Violent Crime
699/100K
84% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.4%
81% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.3%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower 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
Population231
Median Age32.4 yrs
Density3,850/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
Per Capita$25,030
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$13,282M
Housing
Ownership64.1%
Zillow$393,170
Housing Units45
Rent Burden29.0%
Crime
F
Violent699/100K
Property3,225/100K
Health
Obesity32.3%
Uninsured12.6%
Smoking9.3%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F (17°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain11.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation191 ft (58 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.4%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.99
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 47%
Broadband39.0%
EV Stations15
Libraries13
Is Bear Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bear Creek receives an overall livability score of 1.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate. Bear Creek faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
With 699 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 3,225 per 100,000, 65% above the national average.
Education
6.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Bear Creek enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Bear Creek has a population of 231 with a density of 3,850 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 32.4 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58% female and 42% male. The city is predominantly White (79.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 69.9% of residents, while 30.1% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.4yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bear Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
69.9%
11% below US avg
Spanish
30.1%
125% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Bear Creek vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $25,030 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,057, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 8,584 business establishments, including 403 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bear Creek vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $25,030 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,057 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,281 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,584 |
| County GDP | $13,282M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 403 |
| Healthcare | 479 |
| Retail | 547 |
| Manufacturing | 116 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,616 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 78.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $393,170. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 64.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 45 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $4,616 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.9% |
| Housing Units | 45 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,616 |
| 32% above US avg |
In Bear Creek, 32.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.8% of residents, below the national average. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 9.3% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 20.0% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 12.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,387. The dentist ratio is 1:2,148. 78.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bear Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.3% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 3.9% |
| Cancer | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.3% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| Uninsured | 12.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,387 |
| Dentists | 1:2,148 |
| Mental Health | 1:398 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.2% |
| Dental Visits | 66.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,849/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 479 |
Bear Creek has a violent crime rate of 699 per 100,000 residents, 84% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,225 per 100,000, 65% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 62 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 | 698.5/100K |
| 84% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,225.4/100K |
| 65% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 62 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bear Creek enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 191 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 62.3°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 191 ft (58 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,850/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2966°N, 120.4177°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Merced County County |
| Nearest Airport | Merced Yosemite Regional (MCE)
5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.8"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
2.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0467 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 10.3 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6,850 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 24, 2025.
| Oct 24, 1990 |
3 km NE of Mono City, California |
M5.8 |
143 km |
| May 15, 1999 |
9 km WSW of Aspen Springs, California |
M5.5 |
144 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
5 km NNW of Aromas, California |
M5.4 |
117 km |
| Oct 21, 2012 |
24 km NE of San Lucas, California |
M5.3 |
117 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km E of Interlaken, California |
M5.1 |
118 km |
| Aug 12, 1998 |
10 km SW of Ridgemark, California |
M5.1 |
111 km |
| Sep 29, 2004 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M5.0 |
150 km |
| Jan 16, 1993 |
9 km E of Gilroy, California |
M4.9 |
98 km |
| May 14, 2002 |
5 km SSW of Gilroy, California |
M4.9 |
111 km |
| Jul 15, 1998 |
8 km W of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.9 |
145 km |
| Apr 23, 1995 |
22 km NNE of Soledad, California |
M4.9 |
104 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km NNW of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
117 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
8 km WNW of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.9 |
147 km |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
2 km E of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
116 km |
| Sep 30, 2004 |
13 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.9 |
146 km |
| Nov 30, 1997 |
2 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.9 |
135 km |
| Nov 22, 1997 |
3 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.9 |
136 km |
| Nov 14, 1993 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.8 |
150 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
9 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.8 |
142 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km N of Aromas, California |
M4.7 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
75 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1962 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1953 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2023 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2023 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 2019 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2015 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2006 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2002 |
EF1 |
10 km |
0 |
| May 20, 2002 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Feb 14, 1998 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| Dec 12, 1996 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
5 km |
0 |
| Jan 14, 1995 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 1980 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1978 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1978 |
EF1 |
41 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1978 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.0 m (3 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1989 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.0 m |
62 |
133 km |
| 1901 |
MONTEREY BAY, N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
144 km |
| 1865 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
132 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Mammoth Mountain (128 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Mammoth Mountain |
Lava dome(s) |
3,369 m (11,053 ft) |
1260 |
128 km |
| Mono-Inyo Craters |
Lava dome(s) |
2,796 m (9,173 ft) |
1380 |
135 km |
| Mono Lake Volcanic Field |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,121 m (6,959 ft) |
1790 |
145 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SCU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (405,787 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
SCU LIGHTNING COMPLEX |
405,787 |
98 km |
| 2013 |
RIM |
257,084 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
FERGUSON |
97,307 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
DETWILER |
83,297 |
39 km |
| 1996 |
ACKERSON COMPLEX (ACKERSON) |
58,161 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
PAPER |
49,296 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
LARSON |
49,250 |
64 km |
| 2007 |
LICK |
47,424 |
90 km |
| 1987 |
HAMM |
39,333 |
64 km |
| 2006 |
CANYON |
36,851 |
82 km |
| 2008 |
TELEGRAPH |
33,479 |
50 km |
| 2022 |
OAK |
19,408 |
56 km |
| 1992 |
GULCH |
18,019 |
99 km |
| 1990 |
A-ROCK |
17,706 |
71 km |
| 1996 |
ROGGE |
17,559 |
72 km |
| 2003 |
ANNIE |
17,383 |
74 km |
| 1996 |
MERCY |
16,993 |
60 km |
| 2024 |
CORRAL |
16,138 |
99 km |
| 1996 |
PANOCHE II |
14,760 |
82 km |
| 2014 |
FRENCH |
14,534 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
55°F (13°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
60°F (15°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
67°F (19°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
0.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
0.0 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| October |
64°F (18°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
53°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
Bear Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 45°F in December to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.4 inches, with January being the wettest month (2.3") and July the driest (0.0").
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) |
$277 ($166-$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221-$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111-$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886-$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83-$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166-$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28-$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55-$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443-$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111-$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66-$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55-$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166-$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428-$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443-$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089-$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554-$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535-$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214-$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886-$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221-$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107-$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33-$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83-$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28-$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55-$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32-$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77-$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77-$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32-$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43-$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66-$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89-$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33-$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55-$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83-$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328-$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86-$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33-$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17-$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664-$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554-$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221-$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28-$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443-$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535-$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55-$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111-$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,059 |
| Toddler | $863 |
| Preschool | $715 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $999 |
| Toddler | $876 |
| Preschool | $825 |
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 231 residents and is located in California. The population density is 3,850 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58% female and 42% male.
Is Bear Creek expensive to live in?
Bear Creek is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100.
Is Bear Creek safe?
Public safety is a concern in Bear Creek, with a violent crime rate of 699 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 3,225 per 100,000 (above 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Bear Creek?
The job market in Bear Creek is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,057. There are 8,584 business establishments in the area, including 403 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Bear Creek?
Schools in Bear Creek have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.4% of adults in Bear Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bear Creek?
The obesity rate in Bear Creek is 32.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 9.3% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 12.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 78.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,387.
What are the demographics of Bear Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bear Creek is 79.7% White. 69.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 30.1% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
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