Bay County, MI Property Records
Property records in Bay, Michigan provide important details about land and real estate within Bay County, including ownership history, parcel numbers, legal descriptions, assessed and taxable values, property classifications, building characteristics, and tax information. Recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats may also help show transfers of ownership and other interests in a property.
These records are useful for buyers, sellers, homeowners, attorneys, lenders, and researchers who need to verify ownership, estimate property taxes, review sales history, or conduct due diligence before a transaction. They can also help residents understand how a property is valued for tax purposes.
Users can access official Bay property records through Bay County government offices, including the Equalization Department for assessment and parcel information and the Register of Deeds for recorded land documents. A good starting point is the county’s official Bay property records resource through Bay County’s website.
Bay County, MI Property Records & Statistics
Bay County has a median rent of $771, lower than the Michigan median of $850 and the national median of $840.25, so renters here pay less than in much of the state. Renter-occupied housing is 17.74% of the county's housing, above the state's 14.56% but still below the national 21.81%, which makes Bay County a somewhat more rental-friendly market than its neighbors.
The median home value is $137,100, under the state's $147,900 and the national $173,750. The median property tax rate of 1.6% is considerably higher than Michigan's 1.13% and the national 0.74%, so owners here carry a heavy tax load relative to the value of their homes.
The median household income of $69,161 is above both the state's $59,874 and the national $65,108. The unemployment rate of 2.72% is slightly lower than the state's 2.94% and the national 2.87%.
Overall, the figures describe a county with affordable rents and homes, above-average incomes, low unemployment, and property taxes that stand out as high.
Median Rent
Median Property Tax Rate
Median Home Value
Median Income
Unemployment Rate
Renter Occupied Housing
Property Records, Assessments, and Valuations in Bay
Bay County property records cover tax assessments, recorded deeds and mortgages, property valuations, and foreclosure filings. The county has 52,300 total parcels, including 44,108 residential and 3,116 commercial parcels, with tax records covering 96.03% of the population. Recorded documents include 101,510 deeds and 57,822 mortgages, and valuation data is available for 38,898 properties.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Parcels | 52,300 |
| Residential Parcels | 44,108 |
| Commercial Parcels | 3,116 |
| Tax Record Coverage | 96.03% |
| Assessment Year | 2025 |
| Deed Records | 101,510 |
| Mortgage Records | 57,822 |
| Properties with Valuation Data | 38,898 |
| Latest Valuation Update | August 19, 2025 |
| Notice of Trustee Sale Records | 7,552 |
Assignment and Release Records
Assignment and release records track what happens to a mortgage after it is recorded. An assignment shows that a mortgage was transferred from one lender or loan holder to another, while a release shows that a mortgage was satisfied and the lien removed from the property.
Bay County has 107,269 assignment and release records available for research. They include 16,256 assignment documents and 90,645 release documents, along with 368 other documents, recorded from January 3, 2005, through August 29, 2025. Records can be searched through the county's official records search.
These records help show who holds a mortgage on a property and whether earlier loans have been paid off. Buyers, owners, and researchers can use them to confirm that past mortgages were released and to follow a loan as it moved between lenders.
How to Search Bay County, MI Property Records
Bay County property records are maintained by the Bay County Register of Deeds, which records deeds, mortgages, and other real estate documents. The county has 52,300 parcels, and the recorded deed index runs from January 4, 2001, to August 26, 2025.
To search recorded documents online, use the Bay County official records search. It is used to find deeds, mortgages, and other instruments. For information about the office, services, and electronic recording, visit the Bay County Register of Deeds page.
The office is at 515 Center Avenue, Bay City, and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can also call 989-895-4228 for help with a specific record.
Before you search, collect the property address, owner name, or parcel number. Enter the most complete details you have, review the matching documents, and open the one that fits the property. If a document does not appear online, contact the office to ask about it.
Bay Registrar of Deeds
The Bay County Probate Office is located at 515 Center Avenue, Bay City, MI, 48708 and can be reached at 989-895-4228. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Records can be accessed through doxpop.com or the official website baycounty-mi.gov.
Bay County Register of Deeds
Bay County Property Records FAQ
How can I search Bay County property records by address?
Use the Bay County official records search to look up recorded documents. Try the owner's name or the address, and shorten the address if no match appears. For help finding a property, call the Register of Deeds at 989-895-4228 during weekday business hours.
How can I find property owners in Bay County?
Owner names appear on recorded deeds. Search for the latest deed through the official records search, or visit the Register of Deeds at 515 Center Avenue, Bay City, Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Staff can explain how to request copies of documents.
How can I check a property's assessed value in Bay County?
Assessed values are set by the local assessor for the city or township where the property is located. County records show the 2025 assessment year, with the latest assessor update on May 29, 2025. Visit the Bay County website to find the right contact, and have the parcel number ready.
Where can I find Bay County property tax bills and payment records?
Property tax bills are issued locally and collected by the city or township treasurer, with the County Treasurer handling delinquent taxes. Find the Treasurer's contact details and payment options on the Bay County website. Keep your parcel number available. County tax records currently reflect tax year 2024.
How can I find deeds and other recorded documents in Bay County?
The Bay County Register of Deeds records deeds, mortgages, and other real estate documents. Search them online through the official records search or review the Register of Deeds page. The office is at 515 Center Avenue, Bay City, and can be reached at 989-895-4228.
Where can I access Bay County parcel maps and GIS information?
Parcel maps and GIS tools are generally provided by county mapping departments or local assessors. Check the Bay County website for available mapping resources and department contacts. The county has 52,300 parcels, so keep the address or parcel number handy. Parcel maps are references and not legal surveys.
How can I check permits and zoning information in Bay County?
Permits and zoning are usually handled by the city, township, or village where the property is located. The Bay County website lists county departments that can point you to the correct office. Share the property address and a short description of your project when you call.
How can I create a list of property owners in Bay County?
The online tools are designed for individual property lookups. To build a list, search recorded deeds for the area you need through the official records search, or call the Register of Deeds at 989-895-4228 to ask what larger record requests the office can fulfill.