Bay County, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
103,008
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$61,763/yr
2.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
48,659
0.1% year-over-year change

Bay County population

How many people live in Bay County

Bay County is home to 103,008 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Bay County locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
103,008
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
51,098
Female
50.4%
51,910
Value Percent YoY change
Male 51,098 49.6% -0.1%
Female 51,910 50.4% -0.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Bay County is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.6% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.3% of the population, while another 26.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.6%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
24.3%
45 to 64
26.9%
Over 65
21.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 16,067 15.6% -2.1%
15 to 24 11,629 11.3% -0.4%
25 to 44 25,043 24.3% 0.5%
45 to 64 27,701 26.9% -1.8%
Over 65 22,568 21.9% 2.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Bay County, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.7% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 6.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 101,345 98.4% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,233 1.2% 12.1%
Non-citizens 430 0.4% -5.7%
Racial breakdown
White
90.7%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
6.3%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 93,440 90.7%
Black or African American 1,234 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 230 0.2%
Asian 525 0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 60 0.1%
Two or more races 6,449 6.3%
Other 1,070 1%

Households in Bay County

A peek inside Bay County households

Bay County has 45,103 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60% are families, while the remaining 40% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
45,103
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
18,062
Family households
27,041
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 18,062 40% 1.8%
Family households 27,041 60% -0.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Bay County

The housing landscape of Bay County

Bay County's housing consists of 48,659 units, with 76.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
48,659
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 37,090 76.2%
1 unit, attached 2,004 4.1%
2 units 1,335 2.7%
3 or 4 units 1,082 2.2%
5 to 9 units 1,313 2.7%
10 to 19 units 1,038 2.1%
20 to 49 units 842 1.7%
50 or more units 1,687 3.5%
Mobile home 2,248 4.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 20 0%
Homes built since 2020
175
78.6% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Bay County

In Bay County, the median construction year is 1963. About 23.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 11,393 23.4% -3.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,674 7.6% -5.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 7,568 15.6% 3.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,704 11.7% -0.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,953 16.3% -1.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,530 7.2% 8.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,759 7.7% -2.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,388 7% 2.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,515 3.1% 21.8%
Built in 2020 or later 175 0.4% 78.6%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Bay County occupancy rates

Out of the 45,103 occupied housing units in Bay County, 77% are owner-occupied, while 23% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
45,103
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,358
Owner occupied
34,745
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,358 23% -2.5%
Owner occupied 34,745 77% 1.3%
Unoccupied housing units
7.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Bay County housing costs

Housing costs in Bay County come to a median of $846 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $860.

Median housing costs per month
$846/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Bay County
$860/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Bay County

Bay County education at a glance

About 40.6% of the population in Bay County went to high school, while 25.3% pursued college studies. Another 11.5% earned an associate degree and 14.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,562 1.9% -9.9%
High school diploma 33,606 40.6% -1.2%
College diploma 20,935 25.3% -0.9%
Associate degree 9,565 11.5% 3.2%
Bachelor's degree 11,861 14.3% 3.4%
Graduate degree 5,329 6.4% 2.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Bay County

How much people earn in Bay County

The average annual household income in Bay County was $79,153 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $61,763, reflecting a +2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Bay County
$79,153/year
1.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Bay County
$61,763/year
2.0% year-over-year change

Bay County income by age

In Bay County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $74,003. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,160 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $49,375, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,634 in earnings. Overall, 86.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $49,375 11.5%
25 - 44 $74,003 4.0%
45 - 64 $72,160 2.5%
Over 65 $45,634 0.5%
Above poverty level
87,962
Below poverty level
13,267
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 87,962 86.9% 0.6%
Below poverty level 13,267 13.1% -5.4%

Employment in Bay County

Workforce and job types in Bay County

The job market in Bay County is powered by 48,460 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 74.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 25.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 71.3% are employed by private companies, and 9.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
48,460
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
35,901
Blue collar
12,559
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 35,901 74.1% 1.6%
Blue collar 12,559 25.9% -1.9%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
71.3%
Governmental workers
9.7%
Not for profit companies
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,720 7.7% -6.7%
Private companies 34,560 71.3% 1.0%
Governmental workers 4,693 9.7% -4.4%
Not for profit companies 5,487 11.3% 9.0%
Unemployment rate
4.3%
-4.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Bay County stands at 4.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Bay County

How people get around in Bay County

In Bay County, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
-1.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 42,213 88.7% -0.2%
Taxicab 22 0% -18.5%
Bus or trolleybus 121 0.2% -25.8%
Bicycle 212 0.4% -11.3%
Walk 591 1.2% -11.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Bay County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48611 6,093 2,640 $87,963 $99,461
48613 1,081 454 $58,846 $75,048
48623 15,129 5,234 $101,250 $125,704
48631 3,681 1,698 $74,398 $96,225
48634 4,334 1,917 $87,992 $101,906
48642 34,039 14,107 $77,847 $106,320
48650 6,510 2,725 $61,911 $77,805
48652 1,832 685 $69,766 $90,386
48706 38,974 17,184 $62,747 $80,915
48708 25,635 11,364 $50,518 $66,337

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FAQs about Bay County demographics 

What is the total population of Bay County?

Bay County has a total population of 103,008 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Bay County?

The gender ratio in Bay County is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (51,098 residents)
  • 50.4% females (51,910 residents)

What is the median age in Bay County?

The median age in Bay County is 43.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Bay County?

The age distribution in Bay County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.6% (16,067 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (11,629 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.3% (25,043 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.9% (27,701 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.9% (22,568 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Bay County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Bay County is as follows:
  • White: 90.7% (93,440 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (1,234 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (230 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (525 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (60 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.3% (6,449 residents)
  • Other: 1% (1,070 residents)

What percentage of the population in Bay County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Bay County.

How many housing units are there in Bay County?

There are 48,659 housing units in Bay County, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Bay County and what is the average household size?

Bay County has a total of 45,103 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Bay County?

Bay County has a median household income of $61,763, representing a +2.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Bay County?

The employment rate is 95.7% in Bay County, with a workforce of 48,460 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 74.1% (35,901 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 25.9% (12,559 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (3,720 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.3% (34,560 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.7% (4,693 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.3% (5,487 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025