Bay City, MI
Population 32,445 · Michigan
About Bay City, MI
Bay City is a mid-sized city in Michigan with a population of 32,445 residents. The median household income is $47,904 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Bay City is 39.7 years.
Housing in Bay City has a median home value of $89,900 and median monthly rent of $739. Of the 16,173 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 9,968 owner-occupied and 4,589 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Bay City is 6.5% and the poverty rate is 21.5%. 18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 20.8 minutes.
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.
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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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Bay City?
The median household income in Bay City, MI is $47,904 per year.
What is the median home value in Bay City?
The median home value in Bay City, MI is $89,900.
What is the average rent in Bay City?
The median monthly rent in Bay City, MI is $739.
What is the unemployment rate in Bay City?
The unemployment rate in Bay City, MI is 6.5%.