Bay City is the county seat of Matagorda County, Texas, set on the east bank of the Colorado River in the coastal plain a short distance from Matagorda Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Its population was 18,061 at the 2020 census. The city was founded in 1894 and gained momentum when the railroad arrived in 1901, cementing its role as a commercial hub for the surrounding rice, cotton, and cattle country. Through the early 20th century, rice mills, cotton gins, and canning plants anchored the local economy, and agriculture remains central to the area's identity today. The Texas Colorado River—not to be confused with the better-known river of the western states—flows through the region and empties into Matagorda Bay, shaping both the landscape and the area's irrigation-based farming. Bay City's position at the junction of State Highways 35 and 60 makes it a practical gateway for travelers headed to the coast, and it is often regarded as a quieter alternative to the larger Gulf Coast cities. Roughly 70 miles southwest of Houston, Bay City combines a working county-seat center with ready access to the coast's bays, marshes, and beaches. Matagorda County's shoreline offers fresh- and saltwater fishing, birdwatching, and beachcombing, and the city serves as a launching point for those pursuits. Neighborhoods are a mix of established mid-century homes, newer subdivisions, and ranch-style properties on the outskirts. Bay City Independent School District educates local students across five campuses, and the downtown, courthouse square, and community events reflect the city's role as the administrative and cultural heart of Matagorda County. For residents, the appeal is a slower, small-town pace with both the coast and the Houston metro within a drive.