Cities and Towns in Bay County, Florida

Founded in 1913, Bay County is one of 67 counties in the state of Florida. Historically, Bay County was formed from Calhoun and Washington. The city of Panama City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 5, Bay County has a population of 179,168 and area of 764 square miles (1,979 km²).

List of all cities in Bay County, FL alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Callaway, FL 32404 850
Eastside, FL 32403 850
32404 850
Fountain, FL 32438 850
Grande Pointe, FL 32413 850
Inlet Beach, FL 32413 850
Lynn Haven, FL 32444 850
Mexico Beach, FL 32410 850
Panama City, FL 32401 850
32402 850
32403 850
32404 850
32405 850
32406 850
32407 850
32408 850
32409 850
32411 850
32412 850
32413 850
32417 850
Panama City Beach, FL 32401 850
32407 850
32408 850
32413 850
32417 850
Port Saint Joe, FL 32410 850
Rosemary Beach, FL 32413 850
Seacrest, FL 32413 850
Southport, FL 32409 850
Tyndall AFB, FL 32403 850
Watersound, FL 32413 850
West Panama City Beach, FL 32413 850
Youngstown, FL 32466 850

Major Cities and Towns in Bay County, Florida

Panama City

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 36.3 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 34,000 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 32401, 32404, 32405, 32408
  • Latitude and Longitude: 30.1588° N, 85.6602° W

Location and History

Panama City is the county seat of Bay County, located in the Florida Panhandle along the Gulf of Mexico. The city was founded in 1909, but its history dates back to earlier settlements in the area. Named to emphasize its connection to the Panama Canal, which was under construction at the time, Panama City developed rapidly as a port city and commercial hub. The city’s location on St. Andrew Bay made it a key point for shipping and trade. Throughout the 20th century, Panama City grew as a center for industry, particularly with the establishment of shipbuilding facilities during World War II. The city’s economy has since diversified, with tourism, military, and manufacturing playing significant roles. Panama City is known for its beautiful beaches, historic districts, and as a gateway to outdoor recreation.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Panama City is served by several major schools, including Bay High School, J.R. Arnold High School, and Mosley High School. The city is also home to Gulf Coast State College and a satellite campus of Florida State University. Major landmarks include the Panama City Marina, which offers access to the Gulf of Mexico and is a hub for boating and fishing, and the historic downtown area, featuring early 20th-century architecture and a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. The city also boasts the Panama City Center for the Arts and the Science and Discovery Center of Northwest Florida. Nearby St. Andrews State Park provides opportunities for camping, swimming, and wildlife observation, making Panama City a vibrant and diverse community in Bay County.

Panama City Beach

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 18.6 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 13,000 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 32407, 32408, 32413
  • Latitude and Longitude: 30.1766° N, 85.8055° W

Location and History

Panama City Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico in Bay County, just west of Panama City. The city was incorporated in 1936 and has since become one of Florida’s most popular beach destinations. Known for its sugar-white sands and emerald green waters, Panama City Beach attracts millions of visitors each year. The city’s history is closely tied to tourism, with the construction of the Miracle Strip Amusement Park in the 1960s marking the beginning of its rise as a vacation hotspot. Today, Panama City Beach is synonymous with spring break, family vacations, and water sports, boasting a wide array of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Panama City Beach is served by schools such as Arnold High School and Surfside Middle School. The city is known for its iconic landmarks, including Pier Park, a major shopping and entertainment complex that features a variety of stores, dining options, and a large observation wheel offering panoramic views of the coastline. Another key landmark is St. Andrews State Park, located at the eastern edge of the city, which offers camping, fishing, snorkeling, and access to Shell Island, a pristine barrier island. The city’s annual events, like the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam and Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally, draw large crowds and contribute to its reputation as a lively, year-round destination. Panama City Beach’s combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and vibrant community make it a key city in Bay County.

Lynn Haven

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 10.4 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 20,000 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 32444
  • Latitude and Longitude: 30.2452° N, 85.6481° W

Location and History

Lynn Haven is a city located just north of Panama City in Bay County. It was founded in 1911 by the St. Andrews Bay Development Company as a planned community for Civil War veterans. Named after W.H. Lynn, the president of the company, Lynn Haven was designed with wide streets and ample green spaces, reflecting the vision of its founders to create a model city. The city grew steadily throughout the 20th century, transitioning from its early roots as a retirement community to a family-oriented suburb. Today, Lynn Haven is known for its well-maintained neighborhoods, parks, and its strong sense of community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lynn Haven is served by schools such as Mosley High School, Mowat Middle School, and Lynn Haven Elementary School. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including Sharon Sheffield Park, which hosts various community events and festivals, and the historic Lynn Haven Bayou Park and Preserve, offering walking trails and opportunities for bird watching. The Lynn Haven Veterans Memorial is another key site, honoring the city’s founders and its veterans. The Bailey Bridge, connecting Lynn Haven to Southport, is a popular spot for fishing and offers picturesque views of North Bay. Lynn Haven’s blend of history, community spirit, and natural beauty make it a central part of Bay County’s residential life.

Callaway

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 11.8 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 14,000 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 32404
  • Latitude and Longitude: 30.1521° N, 85.5717° W

Location and History

Callaway is a city located in the eastern part of Bay County, adjacent to Panama City. It was incorporated in 1963 and has grown steadily due to its proximity to Tyndall Air Force Base and Panama City. Originally a rural area with a focus on agriculture, Callaway developed into a suburban community as the region expanded. The city’s growth was further spurred by the establishment of the Air Force base, which brought a significant population of military personnel and their families to the area. Today, Callaway is known for its family-friendly environment, with numerous parks, schools, and residential neighborhoods.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Callaway is served by schools such as Callaway Elementary School, Everitt Middle School, and Rutherford High School. The city features several parks, including John B. Gore Park and Collinfurst Park, both offering recreational facilities and spaces for community events. The proximity to Tyndall Air Force Base plays a significant role in the local economy and community identity, with the base’s Heritage Museum serving as a key landmark. The city’s waterfront along East Bay provides opportunities for boating and fishing, contributing to Callaway’s appeal as a residential community with easy access to both natural beauty and urban amenities. Callaway’s growth and development, coupled with its close ties to the military, make it a significant part of Bay County.

Springfield

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 4.6 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 9,000 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 32401, 32404
  • Latitude and Longitude: 30.1591° N, 85.6094° W

Location and History

Springfield is a city located in the central part of Bay County, immediately east of Panama City. The city was incorporated in 1935 and has historically served as a residential area for those working in Panama City and nearby Tyndall Air Force Base. Springfield developed as a quiet, suburban community with a focus on family life and local commerce. Over the years, the city has experienced growth, particularly during periods of military expansion at Tyndall Air Force Base. Springfield’s convenient location near major highways and the coast has made it an attractive place to live for both military personnel and civilians.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Springfield is served by schools such as Springfield Elementary School, Rutherford High School, and Everitt Middle School. The city features several parks, including Buddy McLemore Park and Springfield Community Park, which provide recreational spaces for residents. The proximity to Tyndall Air Force Base has a significant impact on the local community, with many residents having ties to the military. The city’s location also offers easy access to the cultural and economic amenities of Panama City. Springfield’s quiet residential character, combined with its strategic location, makes it an important part of Bay County’s suburban landscape.

Map of Cities in Bay County, FL

Map of Cities in Bay County, FL