Bay City, WI
Population 358 · Wisconsin
About Bay City, WI
Bay City is a small community located in Wisconsin with a population of 358 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,625 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48 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 City features a median home value of $118,400, which is 52% 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 $990, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 169 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (138 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (17 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bay City shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Bay City have an average one-way commute time of 29.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.1% 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 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bay City, WI
Compared to national averages, Bay City has a median household income of $60,625 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,400, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $990 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Bay City's income is 16% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 42% below the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Bay City, WI?
Bay City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $990/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,625) 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 358 with a median age of 48 years. Compare Bay City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
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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, WI?
The population of Bay City, WI is 358 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Bay City?
The median household income in Bay City, WI is $60,625 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bay City?
The median home value in Bay City, WI is $118,400, which is 52% 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, WI is $990, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bay City?
The unemployment rate in Bay City, WI is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Bay City, WI a good place to live?
Bay City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 358 and a median age of 48, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Bay City, WI?
11.1% 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, WI: median home value is $118,400 (52% below national), median rent is $990/month, and median household income is $60,625. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bay City?
The poverty rate in Bay City, WI is 8.1%, 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 City, WI?
Bay City's population is 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.2% of residents are foreign-born.