As of 2022, the estimated population of the Bay County area was 181,055. Panama City Beach is a popular spring break destination in the United States. The city hosts large numbers of college students during spring break, drawing young people from across the country for parties and festivities. Bay County is located in a region prone to hurricanes, and it has experienced several significant storms throughout its history. Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 hurricane in 2018, caused widespread devastation in the area.