Bay City, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Bay City, Michigan is 32,445 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 34th-largest city in Michigan. The median household income is $47,904, the median home value is $89,900, and the median age is 39.7.
The population has declined 8.0% since 2010 (34,879 → 32,086).
32,445
Population
3192
People / sq mi
$47,904
Median Income
$89,900
Median Home Value
Bay City covers 10.2 sq mi of land at 3192 people per square mile.
About Bay City, MI
Bay City is a city in Michigan with a population of 32,445. It ranks #34 among cities in Michigan by population. The median age is 39.7, in line with the national median. The population is 47.8% male and 52.2% female.
The median household income in Bay City is $47,904, below the US median of $74,580. 15.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $89,900, with monthly rent averaging $739. The homeownership rate of 68.5% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Bay City reflects 18.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.8 minutes each way.
Bay City city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Bay City city had a population of 34,879 in 2010 and 32,086 in 2024, a -8.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 34,879 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.59%.
32,086
Population (2024)
34,879
Population (2010)
34,879
Peak (2010)
-0.59%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 34,879 |
| 2011 | 34,738 |
| 2012 | 34,509 |
| 2013 | 34,359 |
| 2014 | 34,052 |
| 2015 | 33,722 |
| 2016 | 33,330 |
| 2017 | 33,126 |
| 2018 | 32,948 |
| 2019 | 32,717 |
| 2020 | 32,620 |
| 2021 | 32,456 |
| 2022 | 32,256 |
| 2023 | 32,179 |
| 2024 | 32,086 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 86.5% |
| Black or African American | 2.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.2% |
Economy & Income
$47,904
Median Household Income
$29,756
Per Capita Income
15.2%
Poverty Rate
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$89,900
Median Home Value
$739
Median Rent
68.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.6%
High School+
18.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.6%
Drive Alone
80.5%
Public Transit
6.8%
Work From Home
20.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
10.5%
Foreign Born
96.2%
Non-English at Home
7.5%
Veterans
19.6%
With Disability
93.7%
Health Insurance
91.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 27.8% |
| Manufacturing | 13.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 12.4% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.1% |
| Information | 4.0% |
| Retail Trade | 3.9% |
| Construction | 3.8% |
| Public Administration | 3.0% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.8% |
Largest cities in Michigan
Largest counties in Michigan
Part of Michigan
Metro areas in Michigan
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bay City, Michigan has a population of 32,445 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 34th-largest city in Michigan.
The median household income in Bay City, Michigan is $47,904, with 15.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Bay City, Michigan is $89,900, with median monthly rent at $739 and a homeownership rate of 68.5%.
The median age in Bay City, Michigan is 39.7 years. The population is 47.8% male and 52.2% female.
The population has declined 8.0% since 2010 (34,879 → 32,086).
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.