Bay County Public RecordsFlorida

As of 2023, Bay County, Florida, has a population of approximately 181,700. The median age is about 41 years, with 49% male and 51% female residents. The racial and ethnic composition is 77% White, 13% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 6% identifying as more than one race; Hispanic or Latino individuals make up around 7% of the population.

Bay County, FL, has around 128,000 residents, with over 104,000 registered voters as of 2024: 49% Republican, 26% Democrat, 25% Independent/Other. The Supervisor of Elections administers federal, state, and local elections, including primaries, generals, and municipal contests. In the 2020 presidential race, 72% voted Republican, 27% Democrat. Issues include hurricane recovery and local infrastructure. Polling locations number over 30, plus 4 early voting sites. Voting methods include early, mail, and Election Day in-person. Both major parties are active locally, shaping election outcomes and civic discussions.

Bay County, FL, has 22 public schools, including 6 high schools, serving approximately 26,000 students. The high school graduation rate is 83%, with 21% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores are slightly below the state average, with a 46% proficiency in reading and 47% in math. School safety is a focus, with resource officers and security measures in place. The district offers adult education, dual enrollment, and career-technical programs, preparing students for college and the workforce.

As of 2023, Bay County, FL, has an employment rate of approximately 58.4%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (14.6%), retail trade (13.3%), and accommodation and food services (11.8%). The most common occupations are office and administrative support (12.8%), sales (10.5%), and food preparation (8%). About 83% of residents commute by car, with an average travel time of 24 minutes; over 70% work within the county. The robust tourism sector and Tyndall Air Force Base also play crucial roles in local employment.

Bay County, FL, features a homeownership rate of approximately 68%, with median home values around $295,000 as of 2024—a 6% increase year-over-year. Median rent stands near $1,600 monthly. Housing types range from beachfront condos to suburban single-family homes, especially in neighborhoods like Lynn Haven and Panama City Beach. Property taxes average 0.69% of assessed value, below the national average. Recent years have seen strong demand driven by coastal living and rebuilding post-Hurricane Michael, contributing to rising property values and a competitive rental market.

Bay County, FL, has a crime rate higher than the national average. In 2022, the overall crime rate was approximately 39.2 per 1,000 residents, with property crimes (burglary, theft) comprising 82% of reported cases and violent crimes (assault, robbery) at 18%. The Sheriff’s Office encourages community reporting, and initiatives have reduced crime by 6% compared to 2021. Despite progress, residents are advised to remain vigilant, as Panama City and Panama City Beach report higher incident concentrations.