Bay City, Texas

Bay City is a city in Matagorda County, Texas, United States. The population was 17,614 at the 2010 census^[2] and 18,061 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Matagorda County.^[6] The current mayor is Robert Nelson.

Bay City, Texas
City
Entrance sign to Bay City
Location of Bay City, Texas
Bay City Show map of Texas Bay City Show map of the United States Bay City Show map of North America
Coordinates: 28°58′51″N 95°57′52″W / 28.98083°N 95.96444°W / 28.98083; -95.96444
Country	United States
State	Texas
County	Matagorda
Government
• Type	Mayor-council government
• Mayor	Robert Nelson
• City Council	William Cornman Julie Estlinbaum Chrystal Folse Becca Sitz Jason Childers
Area ^[1]
• Total	9.29 sq mi (24.07 km^2)
• Land	9.27 sq mi (24.00 km^2)
• Water	0.03 sq mi (0.06 km^2)
Elevation	52 ft (16 m)
Population  (2020)^[2]
• Total	18,061
• Density	1,891.99/sq mi (730.52/km^2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP Codes	77404, 77414
Area code	979
FIPS code	48-05984^[3]
GNIS feature ID	1351611^[4]
Website	cityofbaycity.org

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1910	3,156		—
1920	3,454		9.4%
1930	4,070		17.8%
1940	6,594		62.0%
1950	9,427		43.0%
1960	11,656		23.6%
1970	13,445		15.3%
1980	17,837		32.7%
1990	18,170		1.9%
2000	18,667		2.7%
2010	17,614		−5.6%
2020	18,061		2.5%
U.S. Census Bureau^[5]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.5 square miles (22.0 km²), of which 8.5 square miles (22.0 km²) is land and 0.12% is covered by water.

Bay City was formerly named "Bay Prairie", as the natural ecosystems that surround the town are prairies crisscrossed by creeks that lead into the bay.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Bay City has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.^[7]

Demographics

Bay City racial composition as of 2020^[8]
(NH = Non-Hispanic)^[a]

Race	Number	Percentage
White (NH)	5,811	32.17%
Black or African American (NH)	2,810	15.56%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH)	56	0.31%
Asian (NH)	169	0.94%
Pacific Islander (NH)	4	0.02%
Some Other Race (NH)	43	0.24%
Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH)	366	2.03%
Hispanic or Latino	8,802	48.73%
Total	18,061

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 18,061 people, 6,602 households, and 4,086 families residing in the city.

As of the census^[3] of 2000, 18,667 people, 6,912 households, and 4,769 families resided in the city. The population density was 2,196.0 inhabitants per square mile (847.9/km²). There were 8,113 housing units at an average density of 954.4 per square mile (368.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 61.62% White, 17.26% African American, 0.74% Native American, 0.88% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 16.84% from other races, and 2.59% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 34.74% of the population.

Of the 6,912 households, 37.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were married couples living together, 16.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.0% were not families. About 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.25.

In the city, the population was distributed as 30.9% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,446, and for a family was $39,281. Males had a median income of $38,202 versus $23,058 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,284. About 18.3% of families and 21.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.7% of those under age 18 and 14.3% of those age 65 or over. Minorities make up the largest ethnic portion of Bay City, Texas.

Economy

In 2017, Bay City became the site of a new $1.8-billion Tenaris seamless-pipe mill, making tubular goods, such as drill pipe and casing, for the oil-drilling industry.^[11]

Bay City formerly housed the headquarters of Stanley Stores.^[12] The chain made several donations to the Bay City Museum.^[13]

Attractions

Bay City is home to the Matagorda County Birding Nature Center, a 35-acre (140,000 m²) expanse of gardens and wildlife along the Colorado River of Texas.^[14]

Other attractions include the Matagorda County Museum,^[15] Market Days every 3rd Saturday,^[16] and a variety of small shops and boutiques downtown. The Bay City Art League, also located here, has recently undergone major renovations and is currently working to revitalize the art scene in Matagorda County. In addition, the Bay City Community Theatre group (CAST) regularly produces shows at various local venues.

•  

  Bay City Regional Airport

•  

  Businesses in Bay City

•  

  Matagorda County Museum

•  

  Downtown Bay City

Education

Bay City is served by the Bay City Independent School District, consisting of elementary, intermediate, junior high, and high schools (including Bay City High School). The district previously operated seven schools until grade levels were condensed. It is now operating five schools and is led by superintendent Dr. Marshall Scott III.

