Big Bear Lake, CA
Population 5,038 · California
About Big Bear Lake, CA
Big Bear Lake is a small town located in California with a population of 5,038 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,728 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Big Bear Lake features a median home value of $517,900, which is 111% above the national median of $244,900. This places Big Bear Lake in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,278, 10% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,602 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (1,503 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (732 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Big Bear Lake shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Big Bear Lake have an average one-way commute time of 28.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.9% of Big Bear Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 21.9% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 13.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Big Bear Lake, CA
Compared to national averages, Big Bear Lake has a median household income of $74,728 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $517,900, which is 111% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,278 is 10% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Big Bear Lake's income is 24% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 21% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Big Bear Lake, CA?
Big Bear Lake offers a well-educated community where 34.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,728) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $517,900. However, Big Bear Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Big Bear Lake has a population of 5,038 with a median age of 45.5 years. Compare Big Bear Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Big Bear Lake
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Running Springs | 5,043 | $85,681 | $373,300 | Compare |
| Myrtletown | 5,028 | $55,543 | $437,600 | Compare |
| Jackson | 5,061 | $75,051 | $432,600 | Compare |
| Lake of the Pines | 5,012 | $118,661 | $639,400 | Compare |
| Sunnyside | 5,003 | $114,500 | $489,300 | Compare |
| Lake San Marcos | 4,996 | $100,676 | $859,600 | Compare |
| Denair | 5,085 | $97,468 | $407,800 | Compare |
| Lakeport | 5,085 | $59,294 | $327,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Big Bear Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Big Bear Lake
What is the population of Big Bear Lake, CA?
The population of Big Bear Lake, CA is 5,038 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Big Bear Lake?
The median household income in Big Bear Lake, CA is $74,728 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Big Bear Lake?
The median home value in Big Bear Lake, CA is $517,900, which is 111% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Big Bear Lake?
The median monthly rent in Big Bear Lake, CA is $1,278, which is 10% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Big Bear Lake?
The unemployment rate in Big Bear Lake, CA is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Big Bear Lake, CA a good place to live?
Big Bear Lake offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,038 and a median age of 45.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Big Bear Lake, CA?
34.9% of residents in Big Bear Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Big Bear Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Big Bear Lake, CA: median home value is $517,900 (111% above national), median rent is $1,278/month, and median household income is $74,728. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Big Bear Lake?
The poverty rate in Big Bear Lake, CA is 9.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Big Bear Lake, CA?
Big Bear Lake's population is 21.9% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 13.1% of residents are foreign-born.