countyscore
39.4
County Score
Health 75.5Soil Quality 67.3Lawn Care 60.6

County Report Card

About Bay County, Michigan

Bay County lags behind national median

Bay County earns a composite score of 39.4, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a combination of strong local health outcomes and significant economic pressures.

Falling short of Michigan averages

With a score of 39.4, Bay County trails the Michigan state average composite of 47.1. While it offers lower-than-average housing costs, other systemic factors pull its overall ranking down relative to its peers.

Health and affordability lead the way

The county's strongest performance is in health with a score of 75.5, indicating robust local wellness outcomes. Housing is also a major draw, with a cost score of 56.0 supported by a low median home value of $135,100.

Tax and climate risks present hurdles

The tax score of 8.9 is the county's lowest mark, reflecting a high effective property tax rate of 1.632%. Additionally, a risk score of 21.8 and a school score of 22.1 suggest significant room for improvement in environmental resilience and education.

An affordable choice for health-conscious renters

Bay County suits budget-conscious residents who value low-cost living, with a median gross rent of only $809. However, homeowners must be prepared for a heavy tax burden and lower-performing school systems.

Score breakdown

Tax8.9Cost56Safety30.2Health75.5Schools22.1Income40.7Risk21.8Water59.1Weather51
🏛8.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡30.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓22.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.6
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Bay County?

Many homeowners in Bay County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Bay County with Wicomico County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Wicomico County
Maryland
Median income: $72,861
39.4
Chemung County
New York
Median income: $63,469
39.4
Craig County
Oklahoma
Median income: $50,182
39.4
Luzerne County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $62,321
39.4
Horry County
South Carolina
Median income: $64,623
39.4
Clay County
Texas
Median income: $77,355
39.4
Freestone County
Texas
Median income: $58,460
39.4
Guadalupe County
Texas
Median income: $93,776
39.4

Nearby counties

Saginaw County
Michigan
31.8
Midland County
Michigan
52.4
Arenac County
Michigan
51.9
Gladwin County
Michigan
49.4
Tuscola County
Michigan
46.5
Gratiot County
Michigan
43.1
Huron County
Michigan
55.5
Ogemaw County
Michigan
41.7

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 taxes above national median

Bay County's effective tax rate of 1.632% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.09%, placing it in roughly the 75th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,205 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—though the county's lower median home value of $135,100 (versus $281,900 nationally) explains the lower absolute tax bill.

Highest rate in Michigan

Bay County ranks as the highest-taxed county in Michigan with an effective rate of 1.632%, nearly 40% above the state average of 1.166%. The median annual tax of $2,205 sits just slightly above Michigan's median of $2,102, reflecting the county's aggressive tax policy relative to peers.

Outpaces surrounding counties significantly

Bay County's 1.632% rate dwarfs nearby Saginaw and Tuscola counties and substantially exceeds Thumb region averages. Among the eight-county sample here, only Calhoun County (1.498%) comes close, making Bay County a clear outlier in regional tax burden.

What your home tax bill looks like

On Bay County's median home value of $135,100, the 1.632% rate translates to approximately $2,205 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $2,280, while those without mortgages pay $2,110.

Consider appealing your assessment

Many Michigan homeowners, especially in high-tax counties like Bay, are overassessed relative to recent market sales. Filing a property tax appeal during Michigan's March-June window costs nothing and could reduce your assessment—and your tax bill—significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bay County

via CostByCounty

Bay County Beats National Rent Burden

Renters here spend 16.0% of their income on housing, below the national average and tracking with Michigan's state median. This puts Bay County in relatively affordable territory compared to the U.S. median household income of $74,755—Bay residents earn $60,523, a gap that housing costs help offset.

Middle of the Pack in Michigan

Bay County's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly better than Michigan's state average of 16.3%, making it a moderate-affordability county. With median rent at $809 per month, it undercuts the state median of $873, offering some breathing room for renters across the region.

Affordable Compared to Nearby Rivals

Bay County's $809 median rent is the lowest among its northern Michigan peers—Cheboygan County matches it at $822, while Benzie and Berrien push past $900. Bay's home values ($135,100) also rank among the region's most accessible, making it a solid option for homebuyers seeking entry-level markets.

Rent and Ownership in Bay County

Renters allocate $809 monthly toward housing, while homeowners shoulder $825 in monthly costs on a median home value of $135,100. With median household income at $60,523, Bay residents dedicate roughly 16% of earnings to rent or 16.3% to ownership—tight but manageable by state standards.

Consider Bay for Budget-Conscious Living

If affordability matters, Bay County delivers below-state-average rents and ownership costs with a stable income base of $60,523. Compare Bay's $809 rent against Benzie's $974 or Calhoun's $937 to see real savings; homebuyers will find the $135,100 median value hard to beat in northern Michigan.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bay County

via IncomeByCounty

Bay County lags behind national income

Bay County's median household income of $60,523 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by over $14,000. This 19% gap puts Bay County in the bottom half nationally for median household earnings.

