Median Income
$57,917
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$195,800
31% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
94/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
32.8%
3% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.5%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower 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
Population67
Median Age61.2 yrs
Density40/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans64.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,917
Per Capita$66,755
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
Commute34 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$195,800
Ownership97.7%
Zillow$386,905
Housing Units265
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent94/100K
Property1,784/100K
Health
Obesity32.5%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking16.5%
Depression23.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation853 ft (260 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+32.8%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute34 min
Broadband43.0%
EV Stations1
Is Big Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. 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 $57,917, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Lake is $195,800, 31% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Big Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,784 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
32.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Big Lake has a population of 67 with a density of 40 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age is 61.2 years, 57% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.1% of residents. 64.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.2yrs
Median Age
57% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.1%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.9%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Big Lake is $57,917, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $66,755 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 20.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,917 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $66,755 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 65.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.0% |
The median home value in Big Lake is $195,800, 31% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $386,905, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 97.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 265 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $195,800 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $386,905 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 97.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 97.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 2.3% |
| Housing Units | 265 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
In Big Lake, 32.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 15.1% report binge drinking. 26.0% are physically inactive. 23.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Big Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.0% |
| Depression | 23.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 67.3% |
| Dental Visits | 51.3% |
Food & Exercise
Big Lake has a violent crime rate of 94 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,784 per 100,000, 9% below the U.S. average. Overall, Big Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Big Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 93.9/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,784.0/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| 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 53°F (12°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 274 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 34.2 inches. The area receives 3.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 853 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 52.7°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 853 ft (260 m) |
| Area | 2.6 sq mi (6.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 40/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0819°N, 95.3500°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Kansas City International (MCI)
64 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.2"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
57 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
64 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
69 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
58 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
101 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
37 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
566 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 298 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
98 km |
5 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
96 km |
3 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
66 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 2014 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
100 km |
2 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1971 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 1965 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 4 DELTA 21 (1,708 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
FY 18 182 ROAD BROADCAST BURN |
1,009 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
MOSQR-FY20-RX-WUI |
964 |
9 km |
| 2016 |
SQR BM SL DESOTO 2016 WUI RX |
866 |
9 km |
| 1988 |
NORTH POOL |
698 |
8 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
645 |
9 km |
| 2009 |
UNIT 6 |
625 |
9 km |
| 2002 |
SCRDGRS 6 |
536 |
8 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
67°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Big Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 25°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Lake
What is the population of Big Lake?
Big Lake has a population of 67 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 40 people per square mile, spread across 2.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Big Lake expensive to live in?
Big Lake is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,917, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $195,800 (31% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, 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 94 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,784 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 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.2 inches, with 3.0 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 commute time is 34 minutes, and 20.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Lake?
The median home value in Big Lake is $195,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $386,905. The homeownership rate is 97.7%.
How are the schools in Big Lake?
Schools in Big Lake score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 32.8% of adults in Big Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Lake?
The obesity rate in Big Lake is 32.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 26.0% are physically inactive. 23.9% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Big Lake?
The average commute in Big Lake is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 65% of workers drive alone to work, and 20.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Lake is 100% White. 97.1% of residents speak only English at home. 64.0% of the population are military veterans. 28.4% of residents have a disability. 97.0% have health insurance coverage.
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