City profile
Bay City, TX
Matagorda County · Population 17,730
Bay City is a town in Matagorda County, TX with about 17,730 residents and a typical home value near $161,000. It is 64 miles from Houston, TX, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Humid subtropical
Winter avg
55°F
Summer avg
85°F
Sunny days / yr
204
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$160,800
Typical monthly housing
$1,115
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
78
Taxes
- Property tax
- 1.80%
- State income tax (top)
- None
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 8.20%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively Low · county score 80/100
Top hazards: Hurricane, Drought, Heat wave
Nearest major airport
62 mi to William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 24% Democratic / 75% Republican
Community
Population
17,730
Black population
14.2%
County
Matagorda County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸TX is gaining retirees — a sign of strong retiree services and community
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Home prices are softening in 2026 — more room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: extreme heat, hail
Highlights
- About 17,730 residents
- Typical home value about $161,000
- 64 miles from Houston, TX
Trade-offs
- Smaller community with fewer local amenities
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.