Bear is a census-designated place (CDP) in New Castle County, Delaware, United States. The population was 19,371 at the 2010 census. Originally a small crossroads in a rural area, approximately south of Wilmington, the area supported small farms growing mainly corn and cattle. In the late 1980s and 1990s Bear became a popular location for the construction of sprawling housing developments and shopping centers along U.S. Route 40. Much of Bear runs along the highway, and extends to approximately Delaware Route 896. History According to common legend, the name "Bear" originated from a tavern located along the roadway from Wilmington to Dover, Delaware (at the intersection now formed by U.S. Route 40 and Delaware Route 7), whose sign was decorated with the image of a large bear, and which George Washington had reportedly visited. Bear's population was 50 in 1890, and was 59 in 1900. In later years, Bear has had a history of being centered around shopping centers and neighborhoods located along U.S. Route 40. White Hall was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. Geography Bear is located at (39.6292788, -75.6582628). According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of , all land. Bear is located approximately 14 miles south of Wilmington and about 44 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Demographics In 2010, Bear had a population of 19,371 people. The racial makeup of the CDP was 50.5% White, 34.5% African American, 0.3% Native American, 4.2% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 6.8% from other races, and 3.7% from two or more races. 14.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. As of the census of 2000, there were 17,593 people, 6,027 households, and 4,544 families residing in the CDP. The population density was . There were 6,265 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the CDP was 66.9% White, 26.8% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.0% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.8% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.5% of the population. There were 6,027 households, out of which 46.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.4% were married couples living together, 18.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.6% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.5% had someone living alone