Bay County

As of the most recent data, Bay County, FL has a population of approximately 174,705. The racial composition is about 74.5% White, 14.7% African American, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. The median household income is around $51,315, and the poverty rate is 15.3%. The population under 18 years is approximately 21.7%, and those 65 years and older are about 18.4%. The area boasts a blend of suburban and rural environments with a significant military presence due to Tyndall Air Force Base.

As of 2023, Bay County, FL has a median home price of approximately $295,000. Rental rates average around $1,600 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate stands at about 65%, and the county has experienced a 10% year-over-year increase in home values. The housing market is relatively competitive, with homes typically selling within 45 days of listing. Bay County’s population is around 175,000, contributing to a steady demand for housing.

As of the most recent election cycle, Bay County, FL, holds elections for various local, state, and federal positions. The Supervisor of Elections oversees these elections. Here are some key details:

1. Voter Registration: Approximately 134,000 registered voters.
2. Recent Turnout: Voter turnout in the 2022 midterms was about 54%.
3. Key Offices:
   • County Commission: Multiple districts elect commissioners; recent candidates included Robert Carroll (Dist. 2), Doug Moore (Dist. 4).
   • School Board: Candidates included Brenda Ruth Nickels (Dist. 1), Steve Moss (Dist. 5).
4. Federal Elections:
   • House of Representatives: For Florida's 2nd Congressional District, recent candidates included Neal Dunn (R) and Karla Jones (D).

Elections in Bay County also involve various local referenda and judicial positions. For up-to-date information, residents are encouraged to visit the Bay County Supervisor of Elections website.

Bay County, FL, has several public and private education institutions. As of the latest data:

• High school graduation rate is approximately 88%, compared to the national average of around 89% and the Florida state average of 90%.
• About 24.6% of Bay County residents have a Bachelor's degree or higher, which is lower than the national average of roughly 33% and the Florida average of 30.5%.
• The county has a student-teacher ratio in public schools of 16:1, which is close to the national average of 16:1.

These figures suggest that Bay County's education metrics are slightly below national and state averages, particularly in terms of higher education attainment.

As of the latest data, Bay County, FL, has an unemployment rate of approximately 3.8%, which is lower than the national average of 4.2% and the Florida state average of 3.9%. The county's workforce participation rate stands at around 58.5%.

Key industries in Bay County include tourism, health care, and retail. Tourism, driven by attractions like Panama City Beach, significantly bolsters the local economy, whereas health care and social assistance employ around 14% of the workforce, and retail trade accounts for about 13%. Construction and education services are also notable sectors.

Comparatively, nationally, the health care industry employs approximately 13% of the workforce, while retail accounts for about 11%, showing Bay County’s higher reliance on these sectors. Florida's tourism sector is robust statewide, but Bay County’s tourism reliance is particularly pronounced compared to both state and national averages.

This snapshot underscores Bay County's unique economic landscape dominated by a mix of service-oriented and retail industries, supported by a lower than average unemployment rate.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Bay County, FL is approximately $51,317. This figure is below the national median household income, which stands around $68,703. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Florida is about $59,227.

Below is a summary table:

These numbers highlight that Bay County's median household income is lower than both the state and national averages, reflecting some economic disparities.

Bay County, FL, has a varied crime profile. According to recent data, the overall crime rate stands at approximately 4,156 incidents per 100,000 residents annually. The violent crime rate is about 754 per 100,000 residents, while the property crime rate is significantly higher at around 3,402 per 100,000 residents.

Crime Statistics Table (per 100,000 residents annually)

The data reflects a higher propensity for property crimes compared to violent crimes in Bay County.