Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bay, AR
Considering a move to Bay, AR? This small city of 1,730 offers affordable living with a median home price around $105,000 and rents averaging $775. Residents enjoy a low average commute of 21 minutes, a high rate of sunny days, and easy access to major hospitals in nearby Jonesboro. While crime rates are somewhat above national averages, Bay features local schools with small class sizes, and the cost of living is well below the national average—making it a budget-friendly choice for families and retirees.
Demographics - Bay, AR
Bay, Arkansas is a close-knit community of 1,730 residents, with a population density of 520 people per square mile and a median age of 38.2 years. The city is predominantly White, with a small percentage of Black and other ethnic groups, and has a nearly balanced gender ratio. Non-English speakers make up a modest 2.5% of the population, reflecting a largely English-speaking locale.
Population:
1,730
Density:
520 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.5%
Black:
4.2%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
3.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bay, AR?
Bay boasts a cost of living index of 77.4, significantly below the national average, making it an affordable place to call home. The median house value is $105,000 and typical rent is $775, allowing for budget-friendly living. Essentials like utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, which appeals to both families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$105,000
Gross Rent:
$775
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.4
Grocery:
92.3
Housing:
54.1
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
89.2
Miscellaneous:
90.7
Crime
Is Bay, AR a safe place to live?
While Bay is a generally peaceful town, its crime rates are somewhat above national averages, with a property crime rate of 2,100 incidents per 100,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 295 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 48 chance of experiencing property crime. It's wise for newcomers to consider local safety resources and neighborhood watch programs.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
295
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,395
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 340
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Bay, AR year-round?
Bay experiences four distinct seasons with mild winters averaging 28–48°F and hot summers reaching up to 92°F. The city enjoys about 62% sunny days each year and receives nearly 49 inches of rainfall, making it pleasant for outdoor activities most of the year. Spring and fall offer comfortable, moderate temperatures.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Bay's neighborhoods have a median household income of $43,800 and a family income of $52,000, with a poverty rate of 17.8%. Most residents commute about 21 minutes to work, and public transit use is virtually nonexistent. Educational attainment is solid, with 86.5% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$27,500
Household Income:
$43,800
Family Income:
$52,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,600
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
17.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$775
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
21.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.5%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Bay, AR?
Bay offers local public schools with small class sizes, such as Bay High School and Bay Elementary, fostering personalized attention with student-teacher ratios around 12–13 to 1. While there are no private schools in town, Arkansas State University in nearby Jonesboro provides higher education opportunities just 8 miles away. Families benefit from a supportive school community and proximity to a major university.

Public Schools
Name:
Bay High School
Street:
700 School St
Phone:
870-781-3711
Students:
260
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Name:
Bay Elementary School
Street:
700 School St
Phone:
870-781-3711
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1

Colleges
Name:
Arkansas State University
City:
Jonesboro
State:
AR
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
13,000
Healthcare
Residents of Bay benefit from easy access to major hospitals such as St. Bernards Medical Center and NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, both located in nearby Jonesboro and offering full emergency services. The city has 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 89% of residents have health insurance. Overall, Bay offers solid healthcare options for a small community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Bernards Medical Center
Address:
225 E Washington Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401
Phone:
(870) 207-7300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital
Address:
4800 E Johnson Ave, Jonesboro, AR 72401
Phone:
(870) 936-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.5%
Health Care Index:
68.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bay, AR?
The housing market in Bay is highly affordable, with a median home price of $105,000 and an average rent of $775 for a two-bedroom unit. About 68% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees steady home appreciation. Rental vacancies are moderate at 7.2%, offering a range of options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$105,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$775
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Bay are handled by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration's Office of Motor Vehicle, headquartered in Little Rock. Residents can access services online or by phone, making DMV tasks convenient for locals. The office provides essential information for drivers and vehicle owners in Bay.
State:
Arkansas
Department:
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicle
Address:
1816 W. 7th Street, Room 2370, Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone:
501-682-4692
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.