Bay
Florida

What stands out

What stands out about Bay County: natural-hazard risk is in the top 3% of American counties (97 of 100), population growth is in the top 3% of American counties (+3.0% a year), and the average temperature is in the top 5% of American counties (69°F). Within Florida it ranks 18th of 67 counties for natural-hazard risk.

Where you are

You live in Bay County, Florida. 181,055 people live here with you. The population grew 3.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +4,911).

Florida has no income tax and no estate tax, and its Save Our Homes cap limits assessed-value growth to 3% a year for homesteaded owners. The trade-off is insurance: home, wind and flood premiums are the highest in the country and several national carriers have left the market. The state has added more residents than any other since 2020.

Money

The typical household here brings in $65,999 a year, higher than 65% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $53,407. 8% of workers work from home.

Florida has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $346K, pricier than 78% of American counties, about 3.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,264 a month. Property tax is 0.60% of home value, roughly $1,475 a year on that median home, lower than 77% of American counties. 69% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 56% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 22 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 74.5 years, shorter than 64% of American counties. There are 382 active physicians in the county, about 21.1 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.5 of 5 stars. 14.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.28 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 89% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 51 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 68% of eligible voters turned out. Under Florida law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 69°F, highs near 80 and lows near 59, warmer than 95% of American counties. About 51 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 97 out of 100, riskier than 97% of American counties; the county has had 49 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 269 Mbps down, faster than 83% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 2 breweries, 4 museums.