Big Bear City, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Big Bear City, California is 12,493 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 445th-largest city in California. The median household income is $72,457, the median home value is $427,700, and the median age is 44.3.
12,493
Population
390
People / sq mi
$72,457
Median Income
$427,700
Median Home Value
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Big Bear City covers 32.0 sq mi of land at 390 people per square mile.
About Big Bear City, CA
What distinguishes Big Bear City is density: among the most sparsely settled of US cities, around 390 people per square mile. Big Bear City is a city in California with a population of 12,493.
The typical household here earns about $72,457, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.0%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $427,700, with typical rent around $1,454.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 28.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is above the national 14.0% at 15.4%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Economy & Income
$72,457
Median Household Income
$38,030
Per Capita Income
11.0%
Poverty Rate
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$427,700
Median Home Value
$1,454
Median Rent
71.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
91.8%
High School+
28.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
72.3%
Public Transit
15.4%
Work From Home
26.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
20.7%
Foreign Born
85.0%
Non-English at Home
11.5%
Veterans
12.7%
With Disability
89.9%
Health Insurance
98.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 21.9% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 18.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 11.8% |
| Construction | 10.5% |
| Information | 7.5% |
| Retail Trade | 7.4% |
| Public Administration | 5.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 2.0% |
| Manufacturing | 1.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.3% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Big Bear City, California has a population of 12,493 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 445th-largest city in California.
The median household income in Big Bear City, California is $72,457, with 11.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Big Bear City, California is $427,700, with median monthly rent at $1,454 and a homeownership rate of 71.9%.
The median age in Big Bear City, California is 44.3 years. The population is 53.0% male and 47.0% female.
Big Bear City Cdp, CA Climate
Big Bear City Cdp, CA has an average annual temperature of 10.6°C (51°F) and receives about 698 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
10.6°C
Avg Temp
698
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 121 mm |
| February | 3° / 38° | 118 mm |
| March | 5° / 41° | 108 mm |
| April | 8° / 47° | 51 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 19 mm |
| June | 18° / 64° | 3 mm |
| July | 21° / 69° | 13 mm |
| August | 20° / 68° | 25 mm |
| September | 17° / 62° | 27 mm |
| October | 12° / 53° | 27 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 83 mm |
| December | 3° / 37° | 103 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Big Bear City Cdp, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Big Bear City Cdp, CA are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Big Bear City
Visiting or relocating to Big Bear City, CA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.