Bear Lake County, Idaho Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 36th-largest in Idaho
The population of Bear Lake County, Idaho is 6,552 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 36th-largest county in Idaho. The median household income is $67,304, the median home value is $234,200, and the median age is 40.2.
The population of Bear Lake County has grown 13.5% since 2010 (5,972 → 6,779), a +0.91% annualized rate.
6,552
Population
+0.91%
Annual growth
7
People / sq mi
$67,304
Median Income
$234,200
Median Home Value
Bear Lake County covers 976 sq mi of land at 6.7 people per square mile.
About Bear Lake County, ID
Homeownership is the standout figure in Bear Lake County: 85.0% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Bear Lake County is a county in Idaho with a population of 6,552. It ranks #36 among counties in Idaho by population.
The typical household here earns about $67,304, below the US median of $78,538. Only 5.6% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $234,200, with typical rent around $687.
Roughly 20.3% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.8% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Bear Lake County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Bear Lake County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bear Lake County had a population of 5,972 in 2010 and 6,779 in 2024, a 13.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,783 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.92%.
6,779
Population (2024)
5,972
Population (2010)
6,783
Peak (2023)
0.92%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 5,972 |
| 2011 | 5,961 |
| 2012 | 5,897 |
| 2013 | 5,953 |
| 2014 | 5,931 |
| 2015 | 5,883 |
| 2016 | 5,940 |
| 2017 | 6,029 |
| 2018 | 6,026 |
| 2019 | 6,131 |
| 2020 | 6,367 |
| 2021 | 6,569 |
| 2022 | 6,751 |
| 2023 | 6,783 |
| 2024 | 6,779 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.2
Median Age
49.2%
Female
50.8%
Male
20.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.5% · Seniors (65+): 20.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $67,304$-7,332 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,325 |
| Per-capita income | $32,301 |
| Poverty rate | 5.6%-1.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bear Lake County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.7%
Carpool
76.8%
Public transit
8.8%
Work from home
29.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$234,200$-141,800 vs state
Median home value
$687
Median rent
85.0%
Homeownership rate
3,943
Total housing units
58.5%
Occupied
41.5%
Vacant
15.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.3%
With health insurance
94.8%
With broadband internet
40.2%
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans (18+)
15.0%
With a disability
95.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.0%
High School+
20.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Idaho
Other counties in Idaho
Part of Idaho
Metro areas in Idaho
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bear Lake County, Idaho has a population of 6,552 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 36th-largest county in Idaho. Population density is 7 people per square mile.
The population of Bear Lake County has grown 13.5% since 2010 (5,972 → 6,779), a +0.91% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bear Lake County, Idaho is $67,304, with mean (average) household income of $82,325 and per-capita income of $32,301. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bear Lake County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.7%), Black or African American (0.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bear Lake County, Idaho is 40.2 years. Residents are 49.2% female and 50.8% male.
The median home value in Bear Lake County is $234,200 and median monthly rent is $687. 85.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,943 total housing units, 41.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bear Lake County, Idaho is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.5%.
Boise City is among the largest cities associated with Bear Lake County, Idaho, with a population of 235,701.
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Statewide data for Idaho
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Idaho
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.