What to know when moving to Bear, DE
Bear at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 34.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 20.1% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income stands at $107,856, which is relatively high for the area.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 7.4%, some residents may face economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 2% of residents use public transit for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,732 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Bear features a diverse population of around 44,801 residents, with a notable portion, 34.6%, achieving a bachelor's degree or higher. The housing market shows a strong owner-occupied presence, with 79.9% of residents owning their homes. The community also enjoys access to various parks and outdoor activities nearby, including Lums Pond State Park and New Castle Battery Park, both well-rated and popular among locals.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer urban areas with extensive public transit options, as only 2% of the population commutes via public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent in Bear is $1,732, which suggests budgeting for a comfortable living situation.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $337,800, indicating a strong investment in property.
- 34.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, reflecting a relatively educated community.
- The poverty rate is 7.4%, which could impact local economic conditions.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime data for Delaware shows that the state has an annual arson rate of 8.3 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 14.4% lower than the national rate of 9.7 per 100,000. Furthermore, the arson rate has decreased by 25.3% from 2022 to 2025.
- **Arson:** 8.3 incidents per 100k vs. national rate of 9.7 per 100k.
- **Notable trend:** Arson rate down 25.3% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Delaware).
Schools & Higher Ed
Bear has access to a total of 12 educational institutions in the nearby area, with 11 of them providing College Scorecard data indicating varying degrees of education options.
- Postsecondary institutions: 12 total.
- With College Scorecard data: 11.
- Nearby notable institutions include the University of Delaware and Wilmington University.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
New Castle County experiences about 33.8 inches of precipitation annually, with around 97 rainy days each year. The area sees minimal snowfall, averaging just 2.3 inches per year over approximately 11 snow days.
- **Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:**
- Lums Pond State Park - 4.7 stars from 3,545 reviews
- New Castle Battery Park - 4.7 stars from 3,803 reviews
- Glasgow Regional Park - 4.7 stars from 2,842 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In New Castle County, the unemployment rate is currently 5.0% as of December 2025. The total labor force stands at 309,998, with 294,604 individuals employed.
- Unemployment rate: 5.0% (December 2025).
- Employed: 294,604.
- Labor force: 309,998.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.