Special Interest
Housing in Bay County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Bay County averages $1,484/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Florida median of $1,669 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 34% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Bay County FMR Area are $1,565 for a studio, $1,624 for 1‑bedroom, $1,845 for 2‑bedroom, $2,379 for 3‑bedroom, and $2,949 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $361 increase for a 2-bedroom in Bay County shows a 24% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Bay County was 3.3% in 2024, compared to Florida at 3.4% and the national rate of 4.0%.
