Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Big Lake, Minnesota is a moderately-sized city with a population of 11,468 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (93% White). Given that fact, Big Lake could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Big Lake residents is 32. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Big Lake entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 32 minutes.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Big Lake, Minnesota could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, commute, health & safety, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Big Lake and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Big Lake to Minnesota and the national average.
Using data and statistics Big Lake has received a livability score of 80 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 94th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the United States average, Big Lake ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Big Lake is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Big Lake has higher than average scores for the following: crime (A+), education (A-) and employment (A+). There are some categories that Big Lake scores poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 132 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Big Lake boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
The Big Lake unemployment rate of 0.7% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Big Lake excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Big Lake is actually affordable. The median home price for Big Lake homes is $380,669, which is 12.3% higher than the Minnesota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Big Lake, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 24.3% lower than the Minnesota average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Big Lake | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 32min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.9% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 14.2% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.5% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 6.7% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Minnesota
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Minnesota
Check out the 10 safest cities in Minnesota
Safest States In The US