Median Income
$46,929
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$52,300
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
99/100K
74% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.4%
24% higher than US avg
How Big Rock Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population168
Median Age58.7 yrs
Density365/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$46,929
Per Capita$19,011
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty15.4%
County GDP$1,397M
Housing
A+
Home Value$52,300
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$75,962
Housing Units157
Rent Burden40.2%
Crime
F
Violent99/100K
Property1,292/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured17.5%
Smoking30.3%
Depression30.7%
Heart Disease9.0%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Sunny Days318/yr
Elevation900 ft (274 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.7%
High School+50.7%
Graduate+12.8%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 15%
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Big Rock a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Rock receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Big Rock has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Big Rock is $46,929, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 15.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Rock is $52,300, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x 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 99 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,292 per 100,000, 34% below the national average.
Education
8.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 50.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Rock experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 318 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Big Rock has a population of 168 with a density of 365 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 58.7 years, 51% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.6% female and 46.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 32.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.7yrs
Median Age
51% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Big Rock is $46,929, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,011 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,201, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 555 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 101.1, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,929 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,011 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,201 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,310 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.4% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 555 |
| County GDP | $1,397M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 36 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,200 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 101.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Big Rock is $52,300, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $75,962, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,181 for a one-bedroom to $1,369 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 157 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $2,200 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 40.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $52,300 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $75,962 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,137 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,181 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,369 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,787 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,126 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 157 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,200 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.21% |
In Big Rock, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.0% of residents, above the national average. 39.9% have high blood pressure. 30.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.3% report binge drinking. 39.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 30.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.8% experience frequent mental distress. 17.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,963. The dentist ratio is 1:4,838. 27.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Rock vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.9% |
| Heart Disease | 9.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.9% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 14.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 5.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 30.3% |
| 116% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.9% |
| Depression | 30.7% |
| Mental Distress | 24.8% |
| Physical Distress | 21.9% |
| Short Sleep | 41.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 17.5% |
| 103% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,963 |
| Dentists | 1:4,838 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,909 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 43.0% |
| Premature Death | 16,804/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 36 |
Big Rock has a violent crime rate of 99 per 100,000 residents, 74% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,292 per 100,000, 34% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 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 | 99.4/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,292.3/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 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 54°F (12°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 318 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 900 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 53.5°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 318 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 900 ft (274 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 365/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3526°N, 82.1873°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Buchanan County County |
| Nearest Airport | West Virginia International Yeager (CRW)
78 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
47 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.7 on May 22, 2024.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
80 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
116 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
64 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
92 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
80 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
132 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
101 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
67 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
30 km |
| Feb 12, 2021 |
8 km SW of Banner Hill, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
146 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
119 km |
| May 22, 2024 |
18 km SSE of Hyden, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
105 km |
| Jan 22, 2018 |
13 km ENE of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M2.7 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
69 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 120 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
81 km |
3 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
61 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2016 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1972 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1962 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 2023 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
50 km |
| 1987 |
BRUSHY |
61,231 |
62 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
41,794 |
29 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
56 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
16 km |
| 1991 |
JENNINGS CREEK |
29,308 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
27,317 |
45 km |
| 1991 |
WHITE OAK BRANCH |
25,550 |
96 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
89 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
10 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
21,562 |
76 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
TUG RIVER |
20,813 |
32 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
92 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
69 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
55 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
54 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
84 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
42 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
3.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Big Rock has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 33°F in January to 72°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 45.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (3.2").
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) |
$253 ($152–$404) |
| Specialist Visit |
$354 ($202–$556) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$202 ($101–$354) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,224 ($809–$5,055) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$131 ($76–$202) |
| Dental Filling |
$253 ($152–$404) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($25–$76) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$76 ($51–$121) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$607 ($404–$1,011) |
| Battery Replacement |
$202 ($101–$354) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$101 ($61–$152) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$91 ($51–$142) |
| HVAC Repair |
$404 ($152–$809) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,077 ($4,044–$12,132) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,011 ($404–$2,022) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,099 ($5,561–$15,165) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,517 ($506–$3,539) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,165 ($5,055–$30,330) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,055 ($2,022–$10,110) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,517 ($809–$3,033) |
| Will Preparation |
$506 ($202–$1,011) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,528 ($1,011–$5,055) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($30–$101) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$152 ($76–$253) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$66) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$81 ($51–$131) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.15 ($3.03–$5.56) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.54 ($2.53–$5.06) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.84 ($2.53–$5.56) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.55 ($3.03–$6.57) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.56 ($4.04–$7.58) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.01 ($0.61–$1.82) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$142 ($81–$253) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$152) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$121) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$71 ($40–$101) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$66 ($30–$101) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$86 ($51–$152) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$202 ($76–$506) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,022 ($1,213–$3,539) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$71 ($30–$131) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.09–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$101 ($30–$253) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$76) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,213 ($607–$2,528) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,011 ($506–$2,022) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$404 ($202–$708) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($25–$101) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,011 ($404–$2,528) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,638 ($5,055–$30,330) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$101 ($51–$202) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($30–$101) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$76) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$303 ($152–$506) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$202 ($101–$404) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $513 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $403 |
| Toddler | $411 |
| Preschool | $411 |
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 168 residents and is located in Virginia. The population density is 365 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.6% female and 46.4% 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 101.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $46,929, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $52,300 (81% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, 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 99 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,292 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 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 318 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
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 $1,201. There are 555 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Big Rock?
The median home value in Big Rock is $52,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $75,962. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,200.
How are the schools in Big Rock?
Schools in Big Rock score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.7% of adults in Big Rock hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 50.7% have completed high school. 12.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Rock?
The obesity rate in Big Rock is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 30.3% of adults are smokers. 39.9% are physically inactive. 30.7% of residents report depression. 17.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 27.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,963.
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. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 32.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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