Median Income
$126,667
69% higher than US avg
Home Value
$290,100
3% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
18/100K
95% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.3%
5% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.2%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.5%
72% lower than US avg
How Big Rock Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,208
Median Age40.6 yrs
Density280/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans4.1%
Economy
A+
Median Income$126,667
Per Capita$49,473
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$37,058M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$290,100
Ownership96.0%
Zillow$400,867
Housing Units444
Rent Burden13.2%
Crime
F
Violent18/100K
Property1,014/100K
Health
Obesity33.2%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking11.2%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation702 ft (214 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.3%
High School+96.8%
Graduate+9.7%
School Score5.46
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 54%
Commute30 min
Broadband95.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries18
Is Big Rock a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Rock receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Big Rock offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Big Rock is $126,667, which is significantly higher than the national average / 69% above $75,149. This places Big Rock among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. Only 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Rock is $290,100, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Big Rock is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 18 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,014 per 100,000, 48% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.3 inches, including 33.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Big Rock has a population of 1,208 with a density of 280 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age is 40.6 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.2% female and 49.8% male. The city is predominantly White (91.7%), with 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 4.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.6yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Big Rock is $126,667, which is 69% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,473 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,208, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 12,855 business establishments, including 1,068 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 26.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $126,667 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,473 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,208 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,140 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 12,855 |
| County GDP | $37,058M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,068 |
| Healthcare | 1,260 |
| Retail | 1,423 |
| Manufacturing | 790 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,298 |
| 166% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.8% |
| Work from Home | 26.3% |
The median home value in Big Rock is $290,100, 3% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $400,867, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.5% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 444 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $9,298 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $290,100 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $400,867 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $226 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.5% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.0% |
| Housing Units | 444 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,298 |
| 166% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.21% |
In Big Rock, 33.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 26.4% have high blood pressure. 11.2% are current smokers. 22.3% report binge drinking. 18.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.6% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,503. The dentist ratio is 1:1,346. 92.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Rock vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.2% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.4% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.2% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.0% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 10.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,503 |
| Dentists | 1:1,346 |
| Mental Health | 1:254 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.2% |
| Dental Visits | 66.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,046/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,260 |
Big Rock has a violent crime rate of 18 per 100,000 residents, 95% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,014 per 100,000, 48% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 37 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Big Rock receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Big Rock vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 17.9/100K |
| 95% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,013.7/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 37 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
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 21°F in January while summers reach 73°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 37.3 inches. The area receives 33.1 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 702 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.6°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 702 ft (214 m) |
| Area | 4.3 sq mi (11.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 280/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.7668°N, 88.5264°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Kane County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joliet Regional (JOT) 25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.3"
2% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0494 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 94.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 63.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
46 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
23 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
75 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
58 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
20 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
49 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
25 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
76 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
648 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 122 fatalities, 2,271 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
18 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
64 km |
2 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
45 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
59 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
60 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
52 km |
6 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
85 km |
8 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
29 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
137 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
53 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
61 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
58 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
54 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
59 km |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
54 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Big Rock has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.3").
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) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,421 |
| Toddler | $1,097 |
| Preschool | $1,200 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,015 |
| Toddler | $917 |
| Preschool | $823 |
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 1,208 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 280 people per square mile, spread across 4.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.6 years. The population is 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
Is Big Rock expensive to live in?
Big Rock has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $126,667, 69% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $290,100 (3% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Big Rock safe?
Big Rock is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 18 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,014 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 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.3 inches, with 33.1 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 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,208. There are 12,855 business establishments in the area, including 1,068 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 26.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Rock?
The median home value in Big Rock is $290,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $400,867. The homeownership rate is 96.0%. The average annual property tax is $9,298.
How are the schools in Big Rock?
Schools in Big Rock score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.3% of adults in Big Rock hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. 9.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Rock?
The obesity rate in Big Rock is 33.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.2% of adults are smokers. 18.0% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 92.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,503.
What is transportation like in Big Rock?
The average commute in Big Rock is 30 minutes. 67.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.8% use public transit, and 26.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Rock?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Rock is 91.7% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 4.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.