Minnesota · Metropolitan Area
Big Lake is a small city in Minnesota with a population of 12,115. Residents earn $113,333 per year, which is 51% above the national average.
Based on current data, Big Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a low poverty rate. Big Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Big Lake is $113,333, which is significantly higher than the national average — 51% above $75,149. This places Big Lake among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
The median home value in Big Lake is $291,700, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,417 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Big Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 126 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,382 per 100,000, 29% below the national average.
26.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
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 36.
| English Only | 92.3% |
| 18% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 7.7% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $113,333 |
| 51% above US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $40,849 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,117 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,169 |
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 4.1% |
| 67% below US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 816 |
| County GDP | $1,907M |
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Healthcare | 102 |
| Retail | 99 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.51% |
| Commute Time | 32.1 min |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |
| Census Median | $291,700 |
| 3% above US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $364,916 |
| Median List Price | $304,000 |
| Median List Price | $304,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $167 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.5% |
| Price Drops | 12.0% |
| Inventory | 25 |
| Census Median Rent | $1,417 |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,605 |
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.6% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,404 |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 1.51% |
| 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% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.5% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Insurance Rate | 89.3% |
| Checkup Rate | 70.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,923/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
| Total Violent | 125.6/100K |
| 67% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 125.6/100K |
| Total Property | 1,381.9/100K |
| 29% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 193.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,140.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 48.3/100K |
| Arson | 9.7/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 39.7°F |
| 26% below US avg | |
| January Average | 10°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 32.7 inches |
| 14% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 71.3 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,311 ft (400 m) |
| Area | 2.1 sq mi (5.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 5,715/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.7011°N, 92.6211°W |
| County FIPS | 27017 |
Winner: Republican by 2.6 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 26.9% |
| 20% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 95.2% |
| School Test Score | 6.08 |
| RUCC Code 2 | Metro — 250K–1M |
| Population Density | 5,715/sq mi |
| Total Area | 2.1 sq mi |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 4 |
| Public Libraries | 3 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
| Restaurants | 54 |
| Retail Stores | 99 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Commute | 32.1 min |
| Work from Home | 8.8% |