Bear Lake, Kalkaska County, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
607
19.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,234/yr
20.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
725
-3.5% year-over-year change

Bear Lake population

How many people live in Bear Lake

Bear Lake is home to 607 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.8% of Bear Lake locals are male, and 55.2% are female.

Total population
607
19.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.8%
272
Female
55.2%
335
Value Percent YoY change
Male 272 44.8% 27.1%
Female 335 55.2% 13.2%
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 Lake is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 6.6% are children under 15, then 18.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.5% of the population, while another 19.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 29.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
46
Age breakdown
Under 15
6.6%
15 to 24
18.4%
25 to 44
25.5%
45 to 64
19.8%
Over 65
29.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 40 6.6% 8.1%
15 to 24 112 18.4% 86.7%
25 to 44 155 25.5% 40.9%
45 to 64 120 19.8% 25.0%
Over 65 180 29.6% -13.0%
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 Lake, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.7%
Non-citizens
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 598 98.5% 19.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4 0.7% 0.0%
Non-citizens 5 0.8% 25.0%
Racial breakdown
White
90.9%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.3%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 552 90.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 10 1.6%
Two or more races 38 6.3%
Other 7 1.2%

Households in Bear Lake

A peek inside Bear Lake households

Bear Lake has 257 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 72.8% are families, while the remaining 27.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
257
4.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
70
Family households
187
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 70 27.2% -6.7%
Family households 187 72.8% 8.7%
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 Lake

The housing landscape of Bear Lake

Bear Lake's housing consists of 725 units, with 85.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 14.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
725
-3.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 617 85.1%
3 or 4 units 4 0.6%
Mobile home 104 14.3%
Homes built since 2020
13
44.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bear Lake

In Bear Lake, the median construction year is 1964. About 7.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 54 7.4% -6.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 48 6.6% -22.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 65 9% -15.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 113 15.6% -15.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 122 16.8% 19.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 133 18.3% -2.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 67 9.2% -4.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 82 11.3% 26.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 28 3.9% -26.3%
Built in 2020 or later 13 1.8% 44.4%
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 Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 257 occupied housing units in Bear Lake, 96.1% are owner-occupied, while 3.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 64.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
257
4.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10
Owner occupied
247
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10 3.9% -33.3%
Owner occupied 247 96.1% 6.5%
Unoccupied housing units
64.6%
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 Lake housing costs

Median housing costs per month
$720/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.

Education in Bear Lake

Bear Lake education at a glance

About 46.9% of the population in Bear Lake went to high school, while 24.4% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 13.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 14 2.5% 100.0%
High school diploma 261 46.9% 18.1%
College diploma 136 24.4% 52.8%
Associate degree 38 6.8% -19.1%
Bachelor's degree 77 13.8% 22.2%
Graduate degree 31 5.6% 0.0%
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 Lake

How much people earn in Bear Lake

The average annual household income in Bear Lake was $78,942 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +18.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,234, reflecting a +20.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bear Lake
$78,942/year
18.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bear Lake
$65,234/year
20.1% year-over-year change

Bear Lake income by age

In Bear Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,571. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,625 overall. Overall, 93.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $68,571 -12.9%
45 - 64 $55,625 23.2%
Over 65 $61,406 26.5%
Above poverty level
559
Below poverty level
41
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 559 93.2% 18.7%
Below poverty level 41 6.8% 10.8%

Average renter income in Bear Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Bear Lake, their median household income was $32,750 according to 2022 Census data.

Renter median household income
$32,750
Rent-to-income ratio
0%
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 Lake

Workforce and job types in Bear Lake

The job market in Bear Lake is powered by 259 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.1% run their own businesses, 73% are employed by private companies, and 17% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
259
31.5% year-over-year change
White collar
175
Blue collar
84
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 175 67.6% 37.8%
Blue collar 84 32.4% 20.0%
Employer type
Self employees
8.1%
Private companies
73%
Governmental workers
17%
Not for profit companies
1.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 21 8.1% 90.9%
Private companies 189 73% 39.0%
Governmental workers 44 17% -2.2%
Not for profit companies 5 1.9% 0.0%
Unemployment rate
12.2%
140.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bear Lake stands at 12.2%, 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 Lake

How people get around in Bear Lake

Commuting methods vary: 98.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 242 98.8% 28.0%
Walk 3 1.2% 200.0%
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.

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FAQs about Bear Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Bear Lake?

Bear Lake has a total population of 607 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 +19.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bear Lake?

The gender ratio in Bear Lake is as follows:
  • 44.8% males (272 residents)
  • 55.2% females (335 residents)

What is the median age in Bear Lake?

The median age in Bear Lake is 46.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bear Lake?

The age distribution in Bear Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 6.6% (40 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.4% (112 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.5% (155 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.8% (120 residents)
  • Over 65: 29.6% (180 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bear Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bear Lake is as follows:
  • White: 90.9% (552 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.6% (10 residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.3% (38 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (7 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Bear Lake.

How many housing units are there in Bear Lake?

There are 725 housing units in Bear Lake, reflecting a -3.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Bear Lake has a total of 257 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bear Lake?

Bear Lake has a median household income of $65,234, representing a +20.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 87.8% in Bear Lake, with a workforce of 259 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67.6% (175 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32.4% (84 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.1% (21 residents)
  • Private companies: 73% (189 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17% (44 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.9% (5 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