countyscore
36.9
County Score
Property Tax 74.9Income & Jobs 66.8Water Quality 49.7

County Report Card

About Bay County, Florida

Bay County falls short of national standards

Bay County's composite score of 36.9 trails the national median of 50.0 by 26%, placing it among the bottom 35% of U.S. counties. Strong income levels and excellent tax efficiency are undermined by severe affordability challenges and low safety ratings. The profile suggests a county with solid economic fundamentals hampered by livability constraints.

Below Florida's average despite tax advantages

Bay County scores 36.9 against Florida's 45.1 average, ranking in the lower half of the state's counties. Despite boasting one of Florida's best tax rates (0.597% effective) and solid incomes of $70,188, the county's housing costs and safety challenges pull down its overall standing. The mismatch suggests economic opportunity undermined by livability friction.

Income and taxes are competitive

Bay delivers a tax score of 74.9 (0.597% effective rate) and income score of 66.8, supporting household purchasing power with median earnings of $70,188. Health infrastructure (42.6) provides basic services, and school quality (34.6) sits at acceptable levels. Water quality scores 49.7, offering moderate environmental protection.

Housing costs and safety are critical concerns

Bay's cost score of 14.3 reflects brutal affordability: median gross rent of $1,424/month and median home values of $276,900 strain even above-average incomes. Safety scores just 26.6, among the lowest in Florida, indicating elevated crime concerns that offset economic strengths. Environmental risk also registers alarmingly low at 5.9, suggesting vulnerability to flooding.

For earning professionals accepting tradeoffs

Bay County appeals to higher-income professionals and couples able to absorb elevated housing costs and safety concerns in exchange for strong employment markets and tax efficiency. Families prioritizing safety and affordable neighborhoods should look elsewhere; this county rewards those with robust incomes who can insulate themselves from livability pressures. The profile is fundamentally misaligned for middle-income households.

Score breakdown

Tax74.9Cost14.3Safety26.6Health42.6Schools34.6Income66.8Risk5.9Water49.7Weather29.5
🏛74.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠14.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧49.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤29.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨25.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱16.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Florida
53.5
Calhoun County
Florida
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Gulf County
Florida
54.7
Walton County
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Jackson County
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Franklin County
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Deep Dives

Bay County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bay County

via TaxByCounty

Bay County keeps taxes moderate

Bay's effective tax rate of 0.597% falls notably below the national median of 0.73%, placing it near the 35th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,653 runs $1,037 below the national median despite home values nearly matching the national average.

Bay ranks among Florida's lowest

Bay County's 0.597% effective rate sits well below Florida's state average of 0.731%. Homeowners pay a median of $1,653 in annual taxes, nearly $230 less than the state average of $1,885.

Bay and Calhoun compete for lowest

Bay's 0.597% rate edges out several North Florida neighbors, including Alachua (0.983%) and Bradford (0.567%). Only Calhoun County undercuts Bay slightly at 0.554%, making this region a tax-conscious haven.

Your annual tax bill in Bay

On a median home value of $276,900, Bay residents pay approximately $1,653 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related expenses factored in, the total bill reaches roughly $1,845 per year.

Review your assessment for savings

Some Bay County homeowners still overpay due to inflated assessments from recent market shifts. Filing an informal appeal with the Property Appraiser is cost-free and could uncover additional tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bay County

via CostByCounty

Bay County rents squeeze middle-class budgets

Bay County renters devote 24.4% of income to housing—above the national comfort zone—on a median rent of $1,424. That's among the highest rents in North Florida despite a median income of $70,188, just shy of the national average.

Above-average housing costs across Florida

Bay's rent-to-income ratio of 24.4% exceeds Florida's 22.5% state average, and its $1,424 median rent ranks in the upper third of the state. The county's proximity to Panama City and coastal appeal drive these premium prices.

Most expensive option in the panhandle

Bay County's $1,424 rent dwarfs rural Calhoun ($680) and Bradford ($838) but also exceeds Alachua ($1,255). Only Brevard and Broward counties command higher monthly rents statewide.

Renters feel the pinch more than owners

Bay County renters pay 24.4% of income while homeowners spend 19.7%—a 4.7-point gap revealing rental market stress. The $276,900 median home value and $1,155 monthly owner cost suggest better long-term economics for buyers.

Coastal living carries a premium here

Bay County's beach proximity and Panama City amenities command premium rents exceeding most of Florida. Renters seeking more breathing room should compare Alachua or Bradford; homebuyers may find better value across the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bay County

via IncomeByCounty

Bay matches national income levels

Bay County's median household income of $70,188 sits just $4,567 below the national median of $74,755, reflecting solid economic performance. This places Bay in the upper-middle tier of U.S. counties, driven largely by military installations and port-related employment.

Exceeds Florida's state median

Bay County's $70,188 income outpaces Florida's state average of $65,468 by nearly $5,000, ranking it in the top third of Florida counties. The county's strategic location on the Gulf Coast and military presence provide stable, well-paying employment opportunities.

