Median Income
$68,819
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$480,400
70% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
60.0%
78% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Bay Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population218
Median Age47.7 yrs
Density232/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans28.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,819
Per Capita$69,417
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,033M
Housing
C+
Home Value$480,400
Ownership91.9%
Zillow$281,023
Housing Units194
Rent Burden30.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property378/100K
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured12.2%
Smoking14.8%
Depression27.7%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI28 (Good)
Rain83.7 in/yr
Sunny Days226/yr
Elevation46 ft (14 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+60.0%
High School+95.1%
Graduate+31.4%
School Score4.94
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 48%
Broadband99.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Bay Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bay Center receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, a high uninsured rate. Bay Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bay Center is $68,819, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bay Center is $480,400, making it a premium housing market at 70% above the U.S. median of $281,900. The price-to-income ratio of 7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bay Center is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 378 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
Bay Center is a highly educated community / 60.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Bay Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. The area gets 226 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 83.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28.
Bay Center has a population of 218 with a density of 232 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 47.7 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.6% female and 39.4% male. The city is predominantly White (97.7%), with 2.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 28.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 32.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
47.7yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Bay Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Bay Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Bay Center is $68,819, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $69,417 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $968, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 691 business establishments, including 102 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 42.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Bay Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,819 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $69,417 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $968 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,782 |
| Gini Index | 0.462 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 691 |
| County GDP | $1,033M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 102 |
| Healthcare | 38 |
| Retail | 78 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,187 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 37.1% |
| Public Transit | 5.6% |
| Work from Home | 42.7% |
The median home value in Bay Center is $480,400, 70% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,023, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 194 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $5,187 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $480,400 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $281,023 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,082 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,472 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,351 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.1% |
| Housing Units | 194 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,187 |
| 48% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.08% |
In Bay Center, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 16.9% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 27.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 12.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,790. The dentist ratio is 1:3,445. 55.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bay Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 27.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.2% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,790 |
| Dentists | 1:3,445 |
| Mental Health | 1:195 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.9% |
| Dental Visits | 53.6% |
| Premature Death | 10,076/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 38 |
Bay Center has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 378 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Bay Center receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Bay Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 378.3/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Bay Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. The area gets 226 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 83.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 1.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 46 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
61°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 49.8°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 226 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 46 ft (14 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 232/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.6208°N, 123.9532°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Pacific County County |
| Nearest Airport | Astoria Regional (AST)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
83.7"
120% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
13.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 28.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami |
Very High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,001 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 16, 2025.
| Feb 28, 2001 |
7 km SSE of Longbranch, Washington |
M6.8 |
110 km |
| Jul 3, 1999 |
8 km N of Satsop, Washington |
M5.8 |
63 km |
| Jun 10, 2001 |
18 km N of Satsop, Washington |
M5.0 |
70 km |
| Jan 29, 1995 |
3 km WSW of Des Moines, Washington |
M5.0 |
148 km |
| Apr 25, 2003 |
26 km W of Brinnon, Washington |
M4.8 |
128 km |
| Jul 22, 2001 |
4 km WSW of DuPont, Washington |
M4.3 |
109 km |
| Feb 14, 2011 |
31 km S of Morton, Washington |
M4.3 |
139 km |
| Feb 23, 2017 |
11 km NE of Hoodsport, Washington |
M4.1 |
118 km |
| Jun 15, 1994 |
1 km WNW of Hoodsport, Washington |
M4.0 |
106 km |
| Apr 24, 2003 |
3 km NW of North Portland, Oregon |
M3.9 |
144 km |
| Oct 1, 2004 |
37 km NNE of Amboy, Washington |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Jul 24, 2011 |
21 km W of Brinnon, Washington |
M3.9 |
134 km |
| Aug 3, 2006 |
2 km WNW of Cherry Grove, Washington |
M3.8 |
138 km |
| Jun 12, 2021 |
3 km WSW of Skokomish, Washington |
M3.8 |
96 km |
| Jun 16, 2002 |
2 km N of Belfair, Washington |
M3.7 |
127 km |
| Aug 23, 2013 |
24 km SSE of Mossyrock, Washington |
M3.7 |
125 km |
| Oct 1, 2004 |
36 km NNE of Amboy, Washington |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Nov 26, 1997 |
15 km WSW of Quilcene, Washington |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| May 30, 2003 |
4 km SSW of Gorst, Washington |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Jul 31, 2016 |
12 km NNE of Aberdeen Gardens, Washington |
M3.7 |
64 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
20 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 1965 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 10, 2020 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2014 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2004 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1985 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1967 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Oct 28, 2024 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 2021 |
