Cost of Living in Big Lake, TX

Population 3,092 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

55
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Big Lake can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $156,000 against $72,067 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. At 9.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 70 miles southeast of Midland, Big Lake is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 48% lower than Midland's $299,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 51
Rent 61

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Big Lake

The median home value in Big Lake is $155,500 — 49% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $806/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,067/year is 3% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 80.0°F and lows of 53.5°F. Overall, Big Lake has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$155,500
49% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$472,027
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$806/mo
39% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.1x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$766
1 BR
$811
2 BR
$981
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,509
Owner-occupied 76.9%
Renter-occupied 23.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$806
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,420/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.7 min
12% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.1%
Carpooled
7.4%
Walked
9.1%
Work from home
4.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 8.2%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 1.9%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$72,067
3% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,011
Unemployment Rate
9.1%
89% above avg
Poverty Rate
11.7%
Labor Force Participation
63.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.2%
Graduate degree 6.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 28.8
Male median age 27.8
Female median age 29.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
80.0°F
Avg Low
53.5°F
Annual Precip
20.9"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 616573828994979789816962
Low °F 343846536270727265544335
Precip" 0.921.201.481.473.052.311.102.422.512.421.160.89

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Big Lake, TX?

Big Lake has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.

What is average rent in Big Lake, TX?

The median gross rent in Big Lake is $806 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Big Lake?

The median home value in Big Lake is $155,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Big Lake?

The median household income in Big Lake is $72,067 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Big Lake, TX?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Big Lake is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.

Is Big Lake, TX affordable?

Yes, Big Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Big Lake?

Big Lake has average high temperatures of 80.0°F and average lows of 53.5°F. Annual precipitation is 20.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Big Lake at a Glance

Population
3,092
Median Income
$72,067
Home Value
$155,500
Median Rent
$806/mo
Unemployment
9.1%
Avg High Temp
80.0°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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