Living in Big Bay, Michigan
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Big Bay · Census data 2020–2024
Big Bay has 306 residents with a median age of 59.5. The median household income is $51,953 (29% lower than the Michigan median), the median home value is $273,100.
Big Bay is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Big Bay at a glance
- Population
- 306
- Median age
- 59.5State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $51,953State: $72,875
- Median home value
- $273,100State: $231,600
- Homeowners
- 94.5%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 33.5%
- Average commute
- 21 min
Is Big Bay a good place to live?
Pros: An average commute of 21 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 29% lower than the Michigan median; home values 18% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 21.3%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Big Bay
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Big Bay the median home value is $273,100, 18% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of — per month. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,313 a month in housing costs.
Big Bay median household income
The median household income in Big Bay is $51,953 and the income per person is $31,523. 21.3% of residents live below the poverty line (Michigan: 13.2%).
Housing in Big Bay: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 290
- Owner-occupied
- 94.5%
- Renter-occupied
- 5.5%
- Vacant
- 56.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1968
- Average household size
- 2.41
56.2% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Big Bay has many vacation and second homes.
Big Bay demographics
- Population
- 306
- Median age
- 59.5
- Under 18
- 13.1%
- 65 and older
- 39.5%
- Households
- 127
- Foreign-born
- 0%
- Veterans
- 6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Big Bay ›
Education in Big Bay
33.5% of adults 25 and older in Big Bay have a bachelor's degree or higher (Michigan: 32.4%), and 8.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Big Bay
- Unemployment rate
- 0%State: 5.7%
- Average commute
- 21 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 13.2%
- Drive alone
- 39.5%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 35.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 78%
Big Bay vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bay | 306 | $51,953 | $273,100 | — |
| Trowbridge Park | 2,396 | $50,125 | $239,600 | $1,186 |
| West Ishpeming | 2,851 | $95,129 | $193,900 | $1,063 |
| Negaunee | 4,656 | $70,568 | $170,100 | $861 |
| Skanee | 116 | $62,031 | $231,900 | — |
| Marquette | 21,325 | $55,613 | $274,700 | $1,011 |
| Ishpeming | 6,181 | $52,754 | $111,900 | $733 |
| Michigamme | 229 | $52,083 | $163,900 | — |
| Palmer | 309 | $65,833 | $83,900 | $763 |
More for people moving to Big Bay
Big Bay ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Big Bay: FAQ
What is the median household income in Big Bay, MI?
The median household income in Big Bay is $51,953, 29% lower than the Michigan median of $72,875 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Big Bay?
The median home value in Big Bay is $273,100, compared with $231,600 in Michigan.
Is Big Bay, MI a good place to live?
Pluses: an average commute of 21 minutes. Minuses: median household income 29% lower than the Michigan median; home values 18% higher than the state median; a poverty rate of 21.3%.
What is the median age in Big Bay?
The median age in Big Bay is 59.5 years (Michigan: 40.2).
How long is the commute in Big Bay?
The average commute to work in Big Bay is 21 minutes; 13.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Big Bay?
The unemployment rate in Big Bay is 0% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Big Bay?
33.5% of adults in Big Bay have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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