Bear Creek is a local name, first published by D.H. Sleem on his map of central Alaska dated 1910. Bear Lake is the source of the stream. Nearby Seward became an incorporated City in 1912. The Alaska Railroad was constructed between 1915 and 1923, and Seward developed as the ocean terminus and supply center. By 1960, Seward was the largest community on the Peninsula. As an ice-free harbor, Seward has become an important supply center for Interior Alaska.
16.2% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native. Bear Creek is a relatively large settlement of over 800 homes, with a diverse population. The are a number of social and cultural opportunities in nearby Seward.

During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 806 total housing units, and 120 were vacant. 52 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 875 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 7.45%, although 32.54% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $53,800, per capita income was $20,947, and 4.98% of residents were living below the poverty level.

Most homes have completed plumbing, through individual well and septic systems. Refuse collection is available. The Borough provides refuse transfer sites in Seward and in Crown Point.
Electricity is provided by Seward Electric System.

There are no state operated schools located in the community.

Auxiliary health care is provided by Providence Seward Medical Center (224-5205); Bear Creek Volunteer Fire & EMS, Inc. (224-3345/3338); Seward Volunteer Ambulance Corps (224-3987).

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