Bay, AR
Population 2,369 · Arkansas
About Bay, AR
Bay is a small town located in Arkansas with a population of 2,369 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,000 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bay features a median home value of $109,000, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bay one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,013, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 949 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (417 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (465 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bay shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bay have an average one-way commute time of 16.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.7% of Bay residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bay, AR
Compared to national averages, Bay has a median household income of $58,000 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $109,000, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,013 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Bay's income is 11% above the state average of $52,241, and home values are 13% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Bay, AR?
Bay offers affordable housing with a median home value of $109,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,013/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,000) that falls below the national average. However, Bay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bay has a population of 2,369 with a median age of 31.7 years. Compare Bay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Bay
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie Creek | 2,367 | $94,457 | $360,200 | Compare |
| Holiday Island | 2,405 | $52,700 | $212,100 | Compare |
| Lake City | 2,452 | $57,449 | $125,500 | Compare |
| Horseshoe Bend | 2,458 | $40,868 | $117,500 | Compare |
| Lake Village | 2,280 | $44,803 | $120,200 | Compare |
| Lavaca | 2,466 | $90,263 | $155,000 | Compare |
| Eureka Springs | 2,269 | $41,821 | $246,900 | Compare |
| Goshen | 2,488 | $177,604 | $616,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bay
What is the population of Bay, AR?
The population of Bay, AR is 2,369 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in Bay?
The median household income in Bay, AR is $58,000 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bay?
The median home value in Bay, AR is $109,000, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Bay?
The median monthly rent in Bay, AR is $1,013, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bay?
The unemployment rate in Bay, AR is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bay, AR a good place to live?
Bay offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,369 and a median age of 31.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bay, AR?
13.7% of residents in Bay aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Bay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bay, AR: median home value is $109,000 (55% below national), median rent is $1,013/month, and median household income is $58,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bay?
The poverty rate in Bay, AR is 17.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bay, AR?
Bay's population is 1.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.