Median Income
$51,898
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$149,800
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
315/100K
17% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.5%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$997
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.3%
103% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.2%
79% higher than US avg
How Bay City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population17,816
Median Age32.8 yrs
Density1,922/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 43%
Economy
C
Median Income$51,898
Per Capita$26,301
Unemployment7.3%
Poverty22.2%
County GDP$2,905M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$149,800
Rent$997
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$195,915
Crime
F
Violent315/100K
Property4,153/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault206/100K
Burglary978/100K
Health
Obesity41.3%
UninsuredN/A
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain49.1 in/yr
Elevation50 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.5%
High School+81.9%
School Score5.10
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute23 min
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Bay City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bay City receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Bay City has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bay City is $51,898, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 22.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bay City is $149,800, 47% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $997 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Bay City is below the national average at 315 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,153 per 100,000, 112% above the national average.
Education
20.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Bay City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Bay City has a population of 17,816 with a density of 1,922 people per square mile. The median age is 32.8 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (43.2%), with 16% Black.
Population
32.8yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 64.8% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Spanish | 35.2% |
| 163% above US avg |
The median household income in Bay City is $51,898, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 7.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.2% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,898 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,301 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,327 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,685 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.3% |
| 103% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.2% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 824 |
| County GDP | $2,905M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 96 |
| Healthcare | 86 |
| Retail | 132 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,986 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.6 min |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Bay City is $149,800, 47% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $997 (14% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $195,915.
Home Values
| Census Median | $149,800 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $195,915 |
| Median List Price | $226,747 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $226,747 |
| $/Sq Ft | $147 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.4% |
| Price Drops | 44.8% |
| Inventory | 87 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $997 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $863 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,986 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.00% |
In Bay City, 41.3% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 22.6% report depression. 35.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Bay City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.2% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.3% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Premature Death | 11,456/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 86 |
Bay City has a violent crime rate of 315 per 100,000 residents, 17% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,153 per 100,000 (112% above US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Bay City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 314.7/100K |
| 17% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 34.3/100K |
| Robbery | 74.4/100K |
| Assault | 206.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,153.3/100K |
| 112% above US avg |
| Burglary | 978.3/100K |
| Theft | 3,089.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 85.8/100K |
| Arson | 28.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bay City has an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation is 49.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
53°F Jan (12°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 68.8°F |
| 27% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 49.1 inches |
| 29% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Area | 9.3 sq mi (24.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,922/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 28.9835°N, 95.9599°W |
| County FIPS | 48321 |