Bear Lake, IN
Population 118 · Indiana
About Bear Lake, IN
Bear Lake is a small community located in Indiana with a population of 118 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 59.1 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 Bear Lake features a median home value of $65,000, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bear Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 125 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (66 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bear Lake shows an unemployment rate of 38.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bear Lake have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.4% of Bear Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 7.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bear Lake Ranks in Indiana
Cost of Living in Bear Lake, IN
Compared to national averages, Bear Lake has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $65,000, which is 73% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Indiana, Bear Lake's income is 100% below the state average of $69,330, and home values are 60% below the state median of $163,409.
Why Live in Bear Lake, IN?
Bear Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $65,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Bear Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bear Lake has a population of 118 with a median age of 59.1 years. Compare Bear Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Indiana.
Similar Cities Near Bear Lake
Cities in Indiana with a similar population size.
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Indiana
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bear Lake
What is the population of Bear Lake, IN?
The population of Bear Lake, IN is 118 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Indiana.
What is the median household income in Bear Lake?
The median household income in Bear Lake, IN is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bear Lake?
The median home value in Bear Lake, IN is $65,000, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bear Lake?
The median monthly rent in Bear Lake, IN is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bear Lake?
The unemployment rate in Bear Lake, IN is 38.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bear Lake, IN a good place to live?
Bear Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 118 and a median age of 59.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bear Lake, IN?
14.4% of residents in Bear Lake 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 Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bear Lake, IN: median home value is $65,000 (73% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Bear Lake?
The poverty rate in Bear Lake, IN is 22.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bear Lake, IN?
Bear Lake's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 7.6% of residents are foreign-born.