Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Big Bear, CA
Considering a move to Big Bear, CA? This scenic mountain community of about 5,241 residents features a median home price of $451,000 and average rents around $1,380. You'll enjoy 70% sunny days, four-season weather, and a short average commute of 22 minutes. While property crime rates are a bit above average, the area offers small-town charm, nearby schools, and easy access to outdoor recreation year-round—perfect for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle in a beautiful alpine setting.
Demographics - Big Bear, CA
Demographics - Big Bear, CA
Big Bear is a close-knit mountain community with a population of just over 5,200 residents and a median age of 46, reflecting a mature and balanced population. The area is predominantly White, with modest diversity and about 14% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. With a population density of 1,175 per square mile, it offers a small-town feel alongside natural surroundings.
Population:
5,241
Density:
1,175 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.3%
Black:
1.1%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
16.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Big Bear, CA?
The cost of living in Big Bear is moderately high, with a cost of living index of 127.5, reflecting California’s higher price standards. Median home values are around $451,000 and average rents are $1,380, while utilities and groceries are also above the national average. State income taxes can vary widely, so residents should factor in these expenses when considering a move.
Median House Value:
$451,000
Gross Rent:
$1,380
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,750
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,990
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$680
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
127.5
Grocery:
110.0
Housing:
140.3
Utilities:
116.7
Transportation:
112.5
Health Care:
109.4
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Big Bear, CA a safe place to live?
Big Bear experiences lower-than-average violent crime, with just 258 incidents per 100,000 people, but property crime is more common at a rate of 2,032 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 387 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 49 chance of property crime. Overall, the city maintains a reputation for community safety, though securing property is advisable.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
258
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,032
Crime Index:
2,290
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 387
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Big Bear, CA year-round?
Big Bear enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring snowy winters with lows around 21°F and warm, pleasant summers reaching highs near 80°F. The area receives about 23 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 70% sunny days, making it ideal for year-round outdoor recreation. Mild springs and falls provide comfortable transitions between seasons.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
47°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Big Bear are characterized by a median household income of $58,800 and a poverty rate of 15%, reflecting a diverse economic mix. Most residents have attained at least a high school education, and average commutes are a brief 23 minutes. Public transportation use is limited, contributing to the area's relaxed, small-town lifestyle.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$58,800
Family Income:
$68,500
Per Capita Income:
$28,700
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$34,700
Poverty Rate:
15.2%
Non English Speakers:
14.5%
Rent:
$1,380
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
22.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
22.4%
Education
How are the schools in Big Bear, CA?
Big Bear offers a selection of public schools with favorable student-to-teacher ratios, including Big Bear Elementary, Middle, and High School. For younger children and families interested in private education, North Shore Christian Preschool & Elementary is available, and higher education is accessible at Crafton Hills College just 33 miles away. The community values education, with nearly 90% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
Big Bear Elementary School
Street:
40940 Pennsylvania Ave
Phone:
909-866-4638
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Big Bear Middle School
Street:
41275 Big Bear Blvd
Phone:
909-866-4631
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.3
Name:
Big Bear High School
Street:
351 Maple Ln
Phone:
909-585-6892
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Private Schools
Name:
North Shore Christian Preschool & Elementary
Street:
42875 North Shore Dr
Phone:
909-866-5888
Students:
85
Colleges
Name:
Crafton Hills College
City:
Yucaipa
State:
CA
Distance:
33 miles
Students:
5,400
Healthcare
Residents of Big Bear have access to local medical care, including Bear Valley Community Hospital and facilities in nearby Lake Arrowhead. Healthcare coverage is high, with over 90% insured and about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people. The area offers both general and emergency medical services, ensuring essential care is available close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bear Valley Community Hospital
Address:
41870 Garstin Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone:
(909) 866-6501
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mountains Community Hospital
Address:
29101 Hospital Rd, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Phone:
(909) 336-3651
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Big Bear, CA?
Big Bear’s housing market features a median home price of $451,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,380, offering a range of options for buyers and renters. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen steady appreciation, with values rising nearly 5% in the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, providing flexibility for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$451,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,380
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Big Bear residents can access the California Department of Motor Vehicles at a convenient local branch on Big Bear Blvd. The DMV offers standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services, with additional resources available online. This makes managing transportation needs straightforward for both new and long-term residents.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
42138 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
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.