Bear, Delaware Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Bear, Delaware had a total population of 22,370, the 5th largest community in Delaware, with a median household income of $91,687, which is 8% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Bear is the 5th largest city in Delaware with a population of 22,370.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in Delaware (diversity index: 72/100).
Bear Quick Facts
How Bear Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,604 | 22,370 | -1.0% |
| Median household income | $88,985 | $91,687 | +3.0% |
| Median home value | $280,200 | $304,800 | +8.8% |
How Bear Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 60 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Bear Rankings in Delaware
Explore Delaware Rankings
Other Cities in New Castle County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | 71,727 | $58,671 | 21.4% | $231,400 |
| Newark | 30,330 | $76,912 | 27.7% | $382,500 |
| Middletown | 24,661 | $112,831 | 8.3% | $409,600 |
| Glasgow | 15,546 | $113,982 | 8.0% | $373,900 |
| Brookside | 15,115 | $78,328 | 14.6% | $279,700 |
| Hockessin | 13,439 | $171,204 | 1.5% | $568,800 |
| Smyrna | 13,165 | $67,048 | 12.9% | $291,400 |
| Pike Creek Valley | 12,431 | $102,434 | 6.2% | $340,300 |
| Claymont | 8,786 | $74,712 | 10.0% | $276,600 |
| Wilmington Manor | 8,214 | $78,078 | 11.6% | $240,600 |
Cities Similar to Bear
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middletown | 24,661 | $112,831 | $409,600 | 44.0% | 8.3% |
| Newark | 30,330 | $76,912 | $382,500 | 58.2% | 27.7% |
| Brookside | 15,115 | $78,328 | $279,700 | 29.1% | 14.6% |
| Glasgow | 15,546 | $113,982 | $373,900 | 37.7% | 8.0% |
| Pike Creek Valley | 12,431 | $102,434 | $340,300 | 50.7% | 6.2% |
Population Overview
Bear is a small city located in Delaware, within New Castle County. The total population is 22,370. It ranks as the 5th most populous out of 79 Census-designated places in Delaware.
Age Demographics
The median age in Bear is 37.9 years. This is 9% lower than the state median of 41.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Bear is $91,687. This is 8% higher than the state median of $84,954. It is also 14% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 8.7%. This is 16% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.4%. The unemployment rate is 5.9%. This is 15% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $304,800. Housing costs are 13% lower than the state median of $352,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 65.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% lower than the state average of 73.0%.
Race & Ethnicity
Bear is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 29.2%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (37.7% vs 21.4%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (21.2% vs 11.1%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (8.3% vs 4.3%).
Education
32.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 9% lower than the state rate of 35.8%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Bear, Delaware is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Delaware state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 79 Census-designated places in Delaware. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bear, Delaware?
Bear, Delaware has a population of 22,370 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Bear, DE?
The median household income in Bear is $91,687, which is 14% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Bear, DE?
The poverty rate in Bear is 8.7%. This means approximately 1,949 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Bear, Delaware?
Bear's population is 29.2% White, 37.7% Black, 21.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 8.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Bear, DE?
The median home value in Bear is $304,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
How educated is Bear, Delaware?
32.5% of adults (25+) in Bear hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.