As of the census of 2000, there were 5,438 people, 2,343 households, and 1,494 families residing in the city. The population density was 332.2/km² (860.1/mi²). There were 8,705 housing units at an average density of 531.8/km² (1,376.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 91.17% White, 0.68% African American, 0.97% Native American, 0.75% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 3.57% from other races, and 2.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.70% of the population.
There were 2,343 households out of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.83.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.6% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 29.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 107.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,447, and the median income for a family was $41,848. Males had a median income of $36,316 versus $21,404 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,517. About 11.1% of families and 13.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.9% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.
Big Bear City Airport, a general aviation airport in the Big Bear City section of unincorporated San Bernardino County, serves Big Bear Lake. Local bus service is provided by the Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (MARTA). The MARTA Provides Service from downtown San Bernardino to Big Bear Lake.