CountyScore

Bay County

Michigan · MI

#73 in Michigan
63.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Bay County, Michigan

Bay County Outpaces National Average

Bay County's composite score of 64.7 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This 29% advantage reflects a county that delivers better-than-average livability across measured dimensions. However, complete rankings within the national percentile require assessment of all 85 counties nationwide.

Slightly Below Michigan's Median

Bay County scores 64.7 compared to Michigan's state average of 68.7, ranking it in the lower-middle tier statewide. While not a top performer within Michigan, the county remains solidly above the national baseline. This suggests Bay offers above-average livability by broader U.S. standards, though Michigan residents have somewhat better options nearby.

Affordability Is Bay's Strong Suit

Bay County excels in housing affordability with a Cost Score of 81.3—meaning median home values of $135,100 and rents of just $809/month make it one of Michigan's most budget-friendly places to live. The low tax burden, with an effective rate of 1.632%, further stretches household dollars. These strengths appeal directly to cost-conscious families and retirees seeking maximum value.

Income Levels Need Attention

Bay County's Income Score of 22.9 is notably weak, reflecting a median household income of $60,523 that trails both state and national benchmarks. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors prevents a fuller picture of livability challenges. Prospective residents should research these dimensions independently before deciding.

Best for Budget-Conscious Families

Bay County suits retirees, first-time homebuyers, and families prioritizing low housing costs and manageable taxes over higher earning potential. The county delivers solid livability value for those who work remotely or have income sources outside the local labor market. Its affordability edge makes it a smart choice for those seeking a stable, lower-cost Michigan home.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax56.4Cost81.3SafetyComing SoonHealth76.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.9Risk21.8WaterComing Soon
🏛56.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤76.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡21.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Bay County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Mariposa County
California
63.9
Median income: $65,378
Tehama County
California
63.9
Median income: $61,834
Bond County
Illinois
63.9
Median income: $61,603
Barnstable County
Massachusetts
63.9
Median income: $94,452
Sunflower County
Mississippi
63.9
Median income: $40,265

Deep Dives

Bay County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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