Bay City, Texas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Bay City, Texas is 17,816 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 176th-largest city in Texas. The median household income is $51,898, the median home value is $149,800, and the median age is 32.8.
The population has declined 1.9% since 2010 (17,808 → 17,471).
17,816
Population
1922
People / sq mi
$51,898
Median Income
$149,800
Median Home Value
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Bay City covers 9.3 sq mi of land at 1922 people per square mile.
About Bay City, TX
Remote work is unusually rare in Bay City: 2.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. With 17,816 residents, Bay City is a city in Texas.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $51,898, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 22.2%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $149,800, with typical rent around $997.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 20.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (2.4%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Bay City city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Bay City city had a population of 17,808 in 2010 and 17,471 in 2024, a -1.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,048 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: -0.13%.
17,471
Population (2024)
17,808
Population (2010)
18,048
Peak (2020)
-0.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,808 |
| 2011 | 17,768 |
| 2012 | 17,665 |
| 2013 | 17,590 |
| 2014 | 17,514 |
| 2015 | 17,757 |
| 2016 | 17,886 |
| 2017 | 17,727 |
| 2018 | 17,567 |
| 2019 | 17,535 |
| 2020 | 18,048 |
| 2021 | 17,947 |
| 2022 | 17,549 |
| 2023 | 17,594 |
| 2024 | 17,471 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 43.2% |
| Black or African American | 16.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$51,898
Median Household Income
$26,301
Per Capita Income
22.2%
Poverty Rate
7.3%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$149,800
Median Home Value
$997
Median Rent
50.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
81.9%
High School+
20.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
81.9%
Public Transit
2.4%
Work From Home
22.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
11.3%
Foreign Born
65.7%
Non-English at Home
6.9%
Veterans
13.1%
With Disability
76.2%
Health Insurance
91.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 18.5% |
| Construction | 16.3% |
| Manufacturing | 10.0% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 7.4% |
| Retail Trade | 7.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.1% |
| Public Administration | 5.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 4.6% |
| Information | 2.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.4% |
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bay City, Texas has a population of 17,816 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 176th-largest city in Texas.
The median household income in Bay City, Texas is $51,898, with 22.2% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Bay City, Texas is $149,800, with median monthly rent at $997 and a homeownership rate of 50.5%.
The median age in Bay City, Texas is 32.8 years. The population is 47.2% male and 52.8% female.
The population has declined 1.9% since 2010 (17,808 → 17,471).
Where to stay in Bay City
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.