Bear, DE demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
22,370
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$91,687/yr
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,094
-2.6% year-over-year change

Bear population

How many people live in Bear

Bear is home to 22,370 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.1% of Bear locals are male, and 52.9% are female.

Total population
22,370
-1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.1%
10,536
Female
52.9%
11,834
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,536 47.1% -6.4%
Female 11,834 52.9% 4.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bear is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.7% are children under 15, then 10.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.6% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.7%
15 to 24
10.1%
25 to 44
29.6%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,416 19.7% 14.3%
15 to 24 2,250 10.1% -16.0%
25 to 44 6,623 29.6% 1.5%
45 to 64 5,742 25.7% -6.0%
Over 65 3,339 14.9% -2.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bear, 75.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 30% of locals are Caucasian, 37.7% are African American and 8.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.2%
Non-citizens
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,814 75.2% -1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 2,720 12.2% 19.2%
Non-citizens 2,836 12.7% -11.8%
Racial breakdown
White
30%
Black or African American
37.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
8.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.8%
Other
15.1%
Value Percent
White 6,722 30%
Black or African American 8,438 37.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Asian 1,858 8.3%
Two or more races 1,975 8.8%
Other 3,376 15.1%

Households in Bear

A peek inside Bear households

Bear has 8,746 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 60.3% are families, while the remaining 39.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,746
-1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,470
Family households
5,276
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,470 39.7% -5.5%
Family households 5,276 60.3% 1.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bear

The housing landscape of Bear

Bear's housing consists of 9,094 units, with 32% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 27.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 18.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,094
-2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,915 32%
1 unit, attached 2,504 27.5%
2 units 12 0.1%
3 or 4 units 45 0.5%
5 to 9 units 489 5.4%
10 to 19 units 537 5.9%
20 to 49 units 720 7.9%
50 or more units 90 1%
Mobile home 1,713 18.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 69 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
41
95.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bear

In Bear, the median construction year is 1996. About 0.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.1% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 21.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 67 0.7% -4.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 97 1.1% 102.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 101 1.1% -7.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 235 2.6% 5.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 966 10.6% -16.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,374 15.1% 3.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,717 29.9% -8.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,556 17.1% 0.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,940 21.3% 4.1%
Built in 2020 or later 41 0.4% 95.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bear occupancy rates

Out of the 8,746 occupied housing units in Bear, 65.1% are owner-occupied, while 34.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,746
-1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,052
Owner occupied
5,694
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,052 34.9% -3.7%
Owner occupied 5,694 65.1% -0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
3.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bear housing costs

Housing costs in Bear come to a median of $1,647 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,771.

Median housing costs per month
$1,647/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bear
$1,771/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bear

Bear education at a glance

About 36.9% of the population in Bear went to high school, while 19.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 18.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,082 6.3% -21.2%
High school diploma 6,361 36.9% -9.6%
College diploma 3,298 19.1% 0.8%
Associate degree 1,164 6.8% 1.4%
Bachelor's degree 3,174 18.4% 1.2%
Graduate degree 2,164 12.6% 9.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bear

How much people earn in Bear

The average annual household income in Bear was $104,972 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $91,687, reflecting a +3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bear
$104,972/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bear
$91,687/year
3.0% year-over-year change

Bear income by age

In Bear, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $105,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $89,333 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $78,510, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $68,339 in earnings. Overall, 91.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $78,510 N/A
25 - 44 $105,000 7.7%
45 - 64 $89,333 -1.4%
Over 65 $68,339 6.5%
Above poverty level
20,311
Below poverty level
1,846
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 20,311 91.7% 0.0%
Below poverty level 1,846 8.3% -15.7%

Average renter income in Bear

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bear, their median household income was $80,081 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$80,081
Rent-to-income ratio
26.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Bear

Workforce and job types in Bear

The job market in Bear is powered by 12,090 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.4% run their own businesses, 72.8% are employed by private companies, and 11% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
12,090
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
9,355
Blue collar
2,735
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,355 77.4% -0.9%
Blue collar 2,735 22.6% 1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
7.4%
Private companies
72.8%
Governmental workers
11%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 895 7.4% 5.0%
Private companies 8,801 72.8% 4.5%
Governmental workers 1,324 11% -17.5%
Not for profit companies 1,070 8.8% -14.0%
Unemployment rate
5.9%
-18.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bear stands at 5.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bear

How people get around in Bear

In Bear, the average commute time is 24 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 82.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
24 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,783 82.4% -6.3%
Bus or trolleybus 129 1.1% -29.5%
Walk 53 0.4% 2,550.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bear by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
19701 42,984 16,599 $111,198 $126,733

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FAQs about Bear demographics 

What is the total population of Bear?

Bear has a total population of 22,370 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bear?

The gender ratio in Bear is as follows:
  • 47.1% males (10,536 residents)
  • 52.9% females (11,834 residents)

What is the median age in Bear?

The median age in Bear is 37.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bear?

The age distribution in Bear is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.7% (4,416 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.1% (2,250 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.6% (6,623 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (5,742 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.9% (3,339 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bear?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bear is as follows:
  • White: 30% (6,722 residents)
  • Black or African American: 37.7% (8,438 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 8.3% (1,858 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.8% (1,975 residents)
  • Other: 15.1% (3,376 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bear are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.2% of the population in Bear.

How many housing units are there in Bear?

There are 9,094 housing units in Bear, reflecting a -2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bear and what is the average household size?

Bear has a total of 8,746 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bear?

Bear has a median household income of $91,687, representing a +3.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bear?

The employment rate is 94.1% in Bear, with a workforce of 12,090 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.4% (9,355 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.6% (2,735 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.4% (895 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.8% (8,801 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11% (1,324 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (1,070 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025