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
Bear Lake County is a county in Idaho with a population of 6,552. It ranks #36 among counties in Idaho by population. The median age is 40.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.8% male and 49.2% female.
The median household income in Bear Lake County is $67,304, below the US median of $74,580. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $234,200, with monthly rent averaging $687. The homeownership rate of 85.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Bear Lake County reflects 20.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.9 minutes each way.
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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Full rankings of Idaho counties
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.