Big River, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,140
11.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$39,773/yr
-1.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
968
-1.0% year-over-year change

Big River population

How many people live in Big River

Big River is home to 1,140 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.5% of Big River locals are male, and 49.5% are female.

Total population
1,140
11.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.5%
576
Female
49.5%
564
Value Percent YoY change
Male 576 50.5% 9.3%
Female 564 49.5% 13.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Big River is 60, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.7% are children under 15, then 6.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 7.8% of the population, while another 42.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 36.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
59.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.7%
15 to 24
6.3%
25 to 44
7.8%
45 to 64
42.3%
Over 65
36.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 76 6.7% 22.6%
15 to 24 72 6.3% 80.0%
25 to 44 89 7.8% 29.0%
45 to 64 482 42.3% 6.6%
Over 65 421 36.9% 4.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Big River, 94.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 12.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.8%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,081 94.8% 10.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 43 3.8% 43.3%
Non-citizens 16 1.4% -11.1%
Racial breakdown
White
83.3%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.1%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 950 83.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 18 1.6%
Two or more races 138 12.1%
Other 34 3%

Households in Big River

A peek inside Big River households

Big River has 596 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.5% are families, while the remaining 49.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
596
5.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
295
Family households
301
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 295 49.5% -4.2%
Family households 301 50.5% 17.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Big River

The housing landscape of Big River

Big River's housing consists of 968 units, with 45.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 49.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
968
-1.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 443 45.8%
2 units 9 0.9%
3 or 4 units 19 2%
10 to 19 units 5 0.5%
Mobile home 477 49.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 15 1.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Big River

In Big River, the median construction year is 1986. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1950 and 1959 23 2.4% 109.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 22 2.3% -31.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 308 31.8% -5.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 229 23.7% 11.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 129 13.3% -14.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 204 21.1% 2.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 53 5.5% 1.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Big River occupancy rates

Out of the 596 occupied housing units in Big River, 79.5% are owner-occupied, while 20.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 38.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
596
5.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
122
Owner occupied
474
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 122 20.5% 2.5%
Owner occupied 474 79.5% 6.3%
Unoccupied housing units
38.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Big River housing costs

Housing costs in Big River come to a median of $352 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $839.

Median housing costs per month
$352/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Big River
$839/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Big River

Big River education at a glance

About 49.3% of the population in Big River went to high school, while 28.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.6% earned an associate degree and 7.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 40 3.8% 21.2%
High school diploma 512 49.3% 12.3%
College diploma 292 28.1% 1.4%
Associate degree 89 8.6% 3.5%
Bachelor's degree 74 7.1% 19.4%
Graduate degree 31 3% 34.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Big River

How much people earn in Big River

The average annual household income in Big River was $59,040 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $39,773, reflecting a -1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Big River
$59,040/year
-1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Big River
$39,773/year
-1.0% year-over-year change

Big River income by age

In Big River, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $51,389. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $36,641 overall. Overall, 79.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $51,389 -6.6%
45 - 64 $36,641 -17.9%
Over 65 $40,938 28.8%
Above poverty level
902
Below poverty level
228
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 902 79.8% 10.9%
Below poverty level 228 20.2% 11.8%

Employment in Big River

Workforce and job types in Big River

The job market in Big River is powered by 394 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.8% run their own businesses, 66.5% are employed by private companies, and 5.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
394
18.0% year-over-year change
White collar
311
Blue collar
83
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 311 78.9% 27.5%
Blue collar 83 21.1% -7.8%
Employer type
Self employees
16.8%
Private companies
66.5%
Governmental workers
5.8%
Not for profit companies
10.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 66 16.8% 78.4%
Private companies 262 66.5% 9.6%
Governmental workers 23 5.8% 15.0%
Not for profit companies 43 10.9% 13.2%
Unemployment rate
11.3%
-15.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Big River stands at 11.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Big River

How people get around in Big River

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 351 89.1% 13.6%
Ferryboat 8 2% 166.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

Explore more communities

FAQs about Big River demographics 

What is the total population of Big River?

Big River has a total population of 1,140 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +11.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Big River?

The gender ratio in Big River is as follows:
  • 50.5% males (576 residents)
  • 49.5% females (564 residents)

What is the median age in Big River?

The median age in Big River is 59.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Big River?

The age distribution in Big River is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.7% (76 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.3% (72 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 7.8% (89 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 42.3% (482 residents)
  • Over 65: 36.9% (421 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Big River?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Big River is as follows:
  • White: 83.3% (950 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.6% (18 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.1% (138 residents)
  • Other: 3% (34 residents)

What percentage of the population in Big River are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.8% of the population in Big River.

How many housing units are there in Big River?

There are 968 housing units in Big River, reflecting a -1.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Big River and what is the average household size?

Big River has a total of 596 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Big River?

Big River has a median household income of $39,773, representing a -1.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Big River?

The employment rate is 88.7% in Big River, with a workforce of 394 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.9% (311 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.1% (83 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.8% (66 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.5% (262 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5.8% (23 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.9% (43 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025