Median Income
$54,886
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$126,400
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.6%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,000
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
69% lower than US avg
How Bear Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population265
Median Age43.5 yrs
Density46/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$54,886
Per Capita$25,865
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty3.8%
County GDP$563M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$126,400
Rent$1,000
Ownership94.1%
Zillow$296,765
Housing Units644
Rent Burden29.8%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,962/100K
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured6.7%
Smoking14.6%
Depression29.7%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,217 ft (371 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.6%
High School+87.7%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute25 min
Broadband95.9%
EV Stations9
Libraries2
Is Bear Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bear Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Bear Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bear Lake is $54,886, 27% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bear Lake is $126,400, 55% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,000 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bear Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,962 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
19.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Bear Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.2 inches, including 88.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bear Lake has a population of 265 with a density of 46 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age is 43.5 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.4% female and 42.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91.3%), with 6.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 37.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.5yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bear Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bear Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bear Lake is $54,886, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,865 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,003, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 278 business establishments, including 45 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bear Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,886 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,865 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,003 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,169 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.8% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 278 |
| County GDP | $563M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 45 |
| Healthcare | 32 |
| Retail | 56 |
| Manufacturing | 23 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,786 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 98.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Bear Lake is $126,400, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,765, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,000 (14% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 94.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 644 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $3,786. 29.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $126,400 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $296,765 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 94.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.9% |
| Housing Units | 644 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,786 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.00% |
In Bear Lake, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 19.7% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 29.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 6.7% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,320. The dentist ratio is 1:2,698. 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bear Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.7% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,320 |
| Dentists | 1:2,698 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,506/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 32 |
Bear Lake has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,962 per 100,000, 0% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bear Lake receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Bear Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,962.2/100K |
| 0% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Bear Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 68°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 33.2 inches. The area receives 88.3 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 1,217 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 43.3°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,217 ft (371 m) |
| Area | 6.4 sq mi (16.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 46/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7175°N, 84.9437°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Crawford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.2"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 72.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
141 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 4 fatalities, 92 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
29 km |
2 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
23 km |
1 |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1975 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) (7,478 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) |
7,478 |
44 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
33 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
58 km |
| 2000 |
NO PABLO |
5,266 |
76 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
32 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
32 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
70 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
60 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
21-SLBE LASSO LOOP BURN |
1,906 |
90 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
32 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
62 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
27 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
33 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
20 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,276 |
100 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
17 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
11 km |
| 2012 |
LITTLE MACK LAKE |
875 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Bear Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 18°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Bear Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $539 |
| Toddler | $539 |
| Preschool | $520 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $602 |
| Toddler | $602 |
| Preschool | $581 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bear Lake
What is the population of Bear Lake?
Bear Lake has a population of 265 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 46 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.4% female and 42.6% male.
Is Bear Lake expensive to live in?
Bear Lake has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $54,886, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $126,400 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,000 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bear Lake safe?
Bear Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,962 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bear Lake receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bear Lake?
Bear Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.2 inches, with 88.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Bear Lake?
Bear Lake has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,003. There are 278 business establishments in the area, including 45 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bear Lake?
The median home value in Bear Lake is $126,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,765. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,000. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 94.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,786.
How are the schools in Bear Lake?
Schools in Bear Lake score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.6% of adults in Bear Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.7% have completed high school. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bear Lake?
The obesity rate in Bear Lake is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 29.7% of residents report depression. 6.7% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,320.
What is transportation like in Bear Lake?
The average commute in Bear Lake is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 98.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bear Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bear Lake is 91.3% White, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 37.2% of residents have a disability. 98.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
