Median Income
$84,583
13% higher than US avg
Home Value
$251,000
11% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
132/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.4%
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.3%
75% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Big Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population351
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density5,715/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 65%
Veterans12.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$84,583
Per Capita$46,852
Unemployment6.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,907M
Commute28 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$251,000
Ownership88.2%
Zillow$376,679
Housing Units222
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent132/100K
Property387/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured11.1%
Smoking21.9%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain32.7 in/yr
Elevation1,311 ft (400 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.4%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+6.8%
School Score6.47
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute28 min
Broadband81.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Big Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. 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 $84,583, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 6.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 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 Lake is $251,000, 11% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 3x 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 132 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 387 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
25.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Big Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.7 inches, including 71.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Big Lake has a population of 351 with a density of 5,715 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.9% female and 54.1% male. The city is predominantly White (65%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93% of residents, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 12.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
351
Total Population
2023 Census
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.0%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.7%
43% below US avg
The median household income in Big Lake is $84,583, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,852 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,117, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.3% (above 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 816 business establishments, including 54 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,583 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,852 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,117 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,169 |
| Gini Index | 0.407 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 816 |
| County GDP | $1,907M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Healthcare | 102 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Big Lake is $251,000, 11% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $376,679, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $340,000 with homes selling in an average of 27 days. Homes sell for 102.5% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 88.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 222 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $4,404 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $251,000 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $376,679 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $340,000 |
| Median List Price | $304,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $340,000 |
| Median List Price | $304,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $167 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Days on Market | 27 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.5% |
| Price Drops | 12.0% |
| Inventory | 25 |
Rental Costs
| |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,605 |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 88.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.8% |
| Housing Units | 222 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.75% |
In Big Lake, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 32.3% have high blood pressure. 21.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.7% report binge drinking. 29.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 11.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,138. The dentist ratio is 1:1,530. 62.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
2.9
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
4.6
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
0.8
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
134.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Big Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 4.5% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.9% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.5% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 39.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.9% |
| Uninsured | 11.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,138 |
| Dentists | 1:1,530 |
| Mental Health | 1:444 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.3% |
| Dental Visits | 55.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,923/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
Big Lake has a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 387 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 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 | 131.7/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 387.5/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 291 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 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 40°F (4°C). Winters average 10°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.7 inches. The area receives 71.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. 89% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,311 feet.
Temperature
10°F Jan (-12°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 39.7°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,311 ft (400 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 5,715/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.7011°N, 92.6211°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Carlton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Duluth International (DLH)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.7"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.75"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 89.1% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0395 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 70.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 27.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
81 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 35 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
53 km |
2 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 2011 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1980 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1977 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1970 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2022 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2020 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2019 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GERMANN ROAD FIRE (6,751 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
GERMANN ROAD FIRE |
6,751 |
88 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
55 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
47 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
65 km |
| 2024 |
RX-86_FY23 |
2,187 |
91 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
66 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
96 km |
| 2004 |
SOUTH MAIN ROAD |
1,384 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
WUI RX BURN UNIT 15 |
1,380 |
58 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,371 |
83 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,352 |
39 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
1,306 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,249 |
65 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,226 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
S MAIN RO |
1,181 |
58 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,096 |
58 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
1,068 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
10°F (-12°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
56°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Big Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 10°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.8") and February the driest (1.0").
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) |
$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 | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
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 351 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 5,715 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 45.9% female and 54.1% 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 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $84,583, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $251,000 (11% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, 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 132 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 387 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 32.7 inches, with 71.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Big Lake?
The unemployment rate in Big Lake is 6.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,117. There are 816 business establishments in the area, including 54 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Lake?
The median home value in Big Lake is $251,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $376,679. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $340,000, with homes typically selling within 27 days. The homeownership rate is 88.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,404.
How are the schools in Big Lake?
Schools in Big Lake score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.4% of adults in Big Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 6.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Lake?
The obesity rate in Big Lake is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.9% of adults are smokers. 29.5% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 11.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,138.
What is transportation like in Big Lake?
The average commute in Big Lake is 28 minutes. 80.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Lake is 65% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Asian. 93% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 12.1% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.