Bay City, Saginaw County, Michigan Property Taxes
Median Bay City, MI effective property tax rate: 0.63%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Michigan state median of 1.07%.
Median Bay City, MI home value: $141,600
Median annual Bay City, MI tax bill: $738, $1,662 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Saginaw County calculated?
Property taxes in Bay City, MI are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding Bay City’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Bay City, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Bay City, Saginaw County, Michigan Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.63%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$892
$828
Property Tax Rates Across Bay City, Saginaw County, Michigan
Local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state. This is because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate. While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.
In Bay City, located in Saginaw County, MI, the effective property tax rate reflects the local government's budgetary needs and the total assessed value of properties. The city's median property tax rate is 0.63%, which is significantly lower than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. Within Bay City, the highest and lowest median tax rates are both 0.60%, indicating a consistent tax environment. Compared to other cities in Michigan, Bay City's property tax rate is competitive, offering residents a relatively lower tax burden. This can be an attractive factor for potential homeowners looking for affordability in property taxes.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Bay City Tax Rate
0.63%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Saginaw County Tax Rate
0.78%
Median Effective Michigan Tax Rate
1.07%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Bay City, Saginaw County, Michigan
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48708 | 0.34% | 0.39% | 0.60% | 0.66% | 0.76% |
| 48706 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Bay City, Saginaw County, Michigan
When examining property taxes in Bay City, MI, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Saginaw County Equalization Department estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
In Saginaw County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of March. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Bay City. For example, the median home price in Bay City is $141,600, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 48708 has the highest median home price at $126,500.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Bay City, Saginaw County, Michigan
Source: Ownwell
$24,800
$143,100
$261,400
Median Bay City Market Value
$141,600
Median Saginaw County Market Value
$119,800
Median Michigan Market Value
$177,800
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Bay City, Saginaw County, Michigan
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48708 | $105,040 | $111,350 | $126,500 | $181,100 | $229,620 |
| 48706 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Bay City, Saginaw County, Michigan
In Bay City, MI, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the local assessor. This value, often a percentage of the market value, is multiplied by the tax rate set by local authorities to determine the tax bill. Homeowners in Bay City face a median property tax bill of $733, significantly lower than the national median of $2,400. However, tax bills can vary within the region, with amounts ranging from $699 at the 25th percentile to $2,855 at the 90th percentile, depending on the home's assessed value and location.
Homeowners can benefit from appealing their property tax assessments to ensure they are not overpaying. Ownwell provides expert property tax appeal services, helping homeowners potentially lower their tax bills by ensuring their property's assessed value is accurate. By leveraging local market data and expertise, Ownwell can assist homeowners in navigating the complexities of property tax assessments, ultimately leading to potential savings and financial relief.
Median Bay City Tax Bill
$738
Median Saginaw County Tax Bill
$894
Median Michigan Tax Bill
$1,795
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Bay City, Saginaw County, Michigan
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48708 | $508 | $660 | $733 | $877 | $1,063 |
| 48706 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell