Median Income
$72,067
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$155,500
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
159/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.9%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$806
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.8%
61% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.2%
50% lower than US avg
How Big Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,092
Median Age28.8 yrs
Density1,294/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 36%
Veterans2.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$72,067
Per Capita$27,011
Unemployment5.8%
Poverty6.2%
County GDP$5,147M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$155,500
Rent$806
Ownership76.9%
Zillow$166,559
Housing Units1,118
Rent Burden21.5%
Crime
F
Violent159/100K
Property397/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured26.7%
Smoking12.9%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain18.2 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation2,682 ft (817 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.9%
High School+88.3%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score3.79
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute20 min
Broadband86.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Big Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. 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 $72,067, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Lake is $155,500, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $806 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Big Lake is below the national average at 159 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 397 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
16.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.3% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.8/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Big Lake enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 18.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Big Lake has a population of 3,092 with a density of 1,294 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 28.8 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.1% female and 51.9% male. The city is predominantly White (36.4%), with 2.8% Hispanic, 5.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 48.2% of residents, while 51.8% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 4.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.8yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
48.2%
39% below US avg
Spanish
51.8%
287% above US avg
The median household income in Big Lake is $72,067, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,011 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,564. The unemployment rate is 5.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 154 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,067 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,011 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,564 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,755 |
| Gini Index | 0.365 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.8% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 154 |
| County GDP | $5,147M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Big Lake is $155,500, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,559. Monthly rent averages $806 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,118 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $2,900 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 21.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $155,500 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $166,559 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $806 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,118 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.86% |
In Big Lake, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 17.4% report binge drinking. 32.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.4% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 26.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,253. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 8.9% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.9% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.0% |
| Uninsured | 26.7% |
| 210% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,253 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 52.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,046/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Big Lake has a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 397 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 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 | 159.0/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 397.5/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Big Lake enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 330 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 18.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 2,682 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.8°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,682 ft (817 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,294/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.1941°N, 101.4534°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Reagan County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Angelo Regional/Mathis Field (SJT)
58 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.2"
52% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.19"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 5.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 46.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 1.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
250 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Sep 17, 2024 |
2024 North of Tarzan, Texas Earthquake |
M5.1 |
147 km |
| Feb 28, 2025 |
26 km SW of Ackerly, Texas |
M4.8 |
138 km |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
21 km N of Stanton, Texas |
M4.4 |
130 km |
| Jun 6, 2022 |
18 km SE of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.9 |
135 km |
| Aug 15, 2024 |
28 km SW of Garden City, Texas |
M3.8 |
60 km |
| Apr 10, 2023 |
20 km NW of Stanton, Texas |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Aug 10, 2024 |
28 km SW of Garden City, Texas |
M3.6 |
60 km |
| Jun 16, 2022 |
16 km SSE of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.6 |
134 km |
| Jul 19, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Westbrook, Texas |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Jul 22, 2023 |
10 km SSE of Gardendale, Texas |
M3.5 |
118 km |
| May 22, 2021 |
11 km NE of Odessa, Texas |
M3.5 |
113 km |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
15 km N of Stanton, Texas |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Mar 19, 2022 |
18 km SSE of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| Jul 31, 2023 |
17 km SSE of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
33 km WSW of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| Aug 12, 2022 |
16 km SE of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Jan 22, 2024 |
33 km WSW of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.4 |
146 km |
| Jan 1, 2021 |
17 km N of Stanton, Texas |
M3.4 |
126 km |
| Oct 18, 2024 |
34 km WSW of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Feb 27, 2025 |
34 km WSW of Ackerly, Texas |
M3.4 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
172 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 198 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF4 |
86 km |
2 |
| May 11, 1953 |
EF4 |
91 km |
13 |
| May 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2024 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1952 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2021 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 20, 2019 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 18, 2019 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 2017 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 2000 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1971 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GLASS (196,945 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
GLASS |
196,945 |
56 km |
| 2006 |
COLE |
39,436 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
ROCKER B |
37,361 |
40 km |
| 2011 |
SUTTON |
26,751 |
87 km |
| 2020 |
HOLCOMBE RD |
25,771 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
WILLIAMS |
23,912 |
36 km |
| 2011 |
DHR |
21,345 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
LITTLE SMOKEY |
19,841 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
ENCINO |
12,156 |
83 km |
| 2011 |
SCOTT RANCH |
10,755 |
36 km |
| 2011 |
CANNON |
10,449 |
67 km |
| 2020 |
SMITH CANYON |
8,590 |
61 km |
| 2011 |
DHI |
7,149 |
98 km |
| 2019 |
190 EAST |
7,091 |
41 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,810 |
43 km |
| 2022 |
CHICO LANE |
6,617 |
14 km |
| 2019 |
7D |
5,402 |
48 km |
| 2020 |
7D2 |
5,253 |
49 km |
| 2015 |
HEAD OF THE RIVER RANCH |
5,205 |
96 km |
| 2019 |
OGLESBY |
5,098 |
64 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| February |
48°F (9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
56°F (13°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
Big Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 45°F in December to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.2") and January the driest (0.6").
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) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $489 |
| Toddler | $459 |
| Preschool | $446 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $442 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $416 |
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 3,092 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 1,294 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.1% female and 51.9% 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 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $72,067, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $155,500 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $806 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Big Lake safe?
Big Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 159 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 397 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 18.2 inches, with 2.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Big Lake?
The unemployment rate in Big Lake is 5.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,564. There are 154 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Lake?
The median home value in Big Lake is $155,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,559. For renters, the median monthly rent is $806. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,900.
How are the schools in Big Lake?
Schools in Big Lake have an average test score of 3.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.9% of adults in Big Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.3% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Lake?
The obesity rate in Big Lake is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 32.9% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 26.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,253.
What is transportation like in Big Lake?
The average commute in Big Lake is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Lake is 36.4% White, 5.7% Black or African American, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 48.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 51.8% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are military veterans. 4.3% of residents have a disability. 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
