Median Income
$58,000
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$109,000
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
166/100K
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.7%
59% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,013
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.5%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
1% higher than US avg
How Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,369
Median Age31.7 yrs
Density767/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans11.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,000
Per Capita$21,961
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty12.5%
County GDP$7,259M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$109,000
Rent$1,013
Ownership47.3%
Zillow$137,179
Housing Units921
Rent Burden20.6%
Crime
F
Violent166/100K
Property1,330/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault111/100K
Burglary277/100K
Health
Obesity38.5%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking17.9%
Depression28.9%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain48.5 in/yr
Sunny Days310/yr
Elevation226 ft (69 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.7%
High School+84.8%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.30
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute17 min
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations10
Libraries4
Is Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bay receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Bay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bay is $58,000, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 12.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bay is $109,000, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,013 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bay is below the national average at 166 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,330 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
13.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Bay enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 310 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Bay has a population of 2,369 with a density of 767 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age is 31.7 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (94.2%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.4% of residents. 11.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 32.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.7yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.4%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.6%
88% below US avg
The median household income in Bay is $58,000, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,961 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $994, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 3,006 business establishments, including 267 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,000 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,961 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $994 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $72,055 |
| Gini Index | 0.493 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,006 |
| County GDP | $7,259M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 267 |
| Healthcare | 386 |
| Retail | 441 |
| Manufacturing | 90 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,983 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Bay is $109,000, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,179, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 105.7% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,013 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 47.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 921 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $2,983. 20.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $109,000 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $137,179 |
| Median List Price | $179,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $179,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $60 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 105.7% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,013 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 47.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.7% |
| Housing Units | 921 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,983 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.74% |
In Bay, 38.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 37.1% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.7% report binge drinking. 31.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:813. The dentist ratio is 1:1,256. 58.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.1% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.1% |
| Depression | 28.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 40.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:813 |
| Dentists | 1:1,256 |
| Mental Health | 1:242 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 52.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,320/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 386 |
Bay has a violent crime rate of 166 per 100,000 residents, 56% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 110.8 per 100,000, robbery at 55.4, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,330 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 942, burglary at 277, vehicle theft at 111 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 17 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bay receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 166.2/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 55.4/100K |
| Assault | 110.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,329.6/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| Burglary | 277.0/100K |
| Theft | 941.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 110.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Traffic Accidents | 22 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bay enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 310 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 48.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 226 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 60.9°F |
| 13% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 310 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 226 ft (69 m) |
| Area | 3.3 sq mi (8.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 767/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7461°N, 90.5521°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Craighead County County |
| Nearest Airport | Walnut Ridge Regional (ARG)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.5"
28% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.16"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 52.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
361 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M3.1 on Aug 1, 2025.
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
113 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
38 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
27 km |
| Jun 2, 2005 |
12 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M4.0 |
107 km |
| Apr 30, 2003 |
1 km N of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M4.0 |
61 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
95 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
90 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
139 km |
| Oct 29, 2012 |
8 km SW of Parkin, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
61 km |
| Nov 29, 1996 |
1 km W of Blytheville, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
59 km |
| May 16, 2024 |
6 km S of Ridgely, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
109 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
11 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
13 km |
| Apr 24, 2019 |
12 km NNW of Dyersburg, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
109 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
40 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
4 km SW of Caruthersville, Missouri |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
121 km |
| Apr 2, 2015 |
1 km WNW of Cooter, Missouri |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| Aug 20, 1994 |
4 km NE of Black Rock, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
64 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
562 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 148 fatalities, 2,039 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF4 |
5 km |
8 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1998 |
EF4 |
36 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1984 |
EF4 |
69 km |
5 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 26, 1973 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
57 km |
35 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF4 |
84 km |
7 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
54 km |
4 |
| Mar 21, 1952 |
EF4 |
74 km |
17 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
73 km |
4 |
| Mar 28, 2020 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2010 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1811 |
AR: NE - NEW MADRID EARTHQUAKES |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
21 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,783 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,783 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
WAPANOCCA LAKE |
725 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
42°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
51°F (10°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| April |
60°F (16°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
78°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
61°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
50°F (10°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 39°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.7 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and July the driest (2.9").
Average costs for common services in Bay. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$217 ($130–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$304 ($174–$478) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$304) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,912 ($695–$4,345) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$217 ($130–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($43–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$521 ($348–$869) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$304) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$130) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($43–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($130–$695) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,083 ($3,476–$10,428) |
| Roof Repair |
$869 ($348–$1,738) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,821 ($4,780–$13,035) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,304 ($435–$3,042) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,035 ($4,345–$26,070) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,345 ($1,738–$8,690) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,304 ($695–$2,607) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$869) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,173 ($869–$4,345) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$130 ($65–$217) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$56) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($43–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.56 ($2.61–$4.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.04 ($2.17–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.30 ($2.17–$4.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.91 ($2.61–$5.65) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.78 ($3.48–$6.52) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.56) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$217) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$130) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$56 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($43–$130) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,738 ($1,043–$3,042) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.95–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$217) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,043 ($521–$2,173) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$869 ($435–$1,738) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$608) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$43 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$869 ($348–$2,173) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,863 ($4,345–$26,070) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($43–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Bay
What is the population of Bay?
Bay has a population of 2,369 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 767 people per square mile, spread across 3.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is Bay expensive to live in?
Bay is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $58,000, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,000 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,013 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bay safe?
Bay is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 166 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,330 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bay receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bay?
Bay enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 310 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Bay?
The job market in Bay is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $994. There are 3,006 business establishments in the area, including 267 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bay?
The median home value in Bay is $109,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $137,179. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,013. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.3%. The average annual property tax is $2,983.
How are the schools in Bay?
Schools in Bay score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.7% of adults in Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.8% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bay?
The obesity rate in Bay is 38.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 31.1% are physically inactive. 28.9% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 58.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:813.
What is transportation like in Bay?
The average commute in Bay is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bay is 94.2% White, 1.8% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.4% of residents speak only English at home. 11.2% of the population are military veterans. 32.7% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
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