Bay County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 20th-largest in Michigan
The population of Bay County, Michigan is 103,235 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $60,523, the median home value is $135,100, and the median age is 43.8.
The population of Bay County has declined 4.7% since 2010 (107,678 → 102,651), a -0.34% annualized rate.
103,235
Population
-0.34%
Annual growth
233
People / sq mi
$60,523
Median Income
$135,100
Median Home Value
Bay County covers 442 sq mi of land at 233.3 people per square mile.
About Bay County, MI
Bay County is a county in Michigan with a population of 103,235. It ranks #20 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 43.8, older than the national median. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The median household income in Bay County is $60,523, below the US median of $74,580. 9.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $135,100, with monthly rent averaging $809. The homeownership rate of 76.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Bay County reflects 21.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.4 minutes each way.
Bay County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Bay County had a population of 107,678 in 2010 and 102,651 in 2024, a -4.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 107,678 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.34%.
102,651
Population (2024)
107,678
Population (2010)
107,678
Peak (2010)
-0.34%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 107,678 |
| 2011 | 107,423 |
| 2012 | 106,980 |
| 2013 | 106,817 |
| 2014 | 106,073 |
| 2015 | 105,271 |
| 2016 | 104,421 |
| 2017 | 104,085 |
| 2018 | 103,674 |
| 2019 | 102,964 |
| 2020 | 103,747 |
| 2021 | 103,116 |
| 2022 | 102,754 |
| 2023 | 102,774 |
| 2024 | 102,651 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.9% |
| Black or African American | 1.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
43.8
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
21.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.9% · Seniors (65+): 21.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,523$-10,626 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,994 |
| Per-capita income | $34,858 |
| Poverty rate | 9.5%+0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 56.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Bay County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
83.0%
Public transit
7.4%
Work from home
23.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$135,100$-82,500 vs state
Median home value
$809
Median rent
76.4%
Homeownership rate
48,620
Total housing units
92.4%
Occupied
7.6%
Vacant
23.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
92.8%
With broadband internet
8.4%
Foreign-born
7.9%
Veterans (18+)
16.6%
With a disability
97.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.8%
High School+
21.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Michigan
Other counties in Michigan
Part of Michigan
Metro areas in Michigan
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bay County, Michigan has a population of 103,235 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 233 people per square mile.
The population of Bay County has declined 4.7% since 2010 (107,678 → 102,651), a -0.34% annualized rate.
The median household income in Bay County, Michigan is $60,523, with mean (average) household income of $77,994 and per-capita income of $34,858. 9.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Bay County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%), Black or African American (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Bay County, Michigan is 43.8 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Bay County is $135,100 and median monthly rent is $809. 76.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 48,620 total housing units, 7.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Bay County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Bay County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
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Statewide data for Michigan
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Michigan
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.