Below Michigan's county average

At $60,523, Bay County earns about 6% less than Michigan's county median of $64,304. Among Michigan's 83 counties, Bay ranks in the lower middle tier for household income.

Regional income spread is modest

Bay County's $60,523 sits between nearby Cass County ($68,011) to the south and Cheboygan County ($61,619) to the north. This $7,488 gap to the region's top earner suggests localized economic variation.

Housing costs remain manageable

At 16.0%, Bay County's rent-to-income ratio is healthy and below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs consume about one-sixth of median household income. This leaves adequate room for other essentials and savings.

Start building wealth now

Bay County households earning $60,523 have meaningful opportunity to invest in retirement accounts and emergency savings, especially with controlled housing costs. Even modest monthly contributions can compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bay County

via CrimeByCounty

Bay County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Bay County reports a total crime rate of 1,656.8 per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 97.4 out of 100.

Trailing Slightly Behind Michigan Averages

While the county is safe nationally, its crime rate is higher than the Michigan average of 1,371.8 per 100,000. The local safety score of 97.4 also sits just below the state average of 97.8.

A Safer Alternative to Southern Neighbors

Bay County maintains a more secure profile than Berrien County, which sees over 2,500 incidents per 100,000 people. It serves as a middle ground between the busier southern hubs and the quiet northern rural tracts.

Property Crime Drives Local Incidents

Property crimes account for 1,307.9 reports per 100,000, while violent crimes remain lower at 348.9. The violent crime rate is notably safer than the national average of 369.8.

Prioritize Security Against Property Theft

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, residents should focus on smart locks and perimeter lighting. These simple deterrents address the majority of local safety concerns.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bay County

via HealthByCounty

Bay County's health lags national pace

At 75.2 years, Bay County's life expectancy falls short of the U.S. average of 78.9 years—a gap of 3.7 years that signals persistent health challenges. One in seven residents (14.2%) report poor or fair health, tracking slightly below the national average of 15%, suggesting treatable underlying conditions affecting daily life.

Bay County ranks below Michigan average

Bay County's life expectancy of 75.2 years trails Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 1.1 years, positioning it in the lower tier of Michigan's 83 counties. The county's 5.7% uninsured rate slightly underperforms the state average of 6.4%, a modest advantage in coverage.

Bay falls short of healthier neighbors

Nearby Charlevoix County residents live nearly 3 years longer (78.0 years) than Bay County residents, while Benzie County edges ahead at 77.1 years. Bay's primary care access (45 per 100K) lags neighbors like Berrien (80 per 100K) and Charlevoix (84 per 100K), potentially limiting preventive care options.

Healthcare access gaps persist daily

Bay County has 45 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the county's needs for routine screenings and chronic disease management. With 294 mental health providers per 100K, the county offers stronger behavioral health capacity, though access remains unevenly distributed across Bay's communities.

Check your coverage options today

Bay County's 5.7% uninsured rate means thousands still lack reliable health access. Visit healthcare.gov or Michigan's health marketplace to explore Medicaid, subsidized plans, and preventive services—the first step toward closing health gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bay County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Substantial Educational Network in Bay County

Bay County supports 12,783 students across a network of 34 public schools, including 14 elementary, five middle, and nine high schools. Seven different school districts manage this infrastructure, providing a mix of traditional and specialized educational settings.

Evaluating Performance and Educational Investment

The county's graduation rate stands at 79.5%, trailing both the Michigan average of 82.5% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is currently $6,861, which is approximately $500 less than the state average and significantly lower than the $13,000 national median.

Bay City Schools Lead the Way

Bay City School District is the region's largest provider, serving 6,385 students across 13 individual schools. The county also offers educational choice through three charter schools, representing roughly 8.8% of the local school landscape.

Suburban Learning with a Growing Footprint

With 20 schools located in suburban settings and eight in the city, Bay County offers a distinctly developed feel compared to its rural neighbors. Schools like Bay City Western High School host over 1,100 students, though the county-wide average school size remains manageable at 376 students.

Settling Near Bay County Schools

Families looking for established suburban districts or urban proximity will find diverse housing options near major hubs like Bangor Township. Consider how local school district boundaries might impact your home search and long-term property value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bay County

via RiskByCounty

Bay County's Risk Profile

Bay County's composite risk score of 78.18 places it well above the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating despite above-average exposure to certain hazards. This score reflects significant flood and tornado risks that residents should understand and prepare for. The county faces challenges that demand serious disaster planning, though risks remain manageable with proper precautions.

Above Average Within Michigan

Bay County ranks higher than Michigan's state average composite risk of 49.56, making it one of the state's more hazard-prone counties. The county's 78.18 score significantly exceeds the typical Michigan county profile. This positioning underscores the need for residents to stay informed about local disaster preparedness.

Risk Among Regional Peers

Bay County faces higher composite risk (78.18) than neighboring Saginaw County (data not available for direct comparison) but comparable to other Michigan coastal and central counties. Neighboring counties like Tuscola and Huron vary in their specific hazard profiles. Bay's proximity to water creates shared flood challenges with nearby communities.

