Bay City, MI
Population 32,445 · Michigan
About Bay City, MI
Bay City is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 32,445 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,904 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bay City features a median home value of $89,900, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bay City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $739, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,173 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (9,968 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (4,589 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bay City shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bay City have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.2% of Bay City 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 9.5% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bay City Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Bay City, MI
Compared to national averages, Bay City has a median household income of $47,904 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $89,900, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $739 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Bay City's income is 27% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 51% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Bay City, MI?
Bay City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $89,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $739/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,904) that falls below the national average. However, Bay City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bay City has a population of 32,445 with a median age of 39.7 years. Compare Bay City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Bay City
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | 31,206 | $42,848 | $94,700 | Compare |
| Eastpointe | 34,003 | $58,196 | $129,100 | Compare |
| Holland | 34,266 | $72,905 | $235,800 | Compare |
| Southgate | 29,551 | $64,635 | $165,400 | Compare |
| Burton | 29,529 | $57,767 | $131,200 | Compare |
| Oak Park | 29,370 | $65,882 | $198,500 | Compare |
| Port Huron | 28,724 | $49,377 | $136,000 | Compare |
| Forest Hills | 28,494 | $156,618 | $474,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bay City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bay City
What is the population of Bay City, MI?
The population of Bay City, MI is 32,445 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Bay City?
The median household income in Bay City, MI is $47,904 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bay City?
The median home value in Bay City, MI is $89,900, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bay City?
The median monthly rent in Bay City, MI is $739, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bay City?
The unemployment rate in Bay City, MI is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bay City, MI a good place to live?
Bay City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 32,445 and a median age of 39.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bay City, MI?
18.2% of residents in Bay City 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 City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bay City, MI: median home value is $89,900 (63% below national), median rent is $739/month, and median household income is $47,904. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bay City?
The poverty rate in Bay City, MI is 21.5%, 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 City, MI?
Bay City's population is 9.5% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.