Bay City, MI vs Kettering, OH
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Bay City
79.9
#99 nationally
Kettering
84
#9 nationally
Kettering leads in crime level (1.2 vs 15.5). Kettering leads in median household income ($69,818 vs $45,026). Bay City leads in walk score (54 vs 41).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Bay City, MI | Kettering, OH |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 79.9 (#99) | 84 (#9) |
| Population | 32,082 | 56,876 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $126,569 | $247,857 |
| Median Household Income | $45,026 | $69,818 |
| Average Commute | 21.4 min | 19.8 min |
| Walk Score | 54 | 41 |
| Crime Level | 15.5 | 1.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 82 | 91 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+14.7 | Even |
C+
79.9 Score
Bay City, MI
Small Michigan city with local appeal
Median Home
$126,569
Population
32,082
Crime
High
Walk Score
54
Midwest
View Bay City, MI →
B
84 Score
Kettering, OH
Ohio community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$247,857
Population
56,876
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
41
Midwest
View Kettering, OH →