Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
Located in the state of Michigan, Bay City is a moderately-sized city with a population of 33,892 people. In Bay City, there are 3,335 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 90% of Bay City residents are White, 3% Black and 1% Asian. Bay City is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 46% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Bay City will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Bay City is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Michigan, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, commute, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Bay City and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Bay City to Michigan and the national average.
With a livability score of 69 out of 100, Bay City is ranked #7,528 in the United States and #307 in Michigan. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Bay City has higher than average scores for the following: housing (A+). Bay City does not rank well for the following: amenities (D), crime (D) and employment (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Bay City apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Bay City. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Bay City are affordable. Median real estate prices in Bay City come in at $121,804, which is 48.3% lower than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Bay City, the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 34.4% lower than the Michigan average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Bay City | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 20min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.5% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.9% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.9% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.1% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.6% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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