Is Michigan city tax residency status the same as the state residency status? I live in Bath, but work in East Lansing, would I be considered a nonresident?

Yes. The residency question at the city level means where you live. Therefore, in your case, you would be a nonresident of East Lansing. and therefore your tax rate is 0.50%.

 

You will be filing Form EL-1040 as a nonresident. Only income earned in the city of East Lansing is taxable by East Lansing.

 

For more specifics, see these resources

2019 EL Form Instructions 

2019 Form EL-1040

2019 Form EL-1040 Form Attachments