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Big Bear Lake, CA

California · Metropolitan Area

Big Bear Lake is a small city in California with a population of 5,038. Residents earn $74,728 per year, which is 1% below the national average.

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
5,038 Population 806/sq mi density
$74,728 Median Income $50,506 per capita
$517,900 Home Value $547,858 Zillow
$1,278 Median Rent 37.2% income on rent
48°F Avg Temperature 330 sunny days/yr
855 Violent Crime/100K 5,089 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.1 / 5.0
$74,728 median income, 4.0% unemployment
C+
Affordability
2.8 / 5.0
$517,900 home value, $1,278/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
855 violent crimes/100K (125% above avg)
B+
Education
3.8 / 5.0
34.9% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $74,728
1% lower than US avg
Home Value $517,900
84% higher than US avg
Violent Crime 855/100K
125% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 34.9%
4% higher than US avg
Median Rent $1,278
10% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 31.6%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment 4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 8.0%
35% lower than US avg

How Big Bear Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population5,038
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density806/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans9.8%

Economy

A
Median Income$74,728
Per Capita$50,506
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty8.0%
County GDP$137,914M
Commute28 min

Housing

C+
Home Value$517,900
Rent$1,278
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$547,858
Housing Units9,662
Rent Burden37.2%

Crime

F
Violent855/100K
Property5,089/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault680/100K
Burglary2,001/100K

Health

Obesity31.6%
Uninsured9.5%
Smoking12.6%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.5%

Climate

Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain20.0 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation6,832 ft (2,082 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+34.9%
High School+91.3%
Graduate+12.9%
School Score4.69

Community

2024 VoteR 50% / D 48%
Commute28 min
Broadband93.8%
EV Stations10
Libraries48

Is Big Bear Lake a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Big Bear Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high housing costs. Big Bear Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Big Bear Lake is $74,728, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Big Bear Lake is $517,900, making it a premium housing market at 84% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,278 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 6.9x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.

Safety & Crime

With 855 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 5,089 per 100,000, 160% above the national average.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 34.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.

Climate & Weather

Big Bear Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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 Lake has a population of 5,038 with a density of 806 people per square mile. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (74%), with 1.7% Hispanic.

Population

5,038
Total Population
806
People / sq mi
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
6.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 52.9%
Female 47.1%

Race & Ethnicity

Big Bear Lake vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only80.6%
3% above US avg
Spanish19.4%
45% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Big Bear Lake vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Big Bear Lake is $74,728, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.

Income: Big Bear Lake vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$74,728
1% below US avg
Per Capita Income$50,506
Avg Weekly Wage$1,199
IRS Avg AGI$67,148

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment4.0%
11% above US avg
Poverty Rate8.0%
35% below US avg
Establishments (County)77,170
County GDP$137,914M

Business (County)

Restaurants4,197
Healthcare5,144
Retail5,298
Manufacturing1,765

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$6,047
73% above US avg
Effective Tax Rate1.17%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time28.3 min
Drive Alone61.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home23.8%

Walkability

The median home value in Big Bear Lake is $517,900, 84% above the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,278 (10% above US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $547,858.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$517,900
84% above US avg
Zillow ZHVI$547,858
Median List Price$599,000

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Median List Price$599,000
$/Sq Ft$360
Homes Sold26
Sale-to-List Ratio96.6%
Price Drops17.5%
Inventory251

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,278
10% above US avg
Zillow Rent (ZORI)$2,059
Rent Burden37.2%

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

Owner-Occupied67.2%
Housing Units9,662
Median Year Built1976

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$6,047
73% above US avg
Effective Rate1.17%
In Big Bear Lake, 31.6% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 9.5% of residents lack health insurance. 12.6% are current smokers. 22.6% report depression. 20.7% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Big Bear Lake vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity31.6%
2% below US avg
Diabetes9.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
High Blood Pressure30.3%
Asthma10.4%
COPD5.5%
Cancer7.1%
Stroke2.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking12.6%
10% below US avg
Binge Drinking18.0%
Physical Inactivity20.7%
Depression22.6%
Mental Distress18.3%
Physical Distress13.3%
Short Sleep36.0%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate90.4%
Uninsured9.5%
10% above US avg
Checkup Rate69.5%
Dental Visits59.8%
Premature Death9,378/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment7.9/10
Exercise Access86.8%
Healthcare Facilities5,144
Big Bear Lake has a violent crime rate of 855 per 100,000 residents, 125% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,089 per 100,000 (160% above US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.

Crime Rates: Big Bear Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent854.7/100K
125% above US avg
Murder0.0/100K
100% below US avg
Rape58.3/100K
Robbery116.6/100K
Assault679.9/100K

Property Crime

Total Property5,089.4/100K
160% above US avg
Burglary2,000.8/100K
Theft2,738.9/100K
Vehicle Theft349.7/100K
Arson38.9/100K

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)419
FEMA Disasters455

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
Big Bear Lake 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. The area enjoys 330 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.

Temperature

35°F Jan (2°C) 65°F Jul (18°C)
Annual Average48.0°F
11% below US avg
January Average35°F (2°C)
July Average65°F (18°C)
Sunny Days330 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall20.0 inches
47% below US avg
Snowfall58.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median48.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation6,832 ft (2,082 m)
Area6.3 sq mi (16.2 km²)
Population Density806/sq mi
Coordinates34.2429°N, 116.8939°W
TimezoneAmerica/Los_Angeles
County FIPS06071
It is classified as Metro — 1 million+. 34.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (4% above US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 2.1-point margin. 93.8% of households have broadband internet.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 49.7%
D 47.5%

Winner: Republican by 2.1 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+34.9%
4% above US avg
High School+91.3%
Graduate Degree+12.9%
School Test Score4.69
B+ Education Grade (3.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 1Metro — 1 million+
Population Density806/sq mi
Total Area6.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access93.8%
EV Charging Stations10
Alt Fuel Stations11
Public Libraries48
Healthcare Facilities5,144
Restaurants4,197
Retail Stores5,298

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)419
FEMA Disaster Declarations455
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute28.3 min
Drive Alone61.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home23.8%

Nearby Cities

Big Bear City, CA 12,493 pop · 5.6 mi Running Springs, CA 5,043 pop · 12.2 mi Lucerne Valley, CA 5,946 pop · 13.8 mi Lake Arrowhead, CA 10,746 pop · 16.3 mi Yucaipa, CA 54,348 pop · 16.8 mi Mentone, CA 9,487 pop · 17.8 mi Highland, CA 56,690 pop · 17.9 mi Cherry Valley, CA 7,302 pop · 18.7 mi Calimesa, CA 10,680 pop · 19.9 mi Banning, CA 30,680 pop · 20.5 mi Redlands, CA 72,985 pop · 20.5 mi Morongo Valley, CA 3,907 pop · 22.3 mi Crestline, CA 10,431 pop · 22.4 mi Cabazon, CA 2,010 pop · 23.7 mi
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