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 $860/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Michigan median of $1,129 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 29% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Bay County FMR Area are $875 for a studio, $881 for 1‑bedroom, $1,115 for 2‑bedroom, $1,515 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,643 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $255 increase for a 2-bedroom in Bay County shows a 30% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Bay County was 5.6% in 2024, compared to Michigan at 4.7% and the national rate of 4.0%.
