Big River, CA
Population 1,025 · California
About Big River, CA
Big River is a small town located in California with a population of 1,025 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,179 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 60.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Big River features a median home value of $132,400, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Big River one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $795, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 978 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (446 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (119 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Big River shows an unemployment rate of 15.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Big River have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.2% of Big River residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 11.6% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 4.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Big River Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Big River, CA
Compared to national averages, Big River has a median household income of $40,179 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $132,400, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $795 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Big River's income is 59% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 80% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Big River, CA?
Big River offers affordable housing with a median home value of $132,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $795/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,179) that falls below the national average. However, Big River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Big River has a population of 1,025 with a median age of 60.9 years. Compare Big River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Big River
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acalanes Ridge | 1,025 | $172,667 | $1,574,600 | Compare |
| Douglas City | 1,025 | $45,938 | $363,900 | Compare |
| Mesa Verde | 1,025 | $48,523 | $102,700 | Compare |
| Delft Colony | 1,024 | $37,004 | $0 | Compare |
| Lompico | 1,024 | $87,604 | $630,600 | Compare |
| Squirrel Mountain Valley | 1,020 | $0 | $345,500 | Compare |
| Stratford | 1,030 | $61,090 | $0 | Compare |
| Stebbins | 1,017 | $108,056 | $242,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Big River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Big River
What is the population of Big River, CA?
The population of Big River, CA is 1,025 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Big River?
The median household income in Big River, CA is $40,179 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Big River?
The median home value in Big River, CA is $132,400, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Big River?
The median monthly rent in Big River, CA is $795, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Big River?
The unemployment rate in Big River, CA is 15.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Big River, CA a good place to live?
Big River offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,025 and a median age of 60.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Big River, CA?
9.2% of residents in Big River aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Big River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Big River, CA: median home value is $132,400 (46% below national), median rent is $795/month, and median household income is $40,179. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Big River?
The poverty rate in Big River, CA is 19.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Big River, CA?
Big River's population is 11.6% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.0% of residents are foreign-born.