Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Big Bay, MI
Thinking of moving to Big Bay, MI? This charming community of about 270 residents offers an affordable cost of living, with median home prices around $182,000 and average rents at $725. Expect a quiet rural lifestyle, low crime rates (110 violent crimes per 100k), and scenic Upper Peninsula weather with crisp winters and mild summers. Commute times average 24 minutes, and the local school is small, fostering close-knit educational opportunities. Explore the friendly, nature-rich atmosphere of Big Bay below!
Demographics - Big Bay, MI
Demographics - Big Bay, MI
Big Bay is a small, close-knit community of 270 people, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 56, reflecting a quieter, older demographic. The town’s low population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to its peaceful rural atmosphere.
Population:
270
Density:
25 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.0
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.0%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
3.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Big Bay, MI?
Big Bay offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $182,000 and monthly rents around $725. Cost of living indices are well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$182,000
Gross Rent:
$725
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,090
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
69.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
87.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Big Bay, MI a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Big Bay are low, with only 110 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a low risk of property crime. Residents can enjoy a strong sense of safety and security within the community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
900
Crime Index:
1,010
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 900
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 111
Weather
What is the weather like in Big Bay, MI year-round?
Big Bay experiences classic Upper Peninsula weather, with snowy winters, crisp springs, and mild summers peaking at 77°F. The area receives about 32 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 44% of the year.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
25°F

Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
77°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Residents in Big Bay enjoy a median household income of $45,000 and a strong sense of community, with nearly all neighbors speaking English and 92% holding a high school diploma or higher. The pace of life is relaxed, with an average commute of 24 minutes and virtually no public transportation usage.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$45,000
Family Income:
$52,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,000
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
14.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$725
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
24.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in Big Bay, MI?
Education in Big Bay is highlighted by Powell Township School, a small public school with a low student-teacher ratio fostering close attention. For higher education, Northern Michigan University is conveniently located 25 miles away in Marquette.

Public Schools
Name:
Powell Township School
Street:
101 Deutsch Ave
Phone:
906-345-9355
Students:
40
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5

Colleges
Name:
Northern Michigan University
City:
Marquette
State:
MI
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
7,200
Healthcare
Healthcare access is reliable, with 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage. The nearby UP Health System – Marquette provides major medical services, including emergency care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UP Health System – Marquette
Address:
850 W Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Phone:
(906) 449-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.1%
Health Care Index:
71.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Big Bay, MI?
The housing market in Big Bay is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $182,000 and nearly 80% owner occupancy. Home values have appreciated by about 5% in the past year, reflecting steady demand in this rural community.
Median Home Price:
$182,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$725
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents of Big Bay handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Michigan Secretary of State office in Marquette, which offers accessible DMV services both in person and online.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
234 W Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.