The designated community college for Bay City ISD is Wharton County Junior College.^[17] It has a campus in Bay City, focusing on technical training and nuclear plant operations.^[18]

Infrastructure

Health care

Matagorda County is served by the Matagorda Regional Medical Center, and the mission-aligned Matagorda Medical Group. The Matagorda Episcopal Health Outreach Program (MEHOP), the county's only federally qualified health center, offers Family Medical, OB/Gyn, Pediatrics, Behavior Health, and Dentistry services. MEHOP accepts most insurances and assures that no patient will be denied or unable to access health care services due to an individual's inability to pay.

Government

•  

  Courthouse from 6th Street

•  

  The City Hall on 5th Street

•  

  Bay City Water Tower

Notable people

• Charles Austin, Olympic gold medalist^[19]
• Forrest Bess, artist^[20]
• Robert Blackmon, professional football player^[21]
• David Caldwell, professional football player^[22]
• J. B. Cox, professional baseball player^[23]
• Joe DeLoach, Olympic gold medalist during the Seoul Olympics^[24]
• Mark Dennard, professional football player^[25]
• Alex Dixon, professional soccer player^[26]
• Hart Lee Dykes, professional football player^[27]
• Simon Fletcher, professional football player^[28]
• Ronnie Heard, professional football player^[29]
• Quentin Jammer, professional football player^[30]
• Chandi Jones, professional basketball player^[31]
• Greg Laughlin, U.S. Representatives from Texas's 14th district^[32]
• C. Wallis Ohl, Jr., retired Provisional Bishop of Fort Worth^[33]
• Ricardo Ramírez, Roman Catholic Bishop^[34]
• Tracy Simien, professional football player^[35]
• Mal Whitfield, Olympic gold medalist^[36]
• Cedric Woodard, professional football player^[37]

In popular culture

Part of the 1965 movie Baby the Rain Must Fall was filmed in Bay City.

Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life gathered locals to be extras for filming at Matagorda Beach.^[38]

Churches

•  

  The First Baptist Church of Bay City dates to the 1850s. A hurricane destroyed the sanctuary in 1909. The current structure dates to 1947.

•  

  First United Methodist Church of Bay City dates to 1870.

•  

  First Presbyterian Church of Bay City

•  

  Entrance to Cedarvale Bay City Cemetery, which dates to 1896 with the burial of Rufus A. Mathis, an early Bay City pioneer

References

1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
2. . United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on March 27, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
3. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
4. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
5. "Historical Decennial Census". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
6. . National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
7. Climate Summary for Bay City, Texas
8. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
9. http://www.census.gov^{[not specific enough to verify]}
10. "About the Hispanic Population and its Origin". www.census.gov. Retrieved May 18, 2022.
11. "Tenaris unveils seamless pipe mill in Bay City, Texas". tenaris.com. December 11, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
12. Staff. "Price-Lo Supermarkets opens two new stores in Houston Archived 2013-01-19 at archive.today." Houston Chronicle. Sunday July 24, 1988. Business 6. Retrieved on November 20, 2011.
13. Willey, Scott Reese. "Grocer remembered fondly for his service." The Victoria Advocate. July 15, 1999. 1E. Retrieved on November 21, 2011. "Stanley Stores also made considerable donations to the Bay City Museum"
14. . Archived from the original on May 9, 2008. Retrieved March 1, 2008.
15. . Archived from the original on May 9, 2008.
16. "Matagorda Calendar". Matagorda Calendar. from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved August 18, 2011.
17. Texas Education Code Sec. 130.211. WHARTON COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA.
18. "Superintendent's Office / Office of the Superintendent".
19. . Sports Reference. Archived from the original on October 30, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
20. Brenson, Michael (May 1, 1988). "Forrest Bess: Desire Ruled His Vision". The New York Times. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
21. "Robert Blackmon". NFL Enterprises. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
22. "David Caldwell". NFL Enterprises. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
23. . thebaseballcube. Archived from the original on August 11, 2014. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
24. . Sports Reference. Archived from the original on September 24, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
25. "Mark Dennard". NFL Enterprises. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
26. "Alex Dixon". MLS Soccer. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
27. "Hart Lee Dykes". NFL Enterprises. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
28. "Simon Fletcher". NFL Enterprises. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
29. "Ronnie Heard". NFL Enterprises. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
30. "Quentin Jammer". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
31. "Time Out With Chandi Jones". WNBA Enterprises. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
32. "Laughlin, Gregory H.". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
33. "The Rt. Rev. C. Wallis Ohl". Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
34. "Bishop Ricardo Ramirez, C.S.B." Catholichierarchy.org. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
35. "Tracy Simien". NFL Enterprises. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
36. . Sports Reference. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
37. "Cedric Woodard". NFL Enterprises. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
38. Bay City, Texas at IMDb

1. Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.^[9][10]

External links

 

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bay City, Texas.

•  Texas portal

• Official website
• Bay City in Handbook of Texas