Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bear Gap, PA
Considering a move to Bear Gap, PA? This cozy community of around 350 residents offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with affordable median home prices at $120,000 and average rents near $850. Crime rates are very low, and you’ll enjoy 54% sunny days each year. While the local economy is modest, commute times are reasonable (28 minutes), and nearby schools and healthcare facilities are easily accessible. Bear Gap is perfect for those seeking peace, affordability, and a tight-knit small-town feel in central Pennsylvania.
Demographics - Bear Gap, PA
Demographics - Bear Gap, PA
Bear Gap, PA is a small, close-knit community with a population of about 350 and a median age of 46, reflecting a mature and stable resident base. The area is predominantly White, with minimal ethnic diversity and a nearly even gender ratio. A low percentage of non-English speakers makes it an accessible place for those seeking a traditional small-town lifestyle.
Population:
350
Density:
150 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
96.1%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
2.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bear Gap, PA?
Bear Gap offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $120,000 and average rents around $850. Utility and grocery costs are reasonable, and the overall cost of living index is lower than the national average at 86. Residents benefit from Pennsylvania’s flat 3.07% state tax rate, making this a budget-friendly choice for families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$120,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,090
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
86.0
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
70.0
Utilities:
105.0
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Bear Gap, PA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Bear Gap are exceptionally low, with just 55 violent crimes and 735 property crimes per 100,000 residents, resulting in a very secure environment. The chance of experiencing violent crime is only 1 in 1,818, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing safety. Residents enjoy peace of mind in this quiet Pennsylvania community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
55
Property Crimes Per 100k:
735
Crime Index:
790
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,818
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 136
Weather
What is the weather like in Bear Gap, PA year-round?
Bear Gap experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and chilly winters dipping to 20°F. The area receives about 43.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 54% sunny days, providing a pleasant mix of weather for outdoor activities throughout the year. Residents can expect comfortable springs and colorful autumns.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The local community has a median household income of $51,000 and a poverty rate of 11.8%, reflecting a modest but stable local economy. Most residents commute about 28 minutes to work, and public transportation usage is minimal. Educational attainment is strong, with nearly 89% holding a high school diploma and over 15% earning a bachelor's degree or higher.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$51,000
Family Income:
$61,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,800
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,500
Poverty Rate:
11.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.4%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
28.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.7%
Bachelors or More:
15.6%
Education
How are the schools in Bear Gap, PA?
Families in Bear Gap have access to several well-regarded public and private schools, with favorable student-teacher ratios around 14:1. Higher education opportunities are nearby, with Bloomsburg University and Bucknell University located within a 25-mile radius. The area supports a commitment to learning for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Shikellamy High School
Street:
600 Walnut St, Sunbury, PA 17801
Phone:
570-286-3702
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Line Mountain Elementary School
Street:
542 W Shamokin St, Trevorton, PA 17881
Phone:
570-797-3825
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2
Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School
Street:
2001 Clinton Ave, Coal Township, PA 17866
Phone:
570-644-0375
Students:
275
Colleges
Name:
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
City:
Bloomsburg
State:
PA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
7,700
Name:
Bucknell University
City:
Lewisburg
State:
PA
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Bear Gap residents have convenient access to major hospitals like Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital and Evangelical Community Hospital, both offering emergency services. The area has 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 92%. Quality healthcare is readily available for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital
Address:
4200 Hospital Rd, Coal Township, PA 17866
Phone:
(570) 644-4200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Evangelical Community Hospital
Address:
1 Hospital Dr, Lewisburg, PA 17837
Phone:
(570) 522-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bear Gap, PA?
The housing market in Bear Gap is affordable, with a median home price of $120,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $850. Homeownership is high at nearly 79%, and the area has a low foreclosure rate. Modest home appreciation and vacancy rates indicate a stable and accessible market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$120,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Bear Gap residents can access vehicle and licensing services through PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services, located in Harrisburg. The department offers a comprehensive website and customer support via phone for all DMV-related needs. Pennsylvania’s centralized DMV system makes handling registrations and licenses straightforward for local residents.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
1101 S. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.