Median Income
$53,750
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$143,100
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.2%
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.3%
75% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.3%
73% lower than US avg
How Bear Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population245
Median Age70.1 yrs
Density46/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,750
Per Capita$37,853
Unemployment6.3%
Poverty3.3%
County GDP$563M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$143,100
Ownership93.8%
Zillow$321,280
Housing Units644
Rent Burden29.8%
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured1.2%
Smoking14.6%
Depression29.7%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Elevation1,217 ft (371 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.2%
High School+97.9%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score6.00
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute23 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 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, 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 $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bear Lake is $143,100, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
25.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% 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 42°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches, including 126.3 inches of snow.
Bear Lake has a population of 245 with a density of 46 people per square mile, spread across 6.4 square miles. The median age is 70.1 years, 80% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.8% female and 41.2% male. The city is predominantly White (93.1%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 30.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
245
Total Population
2023 Census
70.1yrs
Median Age
80% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bear Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% 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 $53,750, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,853. The average weekly wage is $1,003, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.3% 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 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bear Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,750 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,853 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,003 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,169 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.3% |
| 73% 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 | 2.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 98.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Bear Lake is $143,100, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $321,280, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.8% 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 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $143,100 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $321,280 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.2% |
| Housing Units | 644 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,786 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.65% |
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. 1.2% 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 | 98.8% |
| Uninsured | 1.2% |
| 86% 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. The area receives 126.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,217 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 41.7°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
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
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
3.77"
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 |
17°F (-8°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
53°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
62°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Bear Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 17°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with October being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (2.0").
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 245 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 70.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.8% female and 41.2% 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 $53,750, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $143,100 (49% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Bear Lake?
Bear Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches, with 126.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Bear Lake?
The unemployment rate in Bear Lake is 6.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 23 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bear Lake?
The median home value in Bear Lake is $143,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $321,280. The homeownership rate is 93.8%. 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. 25.2% of adults in Bear Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.9% 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. 1.2% 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 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 98.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bear Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bear Lake is 93.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 30.6% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.