Top Hazards Facing Bay County

Tornado risk dominates at 83.97, making severe storms the county's primary natural disaster threat—residents should maintain weather alerts and seek shelter immediately when warnings are issued. Flood risk scores 81.49, reflecting the county's water proximity and historical storm surge patterns. Together, these two hazards account for the majority of Bay County's composite risk.

Insurance and Preparedness Steps

Homeowners in Bay County should prioritize flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage—critical given the 81.49 flood risk score. Review your tornado preparedness plan, including a designated safe room or basement shelter, and ensure your home is properly strapped to its foundation. Contact your local emergency management office for specific neighborhood risk maps and shelter locations.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bay County

via WeatherByCounty

Four Distinct Seasons Near the Bay

Bay County averages 47.5°F annually, reflecting a classic Great Lakes climate that is cooler than the national median. The proximity to Saginaw Bay provides a slight moderating effect on local weather patterns.

One of Michigan's Warmer Counties

At 47.5°F, Bay County is warmer than the state average of 45.7°F. It experiences more extreme heat days than many northern counties, benefiting from its position in the Saginaw Valley.

Warmer Summers Than Its Neighbors

Bay County is nearly two degrees warmer than Arenac County (45.8°F) to the north. While it shares a similar annual temperature with Barry County, Bay experiences more extreme heat days (12 vs 10).

Hot July Days and Cold Januaries

Bay County sees 12 days of 90°F heat per year, the highest among this group. While snowfall data is missing, the county experiences 33.1 inches of total precipitation and a July average of 71.3°F.

Prepare for Summer Humidity

The 12 days of extreme heat and 71.3°F July average make reliable air conditioning a priority. Residents should also prepare for a 25.1°F winter average by winterizing windows and doors.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bay County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced pH and High Overall Soil Quality

Bay County boasts an impressive soil score of 67.3, significantly outperforming the state average of 60.5. Its average pH of 6.42 sits nearly perfect against the national median of 6.5, providing a neutral environment for most crops. This acidity level is much higher than the typical Michigan average of 5.30.

A Sandy Foundation with Solid Structure

The soil contains 64.8% sand, which ensures excellent drainage for early season planting. With 20.0% silt and 12.3% clay, the ground maintains enough structure to prevent rapid nutrient leaching. This combination allows for easy tilling and high workability for local farmers.

Rich Organic Matter Boosts Growing Potential

At 7.22%, the organic matter content is over triple the national average of 2.0%. While the available water capacity of 0.145 in/in is slightly below the state average of 0.202, the high soil score suggests strong inherent fertility. These conditions create a robust environment for diverse agricultural production.

Effective Drainage for Low-Lying Fields

The high sand content suggests that these soils are generally well-drained, though specific taxonomic data is currently limited. Rapid water movement helps prevent root rot during Michigan's wet spring months. Proper drainage management is key to maintaining the county's superior soil health.

Thriving Gardens in Hardiness Zone 6a

Bay County falls within hardiness zone 6a, making it ideal for sugar beets and diverse vegetable gardens. The neutral pH means you can plant most Michigan staples without heavy lime applications. Get your seeds ready for a productive growing season in this high-performing soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bay County

via LawnByCounty

Slightly Easier Lawn Care in Bay County

Bay County earns a lawn difficulty score of 60.6, placing it just above the Michigan state average of 60.1. While maintaining a lawn here is easier than the national median of 50.0, the USDA Hardiness Zone 6a climate still presents seasonal challenges. You can expect a standard growing experience compared to your regional neighbors.

Moderate Heat and Steady Precipitation

The county receives 33.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly below the state average of 34.4 inches. You face 12 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 7 days, which may require extra summer irrigation. With 2,575 growing degree days, the environment supports consistent turf growth throughout the warm months.

Ideal pH Levels for Nutrient Absorption

Your soil pH of 6.42 sits perfectly within the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0, meaning your grass can easily access essential nutrients. The soil composition is 64.8% sand and 12.3% clay, providing a light texture that may require frequent watering. Unlike many Michigan counties, you likely won't need heavy lime applications to correct acidity.

Managing a Significant Dry Spell

Bay County experienced 44 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. This persistent lack of moisture necessitates deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems. Focus on early morning irrigation to minimize evaporation during these dry periods.

Start Your Bay County Lawn in May

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue thrive in Zone 6a and handle the local 12-day heat spikes well. Aim to start your lawn after the last spring frost on May 3rd but before the first fall frost hits on October 20th. Proper timing ensures your turf establishes itself before the winter dormancy begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bay County's county score?
Bay County, Michigan has a composite county score of 39.4 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 Michigan?
Bay County ranks #64 among all counties in Michigan 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, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Bay County is $2,205, with an effective tax rate of 1.63%. This earns Bay County a tax score of 8.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bay County?
The median household income in Bay County, Michigan is $60,523 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bay County earns an income score of 40.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bay County, Michigan a good place to live?
Bay County scores 39.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Michigan. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.