Michigan / County

Moving to Bay City, MI

Thinking of making a move to Bay City, MI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bay City, MI

Considering a move to Bay City, MI? This welcoming community of 32,500 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $145,000 and average rents near $920. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (50% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Bay City's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Bay City, MI

Bay City has a population of 32,500 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 77% White, 14% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
32,500
Density
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age
38.9
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
76.8%
Black
14.3%
Asian
1.4%
Others
7.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Bay City, MI?

The cost of living in Bay City is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.6. Median home values are around $145,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $920. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$145,000
Gross Rent
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges
$138
Auto Insurance
$1,980
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,260
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 4.25%| High: 4.25%
Cost Of Living Index
84.6
Grocery
93.1
Housing
63.8
Utilities
101.4
Transportation
94.8
Health Care
96.2
Miscellaneous
90.5

Crime

Is Bay City, MI a safe place to live?

Bay City is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 610 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 36. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Michigan.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
610
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,780
Crime Index
3,390
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 164
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 36

Weather

What is the weather like in Bay City, MI year-round?

Bay City experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 50% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
17°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
63°F

Fall

Min
42°F
Max
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
50%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $49,800 and a low poverty rate of 20.7%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 17% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$31,500
Household Income
$49,800
Family Income
$61,200
Per Capita Income
$27,200
Income Male
$36,800
Income Female
$28,900
Poverty Rate
20.7%
Non English Speakers
10.6%
Rent
$920
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
19.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.9%
Bachelors or More
17.4%

Education

How are the schools in Bay City, MI?

Bay City offers quality education options, with public schools like Bay City Western High School and John Glenn High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Bay City Western High School
Street
500 W Midland Rd
Phone
989-686-7500
Students
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio
18.4
Name
John Glenn High School
Street
3201 Kiesel Rd
Phone
989-671-3333
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
18.1

Private Schools

Name
All Saints Central Catholic School
Street
217 S Monroe St
Phone
989-892-2533
Students
430

Colleges

Name
Delta College
City
University Center
State
MI
Distance
11 miles
Students
8,000
Name
Saginaw Valley State University
City
University Center
State
MI
Distance
12 miles
Students
7,500

Healthcare

Bay City residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like McLaren Bay Region and Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 92.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
McLaren Bay Region
Address
1900 Columbus Ave, Bay City, MI 48708
Phone
(989) 894-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital
Address
800 S Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48601
Phone
(989) 776-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
92.4%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Bay City, MI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $145,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 63%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Bay City offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$920
Owner Occupied Rate
62.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Bay City handle vehicle services through the Michigan Department of State, conveniently located in Lansing. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Michigan
Department
Michigan Department of State
Address
430 W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48918
Phone
(888) 767-6424

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.

FAQs About Moving to Bay City, MI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Bay City, review the core fields on this page: population 32,500, median home value $145,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $920, commute time 19.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 50%.

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