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% |
Largest cities in Texas
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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).
Bay City city, TX Climate
Bay City city, TX has an average annual temperature of 20.9°C (70°F) and receives about 1170 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
20.9°C
Avg Temp
1170
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12° / 53° | 87 mm |
| February | 14° / 56° | 70 mm |
| March | 17° / 63° | 60 mm |
| April | 21° / 69° | 69 mm |
| May | 24° / 76° | 119 mm |
| June | 27° / 81° | 121 mm |
| July | 29° / 83° | 106 mm |
| August | 28° / 83° | 95 mm |
| September | 26° / 79° | 162 mm |
| October | 22° / 72° | 108 mm |
| November | 17° / 63° | 96 mm |
| December | 14° / 56° | 77 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Bay City city, TX
The most comfortable months to visit Bay City city, TX are typically April, October and March, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 6°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.