Updated 2026 · Based on median market data for Bay City, TX
Bay City sits in the South with a population of 50,000 growing rapidly at 1.8% annually. The median home costs $200,000 while rents average $860/mo, producing an estimated cap rate of 2.34%. Cash flow investing here requires creative strategies like BRRRR or value-add approaches.
Bay City works best for experienced investors with a clear strategy — Section 8, student housing, or deep value-add rehabs. The 2.34% cap rate at median prices is tight, so success depends on buying below market, forcing appreciation through renovation, or accessing above-market rent streams through niche tenant bases.
Target properties priced 15-25% below the $200,000 median — around $160,000 or less. At this price point with $860/mo rents, your cap rate improves to roughly 3.6%. Factor in 1.72% property taxes ($3,440/yr), budget 5% of gross rent for maintenance, and underwrite to a 5.8% vacancy rate. On a 20% down conventional loan at 7%, monthly PITI will run approximately $1,451.
Property taxes at 1.72% are notably high — this is a significant drag on NOI that some investors underestimate. Every deal should be evaluated individually using our calculator tools. Median data provides a starting point; actual returns depend on the specific property, financing, and your management approach.
Run the numbers on a specific Bay City property using our cap rate calculator (pre-filled with Bay City data). Compare Bay City against similar markets in the South region. If you're considering a value-add approach, try our BRRRR calculator to model a rehab scenario.
Bay City vs Texas state average and national average across key investment metrics. Bay City's cap rate is below both benchmarks — deal sourcing is critical here.