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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 8.4% of the population. With 103,235 residents, Bay County is a county in Michigan. It ranks #20 among counties in Michigan by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $60,523 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.5%, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $135,100, with typical rent around $809.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 21.4% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.4%, and the average commute runs about 23 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.