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Population Review

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

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Bay City covers 10.2 sq mi of land at 3192 people per square mile.

About Bay City, MI

Housing cost is the defining feature of Bay City: the median home is valued at $89,900. With 32,445 residents, Bay City is a city in Michigan. It ranks #34 among cities in Michigan by population.

Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $47,904, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 15.2% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $89,900, with typical rent around $739.

College attainment is 18.2%, below the national 35.0%. Just 6.8% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 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%.

2010 · 35K20102024
Bay City city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

32,086

Population (2024)

34,879

Population (2010)

34,879

Peak (2010)

-0.59%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201034,879
201134,738
201234,509
201334,359
201434,052
201533,722
201633,330
201733,126
201832,948
201932,717
202032,620
202132,456
202232,256
202332,179
202432,086

Race & Ethnicity

White86.5%
Black or African American2.7%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2.3%
Two or More Races0.2%

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 & Management27.8%
Manufacturing13.5%
Education, Health Care & Social Services12.4%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate6.9%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services5.1%
Information4.0%
Retail Trade3.9%
Construction3.8%
Public Administration3.0%
Transportation & Warehousing1.4%
Agriculture & Mining0.8%

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).

Where to stay in Bay City

Visiting or relocating to Bay City, MI? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.