');
US City Data

Bear Lake, MI

Population 265 · Michigan

Population
265
Median Income
$54,886
Median Home Value
$126,400
Median Rent
$1,000/mo

About Bear Lake, MI

Bear Lake is a small community in Michigan with a population of 265 residents. The median household income is $54,886 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Bear Lake is 43.5 years.

Housing in Bear Lake has a median home value of $126,400 and median monthly rent of $1,000. Of the 148 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 95 owner-occupied and 6 renter-occupied units.

The unemployment rate in Bear Lake is 7.4% and the poverty rate is 4.9%. 19.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 24.6 minutes.

Cost of Living in Bear Lake, MI

Compared to national averages, Bear Lake has a median household income of $54,886 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $126,400, which is 48% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,000 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Bear Lake's income is 17% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 31% below the state median of $183,391.

Income vs National
$54,886
National: $75,149
Michigan: $66,017
Home Value vs National
$126,400
National: $244,900
Michigan: $183,391
Rent vs National
$1,000
National: $1,163
Michigan: $921
Unemployment vs National
7.4%
National: 3.7%
Michigan: 6.2%

Why Live in Bear Lake, MI?

Bear Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $126,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,000/month, and a low poverty rate of 4.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.

Potential considerations include median household income ($54,886) 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 265 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Bear Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.

Similar Cities Near Bear Lake

Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Bruce Crossing266$70,417$105,100Compare
Jennings263$41,055$88,800Compare
Amasa262$35,536$56,900Compare
Riverdale262$0$85,500Compare
Mohawk260$46,397$176,400Compare
St. James259$82,708$275,000Compare
Tower271$42,167$91,500Compare
Walloon Lake258$84,250$260,000Compare

Demographics

43.5
Median Age
113
Male
152
Female
0.8%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White0Hispanic/Latino6.4Black1.1Asian0Two or More0

Economy & Education

7.4%
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Poverty Rate
19.6%
Bachelor's Degree+
24.6 min
Avg Commute

Housing

148
Total Housing Units
95
Owner Occupied
6
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in Michigan

Lake Michigan BeachBarnes LakeCarp LakeCentral LakeFife LakeGrass Lake

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare Bear Lake With Other Cities

Bear Lake vs Lake Michigan BeachBear Lake vs Barnes LakeBear Lake vs Carp LakeBear Lake vs Central Lake

Frequently Asked Questions about Bear Lake

What is the population of Bear Lake, MI?

The population of Bear Lake, MI is 265 according to the latest Census data.

What is the median household income in Bear Lake?

The median household income in Bear Lake, MI is $54,886 per year.

What is the median home value in Bear Lake?

The median home value in Bear Lake, MI is $126,400.

What is the average rent in Bear Lake?

The median monthly rent in Bear Lake, MI is $1,000.

What is the unemployment rate in Bear Lake?

The unemployment rate in Bear Lake, MI is 7.4%.

Explore More

Cost of Living in MichiganMost Populated Cities in MichiganCheapest Cities in MichiganHighest Income Cities in MichiganLowest Rent in MichiganBest Cities for FamiliesBest Cities for Young ProfessionalsBest Cities for RetireesGuide: Cost Of LivingGuide: Moving GuideBear Lake vs AddisonBear Lake vs AdrianBear Lake vs Advance