733 per 100,000, 244% above the national average.
Education
19.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 33°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Big Lake has a population of 3,291 with a density of 29 people per square mile, spread across 128.8 square miles. The median age is 36.9 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.5% female and 54.5% male. The city is predominantly White (85.6%), with 9.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 12.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 85.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.9yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Big Lake is $76,292, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,948. The average weekly wage is $1,436. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,829 business establishments, including 785 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 40 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 25.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,292 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,948 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,436 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,829 |
| County GDP | $32,113M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 785 |
| Healthcare | 1,392 |
| Retail | 819 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.94% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 39.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 25.2% |
The median home value in Big Lake is $286,600, 2% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $375,242, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,165 (0% below 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. 77.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,902 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $8,419 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $286,600 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $375,242 |
| Median List Price | $379,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $379,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $238 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.7% |
| Price Drops | 11.1% |
| Inventory | 27 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,165 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.1% |
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 | 77.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.2% |
| Housing Units | 2,902 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.94% |
In Big Lake, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 19.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.4% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:860. The dentist ratio is 1:750. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.4% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:860 |
| Dentists | 1:750 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 56.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,853/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,392 |
Big Lake has a violent crime rate of 579 per 100,000 residents, 52% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,733 per 100,000, 244% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Big Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Big Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 579.1/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,733.3/100K |
| 244% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Big Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 33°F (1°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. 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 179 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
60°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 33.4°F |
| 38% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 179 ft (55 m) |
| Area | 128.8 sq mi (333.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 29/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 61.5155°N, 149.9755°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Anchorage Municipality County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.36 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7,524 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| May 1, 1991 |
Central Alaska |
M6.3 |
130 km |
| May 31, 2021 |
73 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M6.1 |
137 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
52 km |
| Jun 24, 2015 |
46 km SW of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.8 |
106 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
57 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
96 km |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
29 km WNW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
57 km |
| Jun 22, 2009 |
36 km E of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
61 km |
| Mar 8, 2000 |
33 km N of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
113 km |
| Jul 4, 1996 |
33 km ESE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
58 km |
| May 30, 2004 |
57 km W of Tyonek, Alaska |
M5.3 |
129 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska |
M5.3 |
43 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
22 km |
| Jul 28, 2011 |
8 km NE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
92 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
22 km |
| May 6, 1997 |
8 km NW of Knik-Fairview, Alaska |
M5.3 |
15 km |
| May 30, 2017 |
32 km WNW of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.2 |
124 km |
| Dec 7, 1991 |
19 km E of Point Possession, Alaska |
M5.2 |
65 km |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
14 km WNW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.2 |
31 km |
| Sep 17, 2019 |
28 km NW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.2 |
53 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
1 tornado (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2024 |
EF0 |
46 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Spurr (124 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
124 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SU RIVER (7,050 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
SU RIVER |
7,050 |
50 km |
| 2015 |
SOCKEYE |
6,538 |
32 km |
| 2019 |
MCKINLEY |
3,436 |
52 km |
| 2010 |
EKLUTNA |
1,941 |
57 km |
| 2014 |
TYONEK |
1,668 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
DESHKA LANDING |
1,285 |
22 km |
| 2002 |
THURSDAY CREEK |
1,046 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
35°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
47°F (8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
60°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
56°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
33°F (1°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
18°F (-8°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Big Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 7°F in January to 60°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.5") and April the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Big Lake. 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 | $1,567 |
| Toddler | $1,460 |
| Preschool | $1,255 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,124 |
| Toddler | $1,013 |
| Preschool | $992 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Lake
What is the population of Big Lake?
Big Lake has a population of 3,291 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 29 people per square mile, spread across 128.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.9 years. The population is 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
Is Big Lake expensive to live in?
Big Lake 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 $76,292, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $286,600 (2% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,165 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Big Lake safe?
The violent crime rate in Big Lake is 579 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 6,733 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Big Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Big Lake?
Big Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 33°F (1°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Big Lake?
The job market in Big Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,436. There are 8,829 business establishments in the area, including 785 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 40 minutes, and 25.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Lake?
The median home value in Big Lake is $286,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $375,242. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,165. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.8%. The average annual property tax is $8,419.
How are the schools in Big Lake?
Schools in Big Lake have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 19.6% of adults in Big Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Lake?
The obesity rate in Big Lake is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.4% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860.
What is transportation like in Big Lake?
The average commute in Big Lake is 40 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 25.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Lake is 85.6% White, 9.5% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 12.6% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 85.7% have health insurance coverage.
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