Median Income
$75,625
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.5%
78% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,550
33% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.6%
167% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
38% lower than US avg
How Bigelow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population269
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density690/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 46%
Veterans0.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$75,625
Per Capita$33,616
Unemployment9.6%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$602M
Commute20 min
Housing
A
Rent$1,550
Ownership65.4%
Zillow$239,904
Housing Units112
Rent Burden9.0%
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured11.2%
Smoking14.7%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
Rain30.2 in/yr
Elevation1,646 ft (502 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.5%
High School+79.3%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score6.08
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 17%
Commute20 min
Broadband81.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Bigelow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bigelow receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Bigelow offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bigelow is $75,625, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 9.6%, unemployment is notably high. Only 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,550 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163.
Education
7.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bigelow has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.2 inches, including 41.5 inches of snow.
Bigelow has a population of 269 with a density of 690 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.9% female and 62.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (58.4%), with 46.1% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 46.3% of residents, while 42.7% speak Spanish. 0.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 5.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 88.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
269
Total Population
2023 Census
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
46.3%
41% below US avg
Spanish
42.7%
219% above US avg
The median household income in Bigelow is $75,625, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,616 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $959, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 272 business establishments, including 8 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,625 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,616 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $959 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,321 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.6% |
| 167% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 272 |
| County GDP | $602M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 28 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $239,904. Monthly rent averages $1,550 (33% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 112 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $2,900 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,550 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.6% |
| Housing Units | 112 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,900 |
| 17% below US avg |
In Bigelow, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 19.6% report binge drinking. 27.8% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 11.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,080. The dentist ratio is 1:6,036. 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bigelow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 9.1% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.8% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 29.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.8% |
| Uninsured | 11.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,080 |
| Dentists | 1:6,036 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,978 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.8% |
| Dental Visits | 65.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,292/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Bigelow has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,646 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.5°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,646 ft (502 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 690/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5053°N, 95.6892°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Osceola County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
53 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.2"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.88"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
89 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
582 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 14 fatalities, 306 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
42 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1968 |
EF5 |
74 km |
9 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Bigelow has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.9") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Bigelow. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $689 |
| Toddler | $593 |
| Preschool | $593 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $457 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bigelow
What is the population of Bigelow?
Bigelow has a population of 269 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 690 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 37.9% female and 62.1% male.
Is Bigelow expensive to live in?
Bigelow has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $75,625, 1% above the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,550 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Bigelow?
Bigelow has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 30.2 inches, with 41.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bigelow?
The job market in Bigelow faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $959. There are 272 business establishments in the area, including 8 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bigelow?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,550. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,900.
How are the schools in Bigelow?
Schools in Bigelow score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.5% of adults in Bigelow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.3% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bigelow?
The obesity rate in Bigelow is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 27.8% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 11.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,080.
What is transportation like in Bigelow?
The average commute in Bigelow is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bigelow?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bigelow is 46.1% White, 58.4% Hispanic or Latino. 46.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 42.7% speak Spanish. 0.5% of the population are military veterans. 5.6% of residents have a disability. 88.8% have health insurance coverage.