Bay City (Texas)

Bay City is a city in Matagorda County, Texas, United States. The population was 17,614 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Matagorda County. The current mayor is Mark Bricker.GeographyAccording to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.5sqmi, of which 8.5sqmi 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.ClimateThe 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.DemographicsAs of the census of 2000, 18,667 people, 6,912 households, and 4,769 families resided in the city. The population density was 2,196.0 people 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.