Violent Crime
123/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Big Rock Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population12
Median Age62.1 yrs
Density36/mi²
Male / Female83% / 17%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans12.0%
Economy
Per Capita$48,875
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$13,291M
Housing
Ownership30.0%
Zillow$245,311
Housing Units10
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
F
Violent123/100K
Property308/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Smoking16.4%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation676 ft (206 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.75
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 47%
Broadband10.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries11
Is Big Rock a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Rock receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Big Rock faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
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%.
Safety & Crime
Big Rock is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 308 per 100,000, 84% below the national average.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.6 inches, including 39.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Big Rock has a population of 12 with a density of 36 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 62.1 years, 60% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 16.7% female and 83.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
62.1yrs
Median Age
60% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $48,875 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,176, 18% lower than the U.S. average. 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 area has 6,239 business establishments, including 496 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $48,875 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,176 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,464 |
| Gini Index | 0.461 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,239 |
| County GDP | $13,291M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 496 |
| Healthcare | 523 |
| Retail | 618 |
| Manufacturing | 172 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,638 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,311. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 30.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 10 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $6,638 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 30.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 30.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 70.0% |
| Housing Units | 10 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,638 |
| 90% above US avg |
In Big Rock, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.2% have high blood pressure. 16.4% are current smokers. 24.8% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,001. The dentist ratio is 1:1,199. 90.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Rock vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,001 |
| Dentists | 1:1,199 |
| Mental Health | 1:516 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 69.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,236/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 523 |
Big Rock has a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 308 per 100,000, 84% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 16 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Big Rock receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Big Rock vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 123.2/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 307.9/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 16 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Big Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.6 inches. The area receives 39.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 676 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.0°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 676 ft (206 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 36/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7691°N, 90.8265°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Scott County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.6"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0442 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.32 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.21 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
658 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 274 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
12 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
52 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1971 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
77 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Big Rock has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 20°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Big Rock. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $729 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $628 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $489 |
| Toddler | $481 |
| Preschool | $481 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Rock
What is the population of Big Rock?
Big Rock has a population of 12 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 36 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 16.7% female and 83.3% male.
Is Big Rock expensive to live in?
Big Rock is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100.
Is Big Rock safe?
Big Rock is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 123 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 308 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Big Rock receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Big Rock?
Big Rock has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.6 inches, with 39.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Big Rock?
The job market in Big Rock is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,176. There are 6,239 business establishments in the area, including 496 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Big Rock?
Schools in Big Rock score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.7% of adults in Big Rock hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Rock?
The obesity rate in Big Rock is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.4% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 90.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,001.
What are the demographics of Big Rock?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Rock is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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