Bear Lake CDP, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026

Population Overview

Bear Lake CDP is a small community located in Michigan. The total population is 245. It ranks as the 657th most populous out of 745 cities and towns in Michigan.

Age Demographics

The median age in Bear Lake CDP is 70.1 years. This is 75% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. Only 4.5% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 26.5% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Bear Lake CDP is $53,750. This is 24% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 32% lower. The poverty rate stands at 9.8%. This is 25% lower than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. The unemployment rate is 6.3%. This is 9% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $143,100. Housing costs are 34% lower than the state median of $217,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Bear Lake CDP is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 93.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 29% higher than the state average of 72.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Bear Lake CDP has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.1% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 5.7%.

Education

25.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 21% lower than the state rate of 31.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 97.9%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Bear Lake CDP, Michigan is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Michigan state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 745 Census-designated places in Michigan. For official data, visit data.census.gov.