Median Income
$120,625
61% higher than US avg
Home Value
$216,200
23% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
136/100K
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.4%
1% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Big Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population430
Median Age55.4 yrs
Density741/mi²
Male / Female34% / 66%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans2.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$120,625
Per Capita$44,935
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$2,226M
Commute45 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$216,200
Ownership91.2%
Zillow$274,084
Housing Units249
Rent Burden24.0%
Crime
F
Violent136/100K
Property1,622/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Smoking15.1%
Depression25.8%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain39.1 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation930 ft (283 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.4%
High School+96.3%
Graduate+27.4%
School Score6.07
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Commute45 min
Broadband95.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Big Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include 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 $120,625, which is significantly higher than the national average / 61% above $75,149. This places Big Lake among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 45 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Lake is $216,200, 23% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Big Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,622 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Big Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.1 inches, including 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Big Lake has a population of 430 with a density of 741 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 55.4 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 65.6% female and 34.4% male. The city is predominantly White (97.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 28.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.4yrs
Median Age
42% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Big Lake is $120,625, which is 61% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,935 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,123, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 764 business establishments, including 61 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 45 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $120,625 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,935 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,123 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,142 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 764 |
| County GDP | $2,226M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 61 |
| Healthcare | 64 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,596 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 45.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Big Lake is $216,200, 23% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,084, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 249 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $3,596. 24.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $216,200 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $274,084 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.8% |
| Housing Units | 249 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,596 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.66% |
In Big Lake, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 15.1% are current smokers. 18.7% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 25.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,721. The dentist ratio is 1:2,164. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.1% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 25.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,721 |
| Dentists | 1:2,164 |
| Mental Health | 1:827 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 64 |
Big Lake has a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents, 64% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,622 per 100,000, 17% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 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 | 136.1/100K |
| 64% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,622.1/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Big Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.1 inches. The area receives 21.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 930 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 930 ft (283 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 741/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2688°N, 85.4983°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Whitley County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.1"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 22.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
108 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
105 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
34 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
105 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
134 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
133 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
71 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
488 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 145 fatalities, 1,822 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
82 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
43 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
58 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
68 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
55 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
4 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
21 |
| Mar 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
125 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
Big Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.8").
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) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Lake
What is the population of Big Lake?
Big Lake has a population of 430 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 741 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 65.6% female and 34.4% male.
Is Big Lake expensive to live in?
Big Lake is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $120,625, 61% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $216,200 (23% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Big Lake safe?
Big Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 136 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,622 per 100,000 (below 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.1 inches, with 21.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Big Lake?
The job market in Big Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,123. There are 764 business establishments in the area, including 61 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 45 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Lake?
The median home value in Big Lake is $216,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $274,084. The homeownership rate is 91.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,596.
How are the schools in Big Lake?
Schools in Big Lake score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.4% 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. 27.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Lake?
The obesity rate in Big Lake is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.1% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 25.8% of residents report depression. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,721.
What is transportation like in Big Lake?
The average commute in Big Lake is 45 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 100% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Lake is 97.2% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.7% of the population are military veterans. 28.1% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
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