Regional income leader with Brevard

Bay County ($70,188) matches Baker County ($70,833) and trails only Brevard County ($75,817) in the broader North-Central Florida region. Its per capita income of $38,856 also leads most neighbors, indicating broad-based economic strength across the community.

Housing costs hold steady at 24.4%

Bay County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.4% sits right in the sustainable range for household budgets. With median home values at $276,900, the county balances above-average incomes with reasonable housing costs, though post-hurricane recovery efforts continue to shape the market.

Leverage stability into long-term gains

Bay County's military and infrastructure jobs offer exceptional job security that provides a foundation for wealth-building strategies. Take advantage of this stability to max out retirement contributions, build emergency funds, and consider real estate investment as home values appreciate.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bay County

via CrimeByCounty

Bay County Surpasses National Safety Standards

Bay County earns a safety score of 97.2, reflecting a total crime rate of 1786.7 per 100,000 people. This rate is substantially lower than the national average of 2,385.5, marking it as a secure coastal region.

Bay County Trails State Safety Levels

Despite national success, Bay County's crime rate of 1786.7 is higher than the Florida state average of 1027.9. The local safety score of 97.2 also sits slightly below the state average of 98.4.

Analyzing Safety Across the Panhandle

Bay County experiences more crime than nearby Calhoun County, which reports a low rate of 399.9. As a major tourism destination, Bay’s figures are influenced by its high seasonal visitor traffic.

Property Crimes and Violent Offense Data

Property crime is the primary concern here at 1445.4 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime stands at 341.3, which is lower than the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Deterring Theft in Coastal Neighborhoods

High property crime rates suggest that residents should invest in visible security measures. Alarm systems and reinforced window locks are proven tools for safeguarding your home against local theft risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bay County

via HealthByCounty

Bay County's health gap to America

At 74.2 years, Bay County residents live nearly 2 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. The 16.9% poor/fair health rate is better than the national average of 21%, yet life expectancy lags, suggesting chronic underdiagnosis or late-stage treatment patterns.

Below-average life expectancy in Florida

Bay County's 74.2-year life expectancy trails the state average of 75.8 years by 1.6 years, placing it in Florida's lower-performing quartile. The 16.9% poor/fair health rate ranks slightly better than state peers, but the life expectancy gap hints at deeper healthcare access or economic challenges.

Compared to Panhandle peers

Bay's 74.2-year life expectancy outpaces Bradford County (74.1 years) by a hair but lags Alachua by 3.5 years. With 58 primary care providers per 100,000, Bay has more capacity than Bradford's 14 but remains below regional demand, straining access during peak seasons and after disasters.

Uninsured rates strain local safety nets

At 13.7% uninsured—above the state average of 14.4%—Bay County has more residents without coverage than Brevard or Alachua. The 280 mental health providers per 100,000 offer reasonable behavioral health access, but fragmented primary care means uninsured residents often skip preventive visits and land in emergency departments instead.

Insurance protects your wallet and health

Nearly 1 in 7 Bay County residents lack coverage, facing medical debt and delayed care that worsens outcomes. Explore options at healthcare.gov, Florida's marketplace, or local Federally Qualified Health Centers offering care regardless of insurance status—coverage prevents bankruptcy and catches disease early.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bay County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Learning Options Across Bay

Bay County features 49 public schools, offering a broad infrastructure that supports 27,323 students. The county provides 24 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 12 high schools, ensuring variety across all age groups. A single district oversees the entire network, including specialized alternative and special education facilities.

Beating National Graduation Benchmarks

Bay County outpaces the national graduation rate with 89.0% of students earning their diplomas, compared to the 87.0% national average. The county invests $6,445 per pupil, which is higher than the Florida state average of $6,118. With a school score of 51.8, the county's academic performance slightly exceeds the state average of 51.5.

A Flourishing Charter School Sector

The Bay District manages the entire county enrollment of 27,323 students through a mix of traditional and alternative settings. Charter schools represent nearly a quarter of the landscape, with 12 schools making up 24.5% of the total options. This significant charter presence offers families a wide range of specialized curricula and local choice.

Balanced Urban and Suburban Environments

The school landscape is almost evenly split between city locales (21) and suburban settings (20), with a few rural outposts. While the average school size is 569 students, the largest campus, A. Crawford Mosley High School, serves 1,901 students. This balance allows families to choose between a bustling city school or a quieter suburban campus.

Invest in a High-Performing Coast

Bay County is a strong contender for families seeking a balance of high graduation rates and diverse school types. Whether you prefer the scale of J.R. Arnold High or a specialized charter school, the options here are plentiful. Look for homes in the Panama City area to take advantage of this high-performing school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bay County

via RiskByCounty

Bay County faces substantial hurricane exposure

Bay County's composite risk score of 94.12 ranks in the "Relatively Moderate" category, reflecting its Panhandle coastal location. This score significantly exceeds the U.S. average and positions the county among Florida's higher-risk areas.

Bay ranks high-risk among Florida counties

With a score of 94.12, Bay County exceeds Florida's 75.74 state average by nearly 25 percent. It ranks in the top tier of the state's counties for natural disaster exposure, driven primarily by its Gulf Coast position.

