Bay Center, WA
Population 218 · Washington
About Bay Center, WA
Bay Center is a small community located in Washington with a population of 218 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,819 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bay Center features a median home value of $480,400, which is 96% above the national median of $244,900. This places Bay Center in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 188 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (91 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (8 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bay Center shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bay Center have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
60.0% of Bay Center residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Bay Center Ranks in Washington
Cost of Living in Bay Center, WA
Compared to national averages, Bay Center has a median household income of $68,819 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $480,400, which is 96% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Washington, Bay Center's income is 24% below the state average of $90,795, and home values are 4% above the state median of $460,491.
Why Live in Bay Center, WA?
Bay Center offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and a well-educated community where 60.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,819) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $480,400. However, Bay Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bay Center has a population of 218 with a median age of 47.7 years. Compare Bay Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Washington.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Washington
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bay Center
What is the population of Bay Center, WA?
The population of Bay Center, WA is 218 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Washington.
What is the median household income in Bay Center?
The median household income in Bay Center, WA is $68,819 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bay Center?
The median home value in Bay Center, WA is $480,400, which is 96% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bay Center?
The median monthly rent in Bay Center, WA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bay Center?
The unemployment rate in Bay Center, WA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bay Center, WA a good place to live?
Bay Center offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 218 and a median age of 47.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bay Center, WA?
60.0% of residents in Bay Center aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Bay Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bay Center, WA: median home value is $480,400 (96% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $68,819. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Bay Center?
The poverty rate in Bay Center, WA is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Bay Center, WA?
Bay Center's population is 0.0% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.