Median Income
$72,457
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$427,700
52% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.4%
16% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,454
25% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.3%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.0%
11% lower than US avg
How Big Bear City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population12,493
Median Age44.3 yrs
Density390/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Economy
B+
Median Income$72,457
Per Capita$38,030
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty11.0%
County GDP$137,914M
Commute26 min
Housing
B
Home Value$427,700
Rent$1,454
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$393,355
Rent Burden38.9%
Health
Obesity32.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
AQI48 (Good)
Rain20.0 in/yr
Elevation6,973 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.4%
High School+91.8%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute26 min
Libraries48
Is Big Bear City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Big Bear City receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Big Bear City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Big Bear City is $72,457, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Big Bear City is $427,700, making it a premium housing market at 52% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,454 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 5.9x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
28.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Big Bear City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 20.0 inches, including 58.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Big Bear City has a population of 12,493 with a density of 390 people per square mile. The median age is 44.3 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (80.7%), with 4.7% Hispanic.
Population
44.3yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Big Bear City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 88.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Spanish | 12.0% |
| 10% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Big Bear City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Big Bear City is $72,457, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income: Big Bear City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,457 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,030 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,199 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,148 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.0% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 77,170 |
| County GDP | $137,914M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 4,197 |
| Healthcare | 5,144 |
| Retail | 5,298 |
| Manufacturing | 1,765 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,047 |
| 73% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.2 min |
| Work from Home | 15.4% |
The median home value in Big Bear City is $427,700, 52% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,454 (25% above US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $393,355.
Home Values
| Census Median | $427,700 |
| 52% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $393,355 |
| Median List Price | $449,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $449,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $319 |
| Homes Sold | 35 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.3% |
| Price Drops | 19.9% |
| Inventory | 296 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,454 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,056 |
| Rent Burden | 38.9% |
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
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,047 |
| 73% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.41% |
In Big Bear City, 32.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 23.7% report depression. 21.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Big Bear City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.3% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,378/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 5,144 |
Crime Rates: Big Bear City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 419 |
| FEMA Disasters | 455 |
Safety Score
Big Bear City has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation is 20.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 48.0°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 20.0 inches |
| 47% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 58.6 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 6,973 ft (2,125 m) |
| Area | 32.0 sq mi (82.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 390/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.2541°N, 116.7964°W |
| County FIPS | 06071 |