Bear, DE
Population 22,604 · Delaware
About Bear, DE
Bear is a mid-sized city located in Delaware with a population of 22,604 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,985 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bear features a median home value of $280,200, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Bear in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,676, 44% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,341 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (5,716 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (3,170 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bear shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bear have an average one-way commute time of 24.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.7% of Bear 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 14.1% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Black or African American, and 3.1% Asian residents, with 22.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bear Ranks in Delaware
Cost of Living in Bear, DE
Compared to national averages, Bear has a median household income of $88,985 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $280,200, which is 14% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,676 is 44% above the US average of $1,163. Within Delaware, Bear's income is 4% above the state average of $85,962, and home values are 28% below the state median of $387,860.
Why Live in Bear, DE?
Bear offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,985, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 24.4 minutes.
Bear has a population of 22,604 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Bear with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Delaware.
Similar Cities Near Bear
Cities in Delaware with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middletown | 24,071 | $115,252 | $399,500 | Compare |
| Glasgow | 16,095 | $109,803 | $346,200 | Compare |
| Brookside | 15,262 | $72,031 | $264,800 | Compare |
| Newark | 30,309 | $71,373 | $357,600 | Compare |
| Hockessin | 13,608 | $172,695 | $550,200 | Compare |
| Smyrna | 13,031 | $70,473 | $273,400 | Compare |
| Milford | 12,193 | $55,265 | $274,600 | Compare |
| Pike Creek Valley | 11,992 | $93,896 | $299,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Delaware
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bear With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bear
What is the population of Bear, DE?
The population of Bear, DE is 22,604 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Delaware.
What is the median household income in Bear?
The median household income in Bear, DE is $88,985 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bear?
The median home value in Bear, DE is $280,200, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bear?
The median monthly rent in Bear, DE is $1,676, which is 44% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bear?
The unemployment rate in Bear, DE is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bear, DE a good place to live?
Bear offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 22,604 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bear, DE?
30.7% of residents in Bear aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Bear?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bear, DE: median home value is $280,200 (14% above national), median rent is $1,676/month, and median household income is $88,985. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bear?
The poverty rate in Bear, DE is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bear, DE?
Bear's population is 14.1% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 4.7% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, and 37.7% two or more races. 22.5% of residents are foreign-born.