Michigan · Metropolitan Area
Bay City is a mid-size city in Michigan with a population of 32,445. Residents earn $47,904 per year, which is 36% below the national average.
Based on current data, Bay City receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Bay City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Bay City is $47,904, 36% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 15.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
The median home value in Bay City is $89,900, 68% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $739 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.
The violent crime rate of 531 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,924 per 100,000, 49% above the national average.
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Bay City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 33.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 37.
| English Only | 97.1% |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 2.9% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $47,904 |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $29,756 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,050 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,334 |
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 15.2% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 2,117 |
| County GDP | $4,724M |
| Restaurants | 211 |
| Healthcare | 326 |
| Retail | 355 |
| Manufacturing | 99 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,313 |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.80% |
| Commute Time | 20.8 min |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
| Census Median | $89,900 |
| 68% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $119,103 |
| Median List Price | $124,900 |
| Median List Price | $124,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $107 |
| Homes Sold | 30 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.6% |
| Price Drops | 32.9% |
| Inventory | 85 |
| Census Median Rent | $739 |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $998 |
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $814 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,399 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,518 |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,313 |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 4.80% |
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.9% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.5% |
| Depression | 29.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.3% |
| Checkup Rate | 76.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,515/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 326 |
| Total Violent | 530.5/100K |
| 40% above US avg | |
| Murder | 2.9/100K |
| 54% below US avg | |
| Rape | 160.3/100K |
| Robbery | 55.4/100K |
| Assault | 311.9/100K |
| Total Property | 2,923.6/100K |
| 49% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 792.8/100K |
| Theft | 2,025.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 104.9/100K |
| Arson | 11.7/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg | |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 33.1 inches |
| 13% below US avg |
| AQI Median | 37.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 76.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
| Elevation | 600 ft (183 m) |
| Area | 10.2 sq mi (26.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,190/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5901°N, 83.8884°W |
| County FIPS | 26017 |
Winner: Republican by 14.7 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 18.2% |
| 46% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 88.6% |
| School Test Score | 5.09 |
| RUCC Code 3 | Metro — under 250K |
| Population Density | 3,190/sq mi |
| Total Area | 10.2 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 14 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 17 |
| Public Libraries | 5 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 326 |
| Restaurants | 211 |
| Retail Stores | 355 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Avg Commute | 20.8 min |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |