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Big River, SK

Saskatchewan

Big River is a small town in Saskatchewan with a population of 1,535. Residents earn $62,000 per year, which is 17% below the national average.

Data updated June 2026

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,535 Population 38/sq mi density
$62,000 Median Income $46,146 per capita
$231,833 Home Value
$840 Median Rent 7.3% income on rent
33°F Avg Temperature 303 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.5 / 5.0
$62,000 median income, 18.3% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.6 / 5.0
$231,833 home value, $840/mo rent
C+
Safety
2.5 / 5.0
F
Education
1.4 / 5.0
5.6% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Big River, SK

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $62,000
17% lower than US avg
Home Value $231,833
18% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 5.6%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent $840
28% lower than US avg
Unemployment 18.3%
408% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 16.9%
36% higher than US avg

How Big River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population1,535
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density38/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 97%

Economy

C+
Median Income$62,000
Per Capita$46,146
Unemployment18.3%
Poverty16.9%
Commute24 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$231,833
Rent$840
Ownership5.9%
Housing Units340
Rent Burden7.3%

Crime

C+
Property3,500/100K
Burglary484/100K

Climate

Avg Temp33°F (1°C)
Rain18.3 in/yr
Sunny Days303/yr
Elevation1,693 ft (516 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+5.6%
High School+28.6%
Graduate+1.0%

Community

Commute24 min

Is Big River a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Big River receives an overall livability score of 2.8 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, an elevated poverty rate. 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 $62,000, 17% below the national average of $75,149. At 18.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 16.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Big River is $231,833, 18% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $840 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Safety & Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.

Education

5.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.6% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Big River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 33°F. Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July. With 303 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 18.3 inches.

Big River has a population of 1,535 with a density of 38 people per square mile, spread across 40.1 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (96.9%), with 1.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 64.2% of residents.

Population

1,535
Total Population
2021 Census
38
People / sq mi
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
40.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51.8%
Female 48.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Big River vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 64.2%
18% below US avg
Spanish 0.0%
100% below US avg
Other Languages 35.8%

Social Characteristics

Big River vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Big River is $62,000, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,146 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $887, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 18.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 48 business establishments. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 37.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Big River vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$62,000
17% below US avg
Per Capita Income$46,146
Avg Weekly Wage$887

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment18.3%
408% above US avg
Poverty Rate16.9%
36% above US avg
Establishments (County)48

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time23.8 min
Drive Alone84.8%
Public Transit0.3%
Work from Home37.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Big River is $231,833, 18% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $840 (28% below the national average of $1,163). 5.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 340 total housing units in the city. 7.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$231,833
18% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$840
28% below US avg
Rent Burden7.3%

Ownership & Property

Homeownership5.9%
Owner-Occupied5.9%
Renter-Occupied2.9%
Housing Units340

Property Tax

Property crime stands at 3,500 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,503, burglary at 484, vehicle theft at 505 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Big River receives a safety grade of C+.

Crime Rates: Big River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Total Property3,500.0/100K
79% above US avg
Burglary483.9/100K
Theft2,503.4/100K
Vehicle Theft504.8/100K

Traffic Safety

Safety Score

Safety GradeC+
Safety Score2.5 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Big River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 33°F (1°C). Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 64°F. The area gets 303 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 18.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 3.8 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,693 feet.

Temperature

-2°F Jan (-19°C) 62°F Jul (17°C)
Annual Average33.4°F
38% below US avg
January Average-2°F (-19°C)
July Average62°F (17°C)
Sunny Days303 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,693 ft (516 m)
Area40.1 sq mi (103.8 km²)
Population Density38/sq mi
Coordinates53.8334°N, 107.0178°W
TimezoneAmerica/Regina

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 18.3"
52% below US avg
Snowfall 3.8"
Wettest Month (Jul) 3.35"
Driest Month (Feb) 0.55"

Air Quality

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January -2°F (-19°C) 0.8 in Coldest
February 8°F (-13°C) 0.6 in Driest
March 16°F (-9°C) 0.8 in
April 36°F (2°C) 1.2 in
May 50°F (10°C) 1.7 in
June 58°F (14°C) 2.8 in
July 62°F (17°C) 3.4 in Warmest, Wettest
August 61°F (16°C) 2.6 in
September 50°F (10°C) 1.8 in
October 38°F (4°C) 1.1 in
November 20°F (-7°C) 0.8 in
December 5°F (-15°C) 0.9 in

Big River has a seasonal temperature swing of 64°F / from -2°F in January to 62°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.6").

View full weather details →
5.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 83% below the national average of 33.7%. 28.6% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 84.8% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+5.6%
83% below US avg
High School+28.6%
Graduate Degree+1.0%
F Education Grade (1.4/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

Population Density38/sq mi
Total Area40.1 sq mi

Services

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute23.8 min
Drive Alone84.8%
Public Transit0.3%
Work from Home37.2%

Schools in Big River

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Big River High Public wSchool - - - -
View full schools details →

Hotels in Big River

1 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Timber Land Hotel

Ski Resorts Near Big River

1 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Ski Timber Ridge 0.0 - - $0 - - -

Airports Near Big River

6 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Big River Airport-Small Airport
Debden Airport-Small Airport
Leoville Airport-Small Airport
Shellbrook Airport-Small Airport
Spiritwood / H & M Fast Farms-Small Airport
Spiritwood Airport-Small Airport

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Frequently Asked Questions About Big River

What is the population of Big River?

Big River has a population of 1,535 residents and is located in Saskatchewan. The population density is 38 people per square mile, spread across 40.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.

Is Big River expensive to live in?

The median household income is $62,000, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $231,833 (18% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $840 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

Is Big River safe?

Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,500 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Big River receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Big River?

Big River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 33°F (1°C). Winter temperatures average -2°F in January, while summers reach an average of 62°F in July. The area receives 303 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 18.3 inches, with 3.8 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Big River?

The job market in Big River faces challenges, with unemployment at 18.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $887. There are 48 business establishments in the area. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 37.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Big River?

The median home value in Big River is $231,833. For renters, the median monthly rent is $840. The homeownership rate is 5.9%.

How are the schools in Big River?

5.6% of adults in Big River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 28.6% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

What is transportation like in Big River?

The average commute in Big River is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 37.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Big River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Big River is 96.9% White, 1.5% Asian. 64.2% of residents speak only English at home.

Nearby Cities

Ahtahkakoop 104, SK 1,402 pop · 31.0 mi Canwood No. 494, SK 1,351 pop · 37.0 mi Spiritwood No. 496, SK 1,245 pop · 38.3 mi Lakeland No. 521, SK 1,300 pop · 45.8 mi Montreal Lake 106B, SK 1,015 pop · 46.5 mi Shellbrook No. 493, SK 1,581 pop · 49.5 mi Shellbrook, SK 1,510 pop · 49.6 mi Sturgeon Lake 101, SK 1,224 pop · 50.0 mi Beaver River No. 622, SK 1,277 pop · 59.8 mi Buckland No. 491, SK 3,277 pop · 63.5 mi Paddockwood No. 520, SK 1,071 pop · 63.6 mi Prince Albert No. 461, SK 3,438 pop · 67.5 mi Prince Albert, SK 37,756 pop · 67.5 mi Candle Lake, SK 1,160 pop · 72.2 mi
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