| City: | Big Bay, Michigan |
| County: | Marquette County |
| Timezone: | Eastern (GMT -05:00) |
| Local Time: | 8:28:01 PM |
| Population: | 349 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 906 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 46.6986, -87.8665 |
| Land Area: | 173.809 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Big Bay sits on the southern shore of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, 133 square miles of forested territory in Marquette County. This remote community of 349 residents has a median age of 56.9 years, making it one of the older populations among small towns in the state. Only 187 of the 511 housing units are occupied year-round. The other 269 homes (63%) sit vacant most of the year, used seasonally by owners who return in summer months.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no street delivery available anywhere in the territory. The Big Bay post office maintains 254 PO Boxes for the 187 households, a 1.36-to-1 ratio that shows the post office serves more than just immediate residents. People from surrounding areas without mail access, seasonal homeowners, and nearby camps all maintain boxes here.
Only one rural carrier route serves the area, covering just Hoffman Street for street-addressed mail. Everything else goes to PO Boxes. General Delivery is available for those without a box, typical in remote areas.
With a median household income of $49,063 and median home values around $254,000, Big Bay attracts retirees and seasonal residents drawn to the isolation and natural beauty of Lake Superior's coast. Small household sizes (1.9 people per home) and minimal population under 18 (only 2 children) confirm this isn't a family-raising community. It's a quiet, older, seasonal place where the post office is the only way to get mail.
All mail to Big Bay must use a PO Box address:
Recipient Name
PO Box [number]
Big Bay, MI 49808Only one street appears in postal records, with nearly all delivery going to PO Boxes.
ZIP Code 49808 has 349 residents and 187 households (average 1.87 persons per household). The median age is 56.9 years, significantly older than the state (40.1) and significantly older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 57.3% male and 42.7% female, which is much higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (90.8%, much higher than the state average of 73.9% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (2.3%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.3%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 349Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 237Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 2.0 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $49,063Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 187Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $254,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.87Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.28Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 206 | 228 | 258 | 243 | 209 | 217 | 236 | 234 | 223 | 587 | 268 | 414 | 237 |
| Decennial Census | 352 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 349 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 56.9
Male Median Age: 55.7
Female Median Age: 57.9
| Group | < 5 | 5-9 | 10-14 | 15-19 | 20-24 | 25-29 | 30-34 | 35-39 | 40-44 | 45-49 | 50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75-79 | 80-84 | 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 2 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 13 | 12 | 15 | 9 | 9 | 15 | 12 | 14 | 21 | 36 | 14 | 2 | 3 |
| Female | 5 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 16 | 15 | 8 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 2 | 3 |
| Total | 7 | 11 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 12 | 16 | 31 | 27 | 22 | 44 | 54 | 26 | 4 | 6 |
| White: | 317 | 94.91% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 8 | 2.40% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.30% |
| American Indian: | 2 | 0.60% |
| Hawaiian: | 2 | 0.60% |
| Other: | 4 | 1.20% |
| Total: | 334 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 200 | 57.31% | 55.7 years |
| Females: | 149 | 42.69% | 57.9 years |
| Total: | 349 | 100% | 56.9 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 237 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 237 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 237 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $49,063, which is considerably lower than the national median ($78,538), is up $5,313 (12.1%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $13,020. Family households earn a median of $65,469 versus $19,205 for nonfamily households (a difference of $46,264). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is well under the state female median ($51,279), with a current gap of $0 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 30.0%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 5.0%, which is a bit less than the state rate (5.8%). The largest occupation group is Management (38.6%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $43,750 | $44,583 | $43,125 | $38,500 | $46,875 | $48,542 | $51,023 | $57,656 | $62,083 | $38,768 | $43,393 | $46,257 | $49,063 |
| Median Family Income | $51,667 | $44,583 | $44,063 | $68,438 | $0 | $129,167 | $104,306 | $105,417 | $109,583 | $0 | $59,531 | $61,563 | $65,469 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $43,250 | $41,250 | $36,250 | $27,625 | $29,000 | $0 | $0 | $30,250 | $31,250 | $38,617 | $31,932 | $46,082 | $19,205 |
| Median Male Income | $50,833 | $54,063 | $86,250 | $44,375 | $0 | $0 | $47,946 | $50,833 | $51,125 | $52,375 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $31,167 | $31,538 | $31,667 | $32,019 | $0 | $100,455 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 57 | 28.50% |
| Unemployed: | 3 | 1.50% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 140 | 70.00% |
| Total: | 200 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 22 | 38.60% |
| Service: | 22 | 38.60% |
| Sales and Office: | 3 | 5.26% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 8 | 14.04% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 2 | 3.51% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 57 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $254,000, which is much higher than the state median ($217,600), is up $169,400 (200.24%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $60,900. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($1,084), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 91.67% (54.55% with a mortgage, 45.45% free-and-clear) and renters 8.33% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 78.13%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.43%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $84,600 | $88,700 | $88,900 | $94,500 | $114,900 | $145,200 | $208,900 | $178,100 | $193,100 | $139,400 | $187,000 | $141,100 | $254,000 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 5 | 62.50% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 3 | 37.50% |
| Total: | 8 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 48 | 50.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 40 | 41.67% |
| Renter Occupied: | 8 | 8.33% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 96 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 96 | 21.87% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 343 | 78.13% |
| Total Housing Units: | 439 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 391 | 89.07% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 9 | 2.05% |
| Other Units: | 39 | 8.88% |
| Total Housing Units: | 439 | 100% |
In 2023, 31.10% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 96.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 5.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 39.70%, which is generally lower than the state rate (70.60%). Public coverage is 84.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 0.00%, which is on par with the state rate (8.80%). Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (94.74%). College enrollment is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 2 | 1.11% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 5 | 2.78% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 74 | 41.11% |
| Some college, no degree: | 41 | 22.78% |
| Associate's degree: | 2 | 1.11% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 45 | 25.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 11 | 6.11% |
| Total: | 180 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 173 | 96.11% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 56 | 31.11% |
| Private Insurance: | 92 | 30.56% |
| Public Insurance: | 196 | 65.12% |
| No Insurance: | 13 | 4.32% |
| Total: | 301 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 288 | 95.68% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 1 | 2.63% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 36 | 94.74% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 1 | 2.63% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 38 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 1 | 2.63% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 38 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 49808 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 14 business establishments, employing about 238 people with an annual payroll of $16,423,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 268Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 14Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $4,338,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $16,423,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 238Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 49808 is located in Marquette County, Michigan, within the Marquette, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 32100) and Michigan's 1st Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 66,430 people, about 0.53% of whom live in ZIP Code 49808. It covers 173.809 sq mi of land and a water area of 55.909 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Marquette, MISource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 32100Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MicroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 66,430Source: Census |
| MSA: | Source: Census |
| Land Area: | 173.809 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 55.909 sq miSource: Census |
| Congressional District: | 01Source: USPS |
| Congressional Land Area: | 25027.75 sq miSource: Census |
| PMSA: | Source: Census |
| Intro Date: | < 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Place FIPS Code: | 2608180Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Big Bay CDP; MichiganSource: Census |
ZIP Code 49808 is in the Powell Township Schools, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on January 1, 2026.