EF0 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2011 |
EF0 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 25, 2010 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jan 5, 1998 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 1997 |
EF0 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1997 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1996 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Feb 13, 1994 |
EF0 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1991 |
EF0 |
41 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 1990 |
EF0 |
14 km |
0 |
| Oct 20, 1966 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1965 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 250.0 m (820 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1980 |
WASHINGTON |
Explosion |
250.0 m |
61 |
144 km |
| 1894 |
PUYALLUP RIVER DELTA, TACOMA, WA |
Meteorological |
3.0 m |
2 |
136 km |
| 1949 |
PUGET SOUND, WA |
Meteorological |
2.4 m |
— |
132 km |
| 1949 |
PUGET SOUND, WA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
8 |
118 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
5 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: St. Helens (144 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| St. Helens |
Stratovolcano |
2,549 m (8,363 ft) |
2008 |
144 km |
| West Crater |
Volcanic field |
1,329 m (4,360 ft) |
-5750 |
166 km |
| Rainier |
Stratovolcano |
4,392 m (14,409 ft) |
1450 |
169 km |
| Indian Heaven |
Shield(s) |
1,806 m (5,925 ft) |
-6250 |
181 km |
| Adams |
Stratovolcano |
3,742 m (12,277 ft) |
950 |
194 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
13.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
11.0 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
9.7 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
6.6 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
61°F (16°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
61°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
7.4 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
13.2 in |
|
| December |
41°F (5°C) |
13.9 in |
Wettest |
Bay Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 21°F / from 41°F in January to 61°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 89.2 inches, with December being the wettest month (13.9") and July the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Bay Center. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$268 ($161–$428) |
| Specialist Visit |
$375 ($214–$589) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$214 ($107–$375) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,354 ($856–$5,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$139 ($80–$214) |
| Dental Filling |
$268 ($161–$428) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($27–$80) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$80 ($54–$128) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$642 ($428–$1,070) |
| Battery Replacement |
$214 ($107–$375) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$107 ($64–$161) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$96 ($54–$150) |
| HVAC Repair |
$428 ($161–$856) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,490 ($4,280–$12,840) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,070 ($428–$2,140) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,630 ($5,885–$16,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,605 ($535–$3,745) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,050 ($5,350–$32,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,350 ($2,140–$10,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,605 ($856–$3,210) |
| Will Preparation |
$535 ($214–$1,070) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,675 ($1,070–$5,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$107) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$161 ($80–$268) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$139) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.39 ($3.21–$5.89) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.75 ($2.68–$5.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.07 ($2.68–$5.89) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.82 ($3.21–$6.96) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.89 ($4.28–$8.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.07 ($0.64–$1.93) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$150 ($86–$268) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$161) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$128) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$107) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$107) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$91 ($54–$161) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$214 ($80–$535) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,140 ($1,284–$3,745) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$139) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.56–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$107 ($32–$268) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$80) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,284 ($642–$2,675) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,070 ($535–$2,140) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$428 ($214–$749) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$107) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,070 ($428–$2,675) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,375 ($5,350–$32,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$107 ($54–$214) |
| Dog Grooming |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$214 ($107–$428) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,547 |
| Toddler | $1,078 |
| Preschool | $1,078 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,066 |
| Toddler | $889 |
| Preschool | $889 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bay Center
What is the population of Bay Center?
Bay Center has a population of 218 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 232 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.6% female and 39.4% male.
Is Bay Center expensive to live in?
Bay Center is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $68,819, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $480,400 (70% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Bay Center safe?
Bay Center is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 378 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Bay Center receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bay Center?
Bay Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°F in July. The area receives 226 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 83.7 inches, with 1.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.
How is the job market in Bay Center?
The job market in Bay Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $968. There are 691 business establishments in the area, including 102 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Bay Center?
The median home value in Bay Center is $480,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $281,023. The homeownership rate is 91.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,187.
How are the schools in Bay Center?
Schools in Bay Center have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 60.0% of adults in Bay Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.1% have completed high school. 31.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bay Center?
The obesity rate in Bay Center is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 27.7% of residents report depression. 12.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 55.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,790.
What are the demographics of Bay Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bay Center is 97.7% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 28.7% of the population are military veterans. 32.8% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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