Hays, KS
Population 21,078 · Kansas
About Hays, KS
Hays is a mid-sized city located in Kansas with a population of 21,078 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,861 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hays features a median home value of $220,100, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Hays in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $890, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,708 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (5,189 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (3,710 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hays shows an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hays have an average one-way commute time of 11.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
43.9% of Hays residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 6.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hays Ranks in Kansas
Cost of Living in Hays, KS
Compared to national averages, Hays has a median household income of $56,861 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $220,100, which is 10% below the national median. Monthly rent at $890 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Hays's income is 11% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 93% above the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Hays, KS?
Hays offers affordable housing with a median home value of $220,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $890/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 43.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 11.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,861) that falls below the national average. However, Hays’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hays has a population of 21,078 with a median age of 30.2 years. Compare Hays with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Hays
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburg | 20,606 | $40,220 | $110,800 | Compare |
| Junction City | 22,431 | $60,317 | $162,500 | Compare |
| Prairie Village | 22,937 | $107,664 | $402,600 | Compare |
| Liberal | 19,107 | $61,875 | $134,500 | Compare |
| Newton | 18,443 | $67,015 | $151,800 | Compare |
| Gardner | 24,020 | $92,579 | $276,000 | Compare |
| Emporia | 24,098 | $52,787 | $127,500 | Compare |
| Derby | 25,801 | $82,089 | $221,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Hays With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hays
What is the population of Hays, KS?
The population of Hays, KS is 21,078 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Hays?
The median household income in Hays, KS is $56,861 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hays?
The median home value in Hays, KS is $220,100, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hays?
The median monthly rent in Hays, KS is $890, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hays?
The unemployment rate in Hays, KS is 3.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hays, KS a good place to live?
Hays offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 21,078 and a median age of 30.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Hays, KS?
43.9% of residents in Hays aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Hays?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hays, KS: median home value is $220,100 (10% below national), median rent is $890/month, and median household income is $56,861. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hays?
The poverty rate in Hays, KS is 19.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Hays, KS?
Hays's population is 6.0% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.