Hays, KS
Population 21,078 · Kansas
About Hays, KS
Hays is a mid-sized city in Kansas with a population of 21,078 residents. The median household income is $56,861 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Hays is 30.2 years.
Housing in Hays has a median home value of $220,100 and median monthly rent of $890. Of the 9,708 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 5,189 owner-occupied and 3,710 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Hays is 3.5% and the poverty rate is 19.9%. 43.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 11.6 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hays
What is the population of Hays, KS?
The population of Hays, KS is 21,078 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Hays?
The median household income in Hays, KS is $56,861 per year.
What is the median home value in Hays?
The median home value in Hays, KS is $220,100.
What is the average rent in Hays?
The median monthly rent in Hays, KS is $890.
What is the unemployment rate in Hays?
The unemployment rate in Hays, KS is 3.5%.