Big Lake, WA
Population 2,648 · Washington
About Big Lake, WA
Big Lake is a small town located in Washington with a population of 2,648 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $119,000 per year, which is 58% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.3 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 Lake features a median home value of $659,800, which is 169% above the national median of $244,900. This places Big Lake in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,932, 66% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,119 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (891 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (117 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Big Lake shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Big Lake have an average one-way commute time of 31.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.5% of Big Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 6.3% Asian residents, with 7.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Big Lake Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Big Lake, WA
Compared to national averages, Big Lake has a median household income of $119,000 (58% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $659,800, which is 169% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,932 is 66% above the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Big Lake's income is 31% above the state average of $90,795, and home values are 43% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Big Lake, WA?
Big Lake offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $119,000, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%, and a well-educated community where 36.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $659,800. However, Big Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Big Lake has a population of 2,648 with a median age of 48.3 years. Compare Big Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
Similar Cities Near Big Lake
Cities in Washington with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allyn | 2,656 | $107,823 | $527,200 | Compare |
| Peaceful Valley | 2,661 | $60,271 | $267,300 | Compare |
| Leavenworth | 2,676 | $74,653 | $564,100 | Compare |
| Fobes Hill | 2,683 | $132,250 | $777,100 | Compare |
| Friday Harbor | 2,685 | $69,954 | $515,000 | Compare |
| Dayton | 2,695 | $71,687 | $223,900 | Compare |
| Kingston | 2,585 | $99,345 | $448,600 | Compare |
| Brush Prairie | 2,563 | $115,511 | $515,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Washington
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Big Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Big Lake
What is the population of Big Lake, WA?
The population of Big Lake, WA is 2,648 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Washington.
What is the median household income in Big Lake?
The median household income in Big Lake, WA is $119,000 per year, which is 58% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Big Lake?
The median home value in Big Lake, WA is $659,800, which is 169% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Big Lake?
The median monthly rent in Big Lake, WA is $1,932, which is 66% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Big Lake?
The unemployment rate in Big Lake, WA is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Big Lake, WA a good place to live?
Big Lake offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,648 and a median age of 48.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Big Lake, WA?
36.5% of residents in Big Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Big Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Big Lake, WA: median home value is $659,800 (169% above national), median rent is $1,932/month, and median household income is $119,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Big Lake?
The poverty rate in Big Lake, WA is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Big Lake, WA?
Big Lake's population is 2.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 6.3% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 7.8% of residents are foreign-born.