Big Bay, Michigan

Big Bay is an unincorporated community in Marquette County of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes and does not have any legal status as an incorporated municipality. As of the 2000 census, the CDP population was 265. The community is located within Powell Township near the shore of "Big Bay" on Lake Superior.Although the Big Bay community is served by the Marquette ZIP code 49855, the Big Bay post office with ZIP code 49808, serves a much larger area to the west and south of the community and CDP, including portions of Powell Township as well as Ishpeming, Champion, Michigamme, and Ely townships.HistoryBig Bay was established in 1875 by people involved in the lumber industry.GeographyAccording to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.9sqmi, of which 3.8sqmi is land and 2.1sqmi (35.63%) is water.DemographicsAs of the census of 2000, there were 265 people, 129 households, and 86 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 69.2 per square mile (26.7/km²). There were 300 housing units at an average density of 78.3 per square mile (30.2/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.23% White, 2.26% Native American, and 1.51% from two or more races.