Median Income
$93,478
24% higher than US avg
Home Value
$438,800
56% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
1,012/100K
166% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
42.8%
27% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,231
6% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.0%
7% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Bear Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,360
Median Age44.9 yrs
Density35/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans2.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$93,478
Per Capita$45,252
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$32,113M
Commute12 min
Housing
A
Home Value$438,800
Rent$1,231
Ownership62.3%
Zillow$374,592
Housing Units677
Rent Burden28.9%
Crime
F
Violent1,012/100K
Property1,012/100K
Health
Obesity30.0%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking14.0%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain69.7 in/yr
Sunny Days166/yr
Elevation293 ft (89 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+42.8%
High School+98.0%
Graduate+7.2%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 56%
Commute12 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Bear Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bear Creek receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Bear Creek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bear Creek is $93,478, 24% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bear Creek is $438,800, making it a premium housing market at 56% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,231 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 1,012 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,012 per 100,000, 48% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 42.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Bear Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. With 166 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 69.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Bear Creek has a population of 1,360 with a density of 35 people per square mile, spread across 39.5 square miles. The median age is 44.9 years, 15% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46% female and 54% male. The city is predominantly White (85%), with 5.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 2.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.9yrs
Median Age
15% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bear Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bear Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bear Creek is $93,478, which is 24% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,252 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,436. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,829 business establishments, including 785 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bear Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $93,478 |
| 24% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,252 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,436 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,829 |
| County GDP | $32,113M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 785 |
| Healthcare | 1,392 |
| Retail | 819 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.1% |
The median home value in Bear Creek is $438,800, 56% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $374,592, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,231 (6% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 677 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2001. The average annual property tax is $8,419 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $438,800 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $374,592 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,231 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,061 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,467 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,304 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.7% |
| Housing Units | 677 |
| Median Year Built | 2001 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.92% |
In Bear Creek, 30.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.2% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 17.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.8% report depression. 15.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860. The dentist ratio is 1:750. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bear Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.8% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 31.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:860 |
| Dentists | 1:750 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.5% |
| Dental Visits | 59.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,853/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,392 |
Bear Creek has a violent crime rate of 1,012 per 100,000 residents, 166% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,012 per 100,000, 48% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bear Creek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bear Creek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,011.9/100K |
| 166% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,011.9/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bear Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. The area gets 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual precipitation totals 69.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 293 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
56°F Jul (13°C)
| Annual Average | 40.4°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 56°F (13°C) |
| Sunny Days | 166 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 293 ft (89 m) |
| Area | 39.5 sq mi (102.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 35/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 60.2081°N, 149.3698°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Anchorage Municipality County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) 70 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
69.7"
83% above US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
6.93"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.36 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,107 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
138 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
98 km |
| Aug 13, 1990 |
13 km NW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.5 |
143 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
113 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska |
M5.3 |
120 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
127 km |
| May 7, 2017 |
14 km N of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M5.3 |
128 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
127 km |
| Dec 7, 1991 |
19 km E of Point Possession, Alaska |
M5.2 |
98 km |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
14 km WNW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.2 |
124 km |
| Apr 18, 1999 |
17 km WNW of Clam Gulch, Alaska |
M5.2 |
129 km |
| Feb 6, 2002 |
7 km SSW of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska |
M5.1 |
112 km |
| May 18, 1993 |
16 km WNW of Hope, Alaska |
M5.1 |
91 km |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
15 km NE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.1 |
139 km |
| Jun 16, 2011 |
14 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.1 |
112 km |
| Feb 6, 2002 |
10 km SSW of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska |
M5.0 |
109 km |
| Jan 1, 2019 |
7 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.0 |
125 km |
| Mar 5, 2004 |
21 km WNW of Kalifornsky, Alaska |
M5.0 |
129 km |
| Jan 13, 2019 |
8 km SW of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.0 |
127 km |
| Mar 16, 2000 |
5 km NE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.0 |
135 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 60.0 m (197 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1967 |
GREWINGK, AK |
Meteorological |
60.0 m |
— |
117 km |
| 1964 |
PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
51.8 m |
139 |
136 km |
| 2024 |
PEDERSEN LAGOON, AK |
Meteorological |
17.0 m |
— |
42 km |
| 2022 |
RESURRECTION BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
0.1 m |
— |
14 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Spurr (198 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
198 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FUNNY RIVER (193,798 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
FUNNY RIVER |
193,798 |
81 km |
| 2019 |
SWAN LAKE |
164,801 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
FOX CREEK WFU |
25,577 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
SHANTA CREEK |
14,474 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
KING COUNTY CREEK |
10,124 |
68 km |
| 1991 |
POTHOLE |
8,769 |
43 km |
| 2015 |
CARD STREET |
7,366 |
72 km |
| 2004 |
GLACIER CREEK |
5,230 |
70 km |
| 2001 |
KENAI LAKE |
3,319 |
24 km |
| 1994 |
WINDY POINT |
2,689 |
80 km |
| 1987 |
SKILAK 2 |
2,365 |
65 km |
| 2007 |
SWAN LAKE |
1,986 |
62 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
1,104 |
76 km |
| 2005 |
IRISH CHANNEL |
1,067 |
49 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
32°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
40°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
47°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| July |
56°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
45°F (7°C) |
6.8 in |
|
| October |
34°F (1°C) |
6.9 in |
Wettest |
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Bear Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 23°F in February to 56°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 46.0 inches, with October being the wettest month (6.9") and June the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Bear Creek. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154–$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205–$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102–$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819–$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77–$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154–$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51–$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410–$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102–$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61–$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51–$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154–$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096–$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410–$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632–$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512–$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120–$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048–$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819–$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205–$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024–$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31–$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77–$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51–$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07–$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56–$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56–$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07–$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10–$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61–$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82–$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51–$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77–$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229–$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31–$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614–$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512–$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205–$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26–$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410–$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120–$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51–$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102–$410) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,567 |
| Toddler | $1,460 |
| Preschool | $1,255 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,124 |
| Toddler | $1,013 |
| Preschool | $992 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bear Creek
What is the population of Bear Creek?
Bear Creek has a population of 1,360 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 35 people per square mile, spread across 39.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46% female and 54% male.
Is Bear Creek expensive to live in?
Bear Creek has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $93,478, 24% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $438,800 (56% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,231 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bear Creek safe?
Public safety is a concern in Bear Creek, with a violent crime rate of 1,012 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,012 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bear Creek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bear Creek?
Bear Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 56°F in July. The area receives 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 69.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Bear Creek?
The unemployment rate in Bear Creek is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,436. There are 8,829 business establishments in the area, including 785 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 6.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bear Creek?
The median home value in Bear Creek is $438,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $374,592. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,231. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.3%. The average annual property tax is $8,419.
How are the schools in Bear Creek?
Schools in Bear Creek have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 42.8% of adults in Bear Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bear Creek?
The obesity rate in Bear Creek is 30.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 17.8% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860.
What is transportation like in Bear Creek?
The average commute in Bear Creek is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bear Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bear Creek is 85% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 2.0% of the population are military veterans. 6.4% of residents have a disability. 92.7% have health insurance coverage.