Median Income
$22,074
71% lower than US avg
Home Value
$111,000
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.0%
85% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
34.9%
181% higher than US avg
How Big Thicket Lake Estates Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population550
Median Age60.5 yrs
Density235/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans16.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$22,074
Per Capita$24,585
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty34.9%
County GDP$1,866M
Commute31 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$111,000
Ownership77.2%
Zillow$146,745
Housing Units329
Rent Burden27.9%
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured23.5%
Smoking19.4%
Depression27.2%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp68°F (20°C)
AQI33 (Good)
Rain57.1 in/yr
Elevation133 ft (41 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.0%
High School+57.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.65
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 20%
Commute31 min
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Big Thicket Lake Estates a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Thicket Lake Estates receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Big Thicket Lake Estates has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Big Thicket Lake Estates is $22,074, 71% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 34.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Thicket Lake Estates is $111,000, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
5.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 57.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Thicket Lake Estates enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33.
Big Thicket Lake Estates has a population of 550 with a density of 235 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 60.5 years, 56% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56% female and 44% male. The city is predominantly White (96%), with 19.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.2% of residents. 16.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 76.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
550
Total Population
2023 Census
60.5yrs
Median Age
56% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Big Thicket Lake Estates vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.2%
20% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Big Thicket Lake Estates vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Big Thicket Lake Estates is $22,074, which is 71% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,585 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $978, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 34.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 958 business establishments, including 84 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 2.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Big Thicket Lake Estates vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $22,074 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,585 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $978 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,836 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 34.9% |
| 181% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 958 |
| County GDP | $1,866M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 84 |
| Healthcare | 93 |
| Retail | 151 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,442 |
| 84% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 97.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.2% |
The median home value in Big Thicket Lake Estates is $111,000, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $146,745, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 329 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $6,442 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $111,000 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $146,745 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.8% |
| Housing Units | 329 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,442 |
| 84% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.80% |
In Big Thicket Lake Estates, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 34.4% have high blood pressure. 19.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.6% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 23.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,076. The dentist ratio is 1:2,421. 29.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Big Thicket Lake Estates vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.4% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.4% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.5% |
| Uninsured | 23.5% |
| 173% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,076 |
| Dentists | 1:2,421 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,548 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 50.3% |
| Premature Death | 13,398/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 29.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 93 |
Big Thicket Lake Estates enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 33. 97% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 133 feet.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 68.0°F |
| 26% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 133 ft (41 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 235/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.4877°N, 94.7676°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Conroe/North Houston Regional (CXO)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.1"
50% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.83"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 33.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 96.6% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 75.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 16.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Mar 29, 2025.
| Mar 29, 2025 |
13 km NNE of Wells, Texas |
M3.5 |
123 km |
| Jan 20, 2019 |
7 km SSW of San Augustine, Texas |
M3.3 |
125 km |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
5 km WSW of Chireno, Texas |
M3.0 |
115 km |
| May 4, 2024 |
5 km WSW of Chireno, Texas |
M2.6 |
115 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
18 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
178 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
208 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 4 |
131 km |
| 2020 |
Delta |
Category 2 |
178 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
266 km |
| 2008 |
Ike |
Category 2 |
46 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 1 |
276 km |
| 2007 |
Humberto |
Category 1 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 3 |
64 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
253 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 2 |
243 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 1 |
294 km |
| 1989 |
Jerry |
Category 1 |
145 km |
| 1989 |
Chantal |
Category 1 |
105 km |
| 1986 |
Bonnie |
Category 1 |
79 km |
| 1985 |
Juan |
Category 1 |
216 km |
| 1985 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
206 km |
| 1983 |
Alicia |
Category 3 |
112 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
606 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 443 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 2024 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2020 |
EF3 |
56 km |
3 |
| Dec 25, 2012 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 2009 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2002 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 2002 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 1999 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jan 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jan 19, 1990 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Feb 5, 1986 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Jan 31, 1983 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1982 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Dec 13, 1977 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Oct 28, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1969 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1969 |
EF3 |
79 km |
3 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: EAST TEXAS COMPLEX (19,100 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
EAST TEXAS COMPLEX |
19,100 |
68 km |
| 2023 |
H AND H COMPLEX |
9,476 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
RX10COMP 63-64-65 |
7,353 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
PIPELINE |
7,167 |
44 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
6,499 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
C 32 WFHF |
6,451 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
6,349 |
95 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
5,827 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
RX BURN COMPARTMENT 86-87 |
5,501 |
50 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
5,187 |
98 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
5,033 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
86 km |
| 1989 |
BIG CREEK |
4,723 |
84 km |
| 2020 |
C-38/39/40 |
4,708 |
82 km |
| 2024 |
ANF WHITE CITY COMP 35/36/37 RX |
4,508 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
POWERLINE FIRE |
4,490 |
87 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
4,456 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
RX10COMP31-32-33-34 |
4,317 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
4,302 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
50°F (10°C) |
4.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
5.8 in |
Wettest |
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| November |
60°F (15°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
5.4 in |
|
Big Thicket Lake Estates has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 50°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 57.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.8") and July the driest (4.1").
Average costs for common services in Big Thicket Lake Estates. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146-$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194-$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97-$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777-$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73-$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146-$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24-$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49-$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146-$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19-$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388-$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97-$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58-$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49-$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146-$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884-$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388-$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341-$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486-$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855-$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942-$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777-$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194-$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971-$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73-$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49-$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91-$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43-$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43-$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91-$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88-$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58-$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78-$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39-$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49-$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73-$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165-$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29-$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29-$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15-$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583-$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486-$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194-$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24-$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388-$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855-$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49-$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19-$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146-$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97-$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $559 |
| Toddler | $524 |
| Preschool | $511 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $507 |
| Toddler | $485 |
| Preschool | $476 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Thicket Lake Estates
What is the population of Big Thicket Lake Estates?
Big Thicket Lake Estates has a population of 550 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 235 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56% female and 44% male.
Is Big Thicket Lake Estates expensive to live in?
Big Thicket Lake Estates has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $22,074, 71% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $111,000 (61% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Big Thicket Lake Estates?
Big Thicket Lake Estates enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 68°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 50°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 57.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 33.
How is the job market in Big Thicket Lake Estates?
The job market in Big Thicket Lake Estates is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $978. There are 958 business establishments in the area, including 84 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 2.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Big Thicket Lake Estates?
The median home value in Big Thicket Lake Estates is $111,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $146,745. The homeownership rate is 77.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,442.
How are the schools in Big Thicket Lake Estates?
Schools in Big Thicket Lake Estates have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 5.0% of adults in Big Thicket Lake Estates hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 57.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Big Thicket Lake Estates?
The obesity rate in Big Thicket Lake Estates is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.4% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 27.2% of residents report depression. 23.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 29.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,076.
What is transportation like in Big Thicket Lake Estates?
The average commute in Big Thicket Lake Estates is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 97.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Big Thicket Lake Estates?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Big Thicket Lake Estates is 96% White, 19.6% Hispanic or Latino. 94.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 16.5% of the population are military veterans. 20.0% of residents have a disability. 76.5% have health insurance coverage.