Median Income
$40,875
46% lower than US avg
Home Value
$147,900
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
218/100K
43% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.1%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,157
1% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.1%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.2%
31% higher than US avg
How Bigfork Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population430
Median Age56.1 yrs
Density231/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans6.4%
Economy
B
Median Income$40,875
Per Capita$28,116
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty16.2%
County GDP$2,579M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$147,900
Rent$1,157
Ownership58.0%
Zillow$232,578
Housing Units182
Rent Burden50.0%
Crime
F
Violent218/100K
Property3,512/100K
Health
Obesity38.1%
Uninsured9.2%
Smoking19.8%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp38°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain31.1 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,316 ft (401 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.1%
High School+91.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute18 min
Broadband86.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Bigfork a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bigfork receives an overall livability score of 2.7 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Bigfork has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bigfork is $40,875, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. The poverty rate of 16.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bigfork is $147,900, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,157 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bigfork is below the national average at 218 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,512 per 100,000, 79% above the national average.
Education
11.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Bigfork has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 31.1 inches, including 64.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Bigfork has a population of 430 with a density of 231 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 56.1 years, 44% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly White (88.8%), with 5.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.4% of the population are veterans. 36.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
56.1yrs
Median Age
44% 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 Bigfork is $40,875, which is 46% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,116 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,352 business establishments, including 107 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,875 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,116 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,727 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,352 |
| County GDP | $2,579M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 107 |
| Healthcare | 170 |
| Retail | 178 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,534 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.07% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.2% |
| Public Transit | 3.4% |
| Work from Home | 1.7% |
The median home value in Bigfork is $147,900, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,578, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,157 (1% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 182 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $4,534 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 50.0% 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 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $147,900 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,578 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,157 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 50.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.0% |
| Housing Units | 182 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,534 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.07% |
In Bigfork, 38.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 19.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.0% report binge drinking. 26.8% are physically inactive. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:980. The dentist ratio is 1:1,256. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bigfork vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.1% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.8% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.8% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.2% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:980 |
| Dentists | 1:1,256 |
| Mental Health | 1:289 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,838/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 170 |
Bigfork has a violent crime rate of 218 per 100,000 residents, 43% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,512 per 100,000, 79% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bigfork receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bigfork vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 217.8/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,511.8/100K |
| 79% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 38 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bigfork has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (4°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.1 inches. The area receives 64.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,316 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-15°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 38.4°F |
| 29% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,316 ft (401 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 231/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.7469°N, 93.6533°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Itasca County County |
| Nearest Airport | Range Regional (HIB)
45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
31.1"
18% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
79 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 20 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1977 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1973 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1959 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 2021 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2018 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2018 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2018 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2018 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 2017 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2016 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 2013 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2005 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1993 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,053 ac, 1992).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
4,053 |
100 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
75 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,181 |
83 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,986 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,874 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
75 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
76 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,775 |
84 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,637 |
83 km |
| 2004 |
BLACKDUCK RIVER |
1,620 |
83 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
1,581 |
95 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
958 |
69 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
958 |
98 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
950 |
69 km |
| 2003 |
FEN |
619 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
582 |
81 km |
| 2003 |
BIG BOG |
503 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-15°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Bigfork has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 6°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Bigfork. 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 | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bigfork
What is the population of Bigfork?
Bigfork has a population of 430 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 231 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.
Is Bigfork expensive to live in?
Bigfork 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 $40,875, 46% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $147,900 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,157 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bigfork safe?
Bigfork is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 218 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,512 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bigfork receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bigfork?
Bigfork has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 38°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 31.1 inches, with 64.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Bigfork?
The job market in Bigfork is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,040. There are 1,352 business establishments in the area, including 107 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 1.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bigfork?
The median home value in Bigfork is $147,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,578. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,157. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,534.
How are the schools in Bigfork?
Schools in Bigfork score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.1% of adults in Bigfork hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bigfork?
The obesity rate in Bigfork is 38.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.8% of adults are smokers. 26.8% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 9.2% lack health insurance. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:980.
What is transportation like in Bigfork?
The average commute in Bigfork is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.2% of workers drive alone to work, 3.4% use public transit, and 1.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bigfork?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bigfork is 88.8% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.4% of the population are military veterans. 36.4% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
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