Median Income
$40,179
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$132,400
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
447/100K
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.2%
73% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$795
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.7%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.2%
72% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.2%
6% higher than US avg
How Big River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,025
Median Age60.9 yrs
Density95/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans14.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$40,179
Per Capita$33,137
Unemployment6.2%
Poverty13.2%
County GDP$849M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,400
Rent$795
Ownership78.9%
Zillow$218,476
Housing Units977
Rent Burden25.5%
Crime
F
Violent447/100K
Property3,803/100K
Health
Obesity34.7%
Uninsured10.8%
Smoking17.3%
Depression25.1%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (23°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain4.6 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation431 ft (131 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.2%
High School+83.4%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 28%
Commute16 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations15
Libraries5
Is Big River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big River receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Big River has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Big River is $40,179, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 13.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big River is $132,400, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $795 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 447 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,803 per 100,000, 94% above the national average.
Education
9.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Big River has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 95°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 4.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Big River has a population of 1,025 with a density of 95 people per square mile, spread across 11.4 square miles. The median age is 60.9 years, 57% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (85.4%), with 3.8% Hispanic, 1.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.3% of residents, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 14.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.9yrs
Median Age
57% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Big River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.3%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.7%
50% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Big River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Big River is $40,179, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,137 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $992, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 402 business establishments, including 74 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Big River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,179 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,137 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $992 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,052 |
| Gini Index | 0.482 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.2% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.2% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 402 |
| County GDP | $849M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 74 |
| Healthcare | 26 |
| Retail | 87 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,768 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 6.6% |
The median home value in Big River is $132,400, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,476, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $795 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 977 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $3,768. 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,400 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $218,476 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $795 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.1% |
| Housing Units | 977 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,768 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.85% |
In Big River, 34.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,735. The dentist ratio is 1:1,651. 41.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.7% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 25.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.6% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.8% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,735 |
| Dentists | 1:1,651 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,114 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Dental Visits | 57.3% |
| Premature Death | 23,645/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 26 |
Big River has a violent crime rate of 447 per 100,000 residents, 18% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,803 per 100,000, 94% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Big River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Big River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 447.4/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,802.9/100K |
| 94% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Big River has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 95°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 4.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 431 feet.
Temperature
55°F Jan (13°C)
95°F Jul (35°C)
| Annual Average | 74.1°F |
| 37% above US avg |
| January Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 95°F (35°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 431 ft (131 m) |
| Area | 11.4 sq mi (29.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 95/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.1398°N, 114.3621°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | La Paz County County |
| Nearest Airport | Laughlin/Bullhead International (IFP)
71 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
4.6"
88% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
0.75"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0500 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 2.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 94.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
57 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 3, 2025.
| Aug 26, 2012 |
41 km E of Twentynine Palms, California |
M3.9 |
115 km |
| Jun 9, 2015 |
29km WNW of Desert Center, CA |
M3.8 |
130 km |
| May 18, 2010 |
20km NW of Desert Center, CA |
M3.5 |
117 km |
| Nov 4, 1993 |
27km WNW of Desert Center, California |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
39km NW of Desert Center, CA |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Jan 5, 2008 |
20km SE of Kingman, AZ |
M3.2 |
112 km |
| Jan 17, 2015 |
40 km N of Bagdad, Arizona |
M3.1 |
137 km |
| Aug 10, 2003 |
44 km SE of Valentine, Arizona |
M3.0 |
137 km |
| Mar 4, 2015 |
26 km ENE of Bagdad, Arizona |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Nov 12, 1990 |
23km SW of Amboy, CA |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Mar 21, 2024 |
26 km WNW of Desert Center, CA |
M3.0 |
124 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
3km S of Niland, CA |
M2.9 |
148 km |
| Aug 4, 2014 |
24 km SSE of Valentine, Arizona |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Mar 2, 2015 |
19 km E of Yucca, Arizona |
M2.9 |
93 km |
| Jan 17, 2008 |
17 km E of Yucca, Arizona |
M2.9 |
89 km |
| Feb 14, 2001 |
14km SW of Amboy, CA |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
21km NNW of Laughlin, Nevada |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Oct 25, 1999 |
19km SSW of Amboy, California |
M2.9 |
136 km |
| Mar 12, 1991 |
38km NW of Desert Center, CA |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Nov 12, 1990 |
22km SW of Amboy, CA |
M2.8 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
9 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 16, 1973 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1983 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1979 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1972 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 2018 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 2010 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1997 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Salton Buttes (156 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Salton Buttes |
Lava dome(s) |
-40 m (-131 ft) |
210 |
156 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HARCUVAR (16,305 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
HARCUVAR |
16,305 |
92 km |
| 2015 |
WILLOW |
6,084 |
79 km |
| 1995 |
STOVE |
5,770 |
92 km |
| 2022 |
LOST LAKE |
5,455 |
17 km |
| 1994 |
WARM |
5,100 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
CIBOLA |
4,703 |
96 km |
| 1995 |
ICEHOUSE |
4,570 |
81 km |
| 2000 |
DELUGE |
3,972 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
BOSQUE |
3,381 |
52 km |
| 1998 |
SOUTH DIKE |
3,148 |
74 km |
| 1995 |
LOST LAKE |
2,846 |
16 km |
| 1999 |
ARRASTRA |
2,556 |
52 km |
| 2002 |
HIBERNIA |
2,340 |
97 km |
| 1994 |
MCKENZIE |
2,082 |
93 km |
| 1994 |
BLACK MESA |
1,657 |
50 km |
| 2006 |
RXBURNING06 |
1,573 |
84 km |
| 2022 |
PINE PEAK |
1,423 |
95 km |
| 2016 |
TOPOCK |
1,422 |
68 km |
| 1986 |
COLORADO 2 |
1,403 |
21 km |
| 1987 |
THREE MILE |
1,392 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
55°F (13°C) |
0.8 in |
Wettest |
| February |
59°F (15°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
64°F (18°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
71°F (22°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| May |
79°F (26°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| June |
88°F (31°C) |
0.0 in |
Driest |
| July |
95°F (35°C) |
0.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
92°F (33°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| September |
86°F (30°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| October |
74°F (24°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| November |
62°F (16°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
Big River has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 54°F in December to 95°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 4.7 inches, with January being the wettest month (0.8") and June the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Big River. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $812 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $671 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $758 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Big River
What is the population of Big River?
Big River has a population of 1,025 residents and is located in California. The population density is 95 people per square mile, spread across 11.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Big River expensive to live in?
Big River is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $40,179, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,400 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $795 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Big River safe?
The violent crime rate in Big River is 447 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,803 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Big River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Big River?
Big River has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 55°F in January, while summers reach an average of 95°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 4.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Big River?
The unemployment rate in Big River is 6.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $992. There are 402 business establishments in the area, including 74 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 6.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big River?
The median home value in Big River is $132,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $218,476. For renters, the median monthly rent is $795. Fair market rent is $1,647 for a 1-bedroom and $2,053 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,768.
How are the schools in Big River?
Schools in Big River have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 9.2% of adults in Big River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.4% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big River?
The obesity rate in Big River is 34.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.1% of residents report depression. 10.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 41.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,735.
What is transportation like in Big River?
The average commute in Big River is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big River is 85.4% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Asian. 93.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.7% speak Spanish. 14.7% of the population are military veterans. 24.5% of residents have a disability. 87.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