High-risk coastal position defines Bay

Bay County (94.12) significantly exceeds inland neighbors like Bradford (36.86) and Calhoun (44.94) counties. Its risk profile mirrors other Gulf Coast counties, though it ranks slightly below Broward (99.46) and Charlotte (95.20) in overall exposure.

Hurricanes and tornadoes pose dual threats

Hurricane risk dominates at 98.67, making coastal storms Bay County's primary concern, while tornado risk (94.08) adds significant secondary exposure. Combined, these two hazards drive the county's elevated composite risk across most seasons.

Comprehensive wind and flood coverage essential

Bay County residents must secure homeowners insurance with robust hurricane wind coverage, given the 98.67 risk score. Flood insurance is critical for properties in coastal zones and low-lying areas, and consider elevating utilities if you're near storm surge zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bay County

via WeatherByCounty

Gulf Coast Warmth and Humidity

Bay County's average annual temperature of 69.6°F places it firmly in a warm subtropical zone compared to the national median. This Panhandle location offers a distinctly warmer climate than most of the continental United States.

Wetter Than the Average County

At 69.6°F, Bay County is cooler than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. However, its 61.3 inches of annual precipitation makes it significantly wetter than the average Florida county.

Tempered by the Gulf Waters

Bay is warmer than its northern neighbor Baker but faces much higher rainfall at 61.3 inches compared to the state's 54.8-inch norm. This coastal influence keeps extreme heat days to 68, which is fewer than inland Alachua.

Coastal Breezes Mitigate Summer Heat

Summer averages reach 82.3°F, but the proximity to the Gulf limits extreme heat to 68 days per year. Winters are cool for Florida, with January temperatures averaging 53.8°F and no snowfall.

Managing High Rainfall and Humidity

The heavy 61.3-inch annual rainfall requires robust drainage systems and moisture-resistant building materials. With fewer extreme heat days than inland Florida, residents can enjoy more outdoor time, though summer humidity remains high.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bay County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Florida acidity in Bay

Bay County’s soil averages a pH of 4.78, which aligns closely with the Florida state average of 4.88. This level is far more acidic than the national median of 6.5, characteristic of the coastal Panhandle.

High sand for coastal drainage

The soil is 84.9% sand, 4.9% silt, and 3.0% clay, creating a very porous medium. This composition allows water to move through the profile quickly, which is vital during heavy coastal rain events.

Lean soils with low moisture

With 5.08% organic matter, Bay County soils are leaner than the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity is also lower at 0.086 in/in, meaning plants will require more frequent watering during dry spells.

Managing coastal water flow

While specific drainage classes are not available in this dataset, the high sand percentage suggests naturally rapid drainage. This is beneficial for building foundations but requires builders to be mindful of local water tables.

Zone 9a coastal gardening

Bay County sits in Hardiness Zone 9a, supporting a wide range of native palms and salt-tolerant species. Start your garden by adding compost to help retain moisture in these sandy, fast-draining soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bay County

via LawnByCounty

The Coastal Challenge of Bay County

Bay County is one of the more difficult places for lawn care, with a score of 16.5 compared to the national average of 50.0. This score is also lower than the Florida state average, reflecting the unique pressures of the Gulf Coast. Gardeners in Hardiness Zone 9a must contend with high salt spray and very sandy foundations.

High Rainfall and Gulf Humidity

The county receives a massive 61.3 inches of annual precipitation, far exceeding the ideal 30-50 inch range for standard turf. While you only face 68 extreme heat days—well below the state average of 92—the excess moisture can lead to fungal issues. Proper drainage is the most critical factor for lawn success in this soggy, 7,296 growing degree day climate.

Super-Sandy Soil Demands Extra Care

Bay County soil is 84.9% sand, meaning it has almost no natural water-holding capacity or nutrient reservoir. The pH sits at 4.78, which is too acidic for most common grass varieties to thrive without help. Adding organic matter like compost is necessary to give your lawn a foundation that won't let water and fertilizer wash straight through.

Navigating Coastal Drought Conditions

The county spent 27 weeks in drought over the past year and is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions. During these dry spells, the high sand content makes the landscape especially vulnerable to wilting. Focus on watering in the pre-dawn hours to ensure every drop reaches the roots before evaporating in the coastal sun.

Planting for Success in Bay County

Zoysia and Seashore Paspalum are excellent choices here because they tolerate the sandy soil and salty air better than other varieties. Your growing window opens early after the last frost on February 15, giving you a long head start on the season. Given the 61 inches of rain, ensure your lawn area is graded to prevent water from pooling.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bay County's county score?
Bay County, Florida has a composite county score of 36.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Bay County rank among counties in Florida?
Bay County ranks #51 among all counties in Florida on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Bay County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Bay County is $1,653, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Bay County a tax score of 74.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bay County?
The median household income in Bay County, Florida is $70,188 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bay County earns an income score of 66.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bay County, Florida a good place to live?
Bay County scores 36.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Bay County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Bay County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.