Median Income
$72,067
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$155,500
45% 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%
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
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$166,559
Health
Obesity38.6%
UninsuredN/A
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain18.2 in/yr
Elevation2,682 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.9%
High School+88.3%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute20 min
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Big Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, 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.
Education
16.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
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. 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. The median age is 28.8 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (36.4%), with 2.8% Hispanic, 5.7% Black.
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. The unemployment rate is 5.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
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 |
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 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.86% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Big Lake is $155,500, 45% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $806 (31% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,559.
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 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
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 32.1% national rate). 20.4% report depression. 32.9% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.9% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 14.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,046/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Crime Rates: Big Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
Safety Score
Big Lake has an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation is 18.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
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) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 18.2 inches |
| 52% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 2.3 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,682 ft (817 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,294/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.1941°N, 101.4534°W |
| County FIPS | 48383 |