Bay County Public RecordsMichigan

Bay County, MI, had 77,143 registered voters for the November 2022 general election. The county administers federal, state, and local elections, with 45 polling locations across 23 precincts. In 2022, 52.8% of voters supported Democratic candidates, while 45.9% chose Republican, reflecting its swing status. Key issues included economic development and water quality. Election administration is overseen by the Bay County Clerk’s office. Major parties are Democratic and Republican, with some independent participation. Voters can register online, by mail, or in person, and absentee ballots are available for all elections.

Bay County, MI hosts 25 public schools, including 5 high schools, serving approximately 10,000 K-12 students. About 89% of adults hold at least a high school diploma, while 18% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools average a GreatSchools rating of 5/10. The county offers adult education programs through Bay-Arenac ISD, and emphasizes safety with comprehensive protocols—over 85% of schools report on-site security measures. Educational programs include Advanced Placement, career and technical education, and dual-enrollment opportunities in partnership with Delta College.

As of 2022, Bay County, MI had an employment rate of approximately 58%, with about 49,000 employed residents. The largest industries are health care and social assistance (16.5%), manufacturing (15.8%), and retail trade (12.6%). Leading occupations include office/administrative support (13.7%) and production (11.9%). Around 87% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21.1 minutes; about 37% work outside Bay County, mostly in nearby Saginaw and Midland counties.

Bay County, MI, has a homeownership rate of about 76%, with a median home value near $139,000 in 2023. Median gross rent is around $850 monthly. Property values have risen roughly 6% year-over-year. Housing consists primarily of single-family homes, with some duplexes and apartments, especially in Bay City neighborhoods like Midland Street and Downtown. Popular suburban areas include Bangor and Essexville. Property tax rates average 1.78%, with an average annual property tax payment of about $2,470. Rental demand is steady, driven by local industry and Saginaw Bay attractions.

As of 2022, Bay County, MI, has a population of approximately 102,000. The median age is about 44 years, with 20% under 18 and 20% 65 or older. Females slightly outnumber males, comprising 51% of the population. Racially, the county is 91% White, 2% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 5% Hispanic or Latino. Other races and multiracial individuals make up about 6%.

Bay County, MI, has a crime rate of 25.25 per 1,000 residents, with violent crimes at 4.12 and property crimes at 21.13 per 1,000 people (2023 data). The county's crime rate is slightly above the Michigan average but remains below the national average. Most common crimes include theft and burglary. Law enforcement agencies, like the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, utilize both traditional and online reporting systems, encouraging community involvement to maintain safety and reduce incidents.