Median Income
$60,625
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,400
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
124/100K
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.1%
67% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$990
15% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.8%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.3%
90% lower than US avg
How Bay City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population358
Median Age48.0 yrs
Density607/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans14.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,625
Per Capita$37,972
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty1.3%
County GDP$1,545M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,400
Rent$990
Ownership89.0%
Zillow$306,940
Housing Units178
Rent Burden17.2%
Crime
F
Violent124/100K
Property2,350/100K
Health
Obesity33.8%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking14.1%
Depression23.6%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain35.9 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation746 ft (227 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.1%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score6.48
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 40%
Commute29 min
Broadband86.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Bay City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bay City 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. Bay City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Bay City is $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bay City is $118,400, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $990 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Bay City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 124 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,350 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
11.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Bay City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Bay City has a population of 358 with a density of 607 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 48.0 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43% female and 57% male. The city is predominantly White (99.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 14.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 88.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.0yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Bay City is $60,625, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,972. The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,024 business establishments, including 110 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,625 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,972 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,110 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.3% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,024 |
| County GDP | $1,545M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 110 |
| Healthcare | 78 |
| Retail | 97 |
| Manufacturing | 50 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,822 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.92% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Bay City is $118,400, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $306,940, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $990 (15% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 178 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $5,822 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,400 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $306,940 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $990 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 89.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.0% |
| Housing Units | 178 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,822 |
| 66% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.92% |
In Bay City, 33.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 23.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,662. The dentist ratio is 1:2,363. 73.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bay City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.8% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 23.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.4% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,662 |
| Dentists | 1:2,363 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,229 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,140/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 78 |
Bay City has a violent crime rate of 124 per 100,000 residents, 67% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,350 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Bay City receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Bay City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 123.7/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,350.0/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Bay City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 12°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 270 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 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 746 feet.
Temperature
12°F Jan (-11°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 42.3°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 12°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 746 ft (227 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 607/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.5893°N, 92.4535°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pierce County County |
| Nearest Airport | New Richmond Regional (RNH)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.9"
5% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 53.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Apr 25, 2017.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
131 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
480 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 60 fatalities, 984 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
36 km |
21 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
6 |
| May 6, 1965 |
EF4 |
82 km |
3 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
86 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
96 km |
4 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
77 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
82 km |
2 |
| Jul 27, 1987 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
78 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF3 |
69 km |
1 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,904 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,904 |
91 km |
| 2024 |
SNAKE TRAIL |
1,496 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
61 km |
| 2004 |
EAGAN |
925 |
65 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
598 |
74 km |
| 1995 |
LV 68 CARVER |
532 |
93 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
513 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
12°F (-11°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Bay City has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 12°F in January to 69°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Bay City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $909 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $823 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bay City
What is the population of Bay City?
Bay City has a population of 358 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 607 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43% female and 57% male.
Is Bay City expensive to live in?
Bay City is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,625, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,400 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $990 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Bay City safe?
Bay City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 124 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,350 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Bay City receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Bay City?
Bay City has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Bay City?
The job market in Bay City is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 1,024 business establishments in the area, including 110 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bay City?
The median home value in Bay City is $118,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $306,940. For renters, the median monthly rent is $990. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 89.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,822.
How are the schools in Bay City?
Schools in Bay City score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.1% of adults in Bay City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bay City?
The obesity rate in Bay City is 33.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 23.6% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 73.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,662.
What is transportation like in Bay City?
The average commute in Bay City is 29 minutes. 88.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bay City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bay City is 99.7% White. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 14.5% of the population are military veterans. 11.6% of residents have a disability. 88.4% have health insurance coverage.
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