Median Income
$63,750
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,600
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
133/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.6%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.0%
27% lower than US avg
How Bear Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population271
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density295/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,750
Per Capita$31,719
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty9.0%
County GDP$2,507M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,600
Rent$850
Ownership80.0%
Zillow$259,542
Housing Units137
Rent Burden22.1%
Crime
F
Violent133/100K
Property2,980/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured12.1%
Smoking14.0%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation823 ft (251 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.6%
High School+91.3%
Graduate+4.1%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute32 min
Broadband85.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Bear Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bear Creek receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Bear Creek has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bear Creek is $63,750, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. 9.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bear Creek is $98,600, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bear Creek is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 133 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,980 per 100,000, 52% above the national average.
Education
7.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Bear Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.0 inches, including 44.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bear Creek has a population of 271 with a density of 295 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45% female and 55% male. The city is predominantly White (83.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 76.9% of residents, while 23.1% speak Spanish. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bear Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
76.9%
2% below US avg
Spanish
23.1%
72% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Bear Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bear Creek is $63,750, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,719 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $928, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,385 business establishments, including 146 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bear Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,750 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,719 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $928 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,983 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.0% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,385 |
| County GDP | $2,507M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 146 |
| Healthcare | 133 |
| Retail | 168 |
| Manufacturing | 80 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,425 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.50% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Bear Creek is $98,600, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,542, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 137 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. The average annual property tax is $5,425 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,600 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $259,542 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.0% |
| Housing Units | 137 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,425 |
| 55% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.50% |
In Bear Creek, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 14.0% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 28.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 12.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,719. The dentist ratio is 1:2,710. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bear Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 6.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.9% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 32.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.4% |
| Uninsured | 12.1% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,719 |
| Dentists | 1:2,710 |
| Mental Health | 1:934 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.9% |
| Dental Visits | 68.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,173/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 133 |
Bear Creek has a violent crime rate of 133 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,980 per 100,000, 52% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 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 | 133.4/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,979.8/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 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 45°F (7°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 270 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 33.0 inches. The area receives 44.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 823 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.5°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 823 ft (251 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 295/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5313°N, 88.7275°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Waupaca County County |
| Nearest Airport | Appleton International (ATW)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.0"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 2, 2024.
| Aug 2, 2024 |
38 km ESE of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
363 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 233 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 18, 1996 |
EF5 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1974 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1968 |
EF4 |
80 km |
2 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
70 km |
7 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
51 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1992 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1977 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 1970 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2013 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COTTONVILLE INCIDENT (3,466 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
COTTONVILLE INCIDENT |
3,466 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Bear Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 16°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.0").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
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 271 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 295 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 45% female and 55% male.
Is Bear Creek expensive to live in?
Bear Creek is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,750, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,600 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bear Creek safe?
Bear Creek is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 133 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,980 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 has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.0 inches, with 44.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Bear Creek?
The job market in Bear Creek is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $928. There are 1,385 business establishments in the area, including 146 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bear Creek?
The median home value in Bear Creek is $98,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,542. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,425.
How are the schools in Bear Creek?
Schools in Bear Creek score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.6% of adults in Bear Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.3% have completed high school. 4.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bear Creek?
The obesity rate in Bear Creek is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.0% of adults are smokers. 28.9% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 12.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,719.
What is transportation like in Bear Creek?
The average commute in Bear Creek is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bear Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bear Creek is 83.8% White. 76.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 23.1% speak Spanish. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 7.0% of residents have a disability. 94.4% have health insurance coverage.
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