Living in Big Bear City, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Big Bear City · Census data 2020–2024
Big Bear City has 11,431 residents with a median age of 47.2. The median household income is $71,511 (28% lower than the California median), the median home value is $463,500, the median rent is $1,854/month.
Big Bear City at a glance
- Population
- 11,431
- Median age
- 47.2State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $71,511State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $463,500State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $1,854/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 70.8%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 30.7%
- Average commute
- 25 min
Is Big Bear City a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 37% lower than the state median; an average commute of 25 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 28% lower than the California median; unemployment of 9.8%; a poverty rate of 16.1%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Big Bear City
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Big Bear City the median home value is $463,500, 39% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,854 per month, which is 37.2% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,950 a month in housing costs.
Big Bear City median household income
The median household income in Big Bear City is $71,511 and the income per person is $40,765. 16.1% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Big Bear City: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 12,487
- Owner-occupied
- 70.8%
- Renter-occupied
- 29.2%
- Vacant
- 57.9%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1978
- Average household size
- 2.17
57.9% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Big Bear City has many vacation and second homes.
Big Bear City demographics
- Population
- 11,431
- Median age
- 47.2
- Under 18
- 18.7%
- 65 and older
- 23.8%
- Households
- 5,261
- Foreign-born
- 6.5%
- Veterans
- 10.8%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Big Bear City ›
Education in Big Bear City
30.7% of adults 25 and older in Big Bear City have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 9.3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Big Bear City
- Unemployment rate
- 9.8%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 25 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 18.6%
- Drive alone
- 68.4%
- Public transit
- 0.7%
- Walk to work
- 4.9%
- Homes with broadband
- 97.2%
Big Bear City vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Bear City | 11,431 | $71,511 | $463,500 | $1,854 |
| Big Bear Lake | 5,041 | $76,250 | $576,700 | $1,454 |
| Lucerne Valley | 5,957 | $54,788 | $269,100 | $1,181 |
| Oak Glen | 510 | $85,682 | $880,100 | — |
| Running Springs | 4,917 | $81,516 | $385,000 | $1,804 |
| Morongo Valley | 4,209 | $51,949 | $285,400 | $1,354 |
| Yucaipa | 54,421 | $90,794 | $502,100 | $1,711 |
| Cherry Valley | 6,668 | $76,895 | $408,000 | $1,399 |
| Homestead Valley | 2,689 | $45,323 | $245,900 | $1,047 |
More for people moving to Big Bear City
Big Bear City ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Big Bear City: FAQ
What is the median household income in Big Bear City, CA?
The median household income in Big Bear City is $71,511, 28% lower than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Big Bear City?
The median home value in Big Bear City is $463,500, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Big Bear City?
The median gross rent in Big Bear City is $1,854 per month, about 37.2% of household income.
Is Big Bear City, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 37% lower than the state median; an average commute of 25 minutes. Minuses: median household income 28% lower than the California median; unemployment of 9.8%; a poverty rate of 16.1%.
What is the median age in Big Bear City?
The median age in Big Bear City is 47.2 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Big Bear City?
The average commute to work in Big Bear City is 25 minutes; 18.6% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Big Bear City?
The unemployment rate in Big Bear City is 9.8% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Big Bear City?
30.7% of adults in Big Bear City have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
Last updated: