Hays, MT
Population 967 · Montana
About Hays, MT
Hays is a small community located in Montana with a population of 967 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,875 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.2 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 $61,100, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hays one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $550, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 305 total housing units, 49% are owner-occupied (127 units) and 51% are renter-occupied (130 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hays shows an unemployment rate of 26.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hays have an average one-way commute time of 15.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.5% of Hays residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 4.6% White, 94.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hays Ranks in Montana
Cost of Living in Hays, MT
Compared to national averages, Hays has a median household income of $57,875 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $61,100, which is 75% below the national median. Monthly rent at $550 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within Montana, Hays's income is 12% below the state average of $65,821, and home values are 79% below the state median of $288,703.
Why Live in Hays, MT?
Hays offers affordable housing with a median home value of $61,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $550/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,875) 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 967 with a median age of 34.2 years. Compare Hays with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Montana.
Similar Cities Near Hays
Cities in Montana with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ponderosa Pines | 969 | $86,102 | $264,600 | Compare |
| Vaughn | 970 | $54,250 | $165,600 | Compare |
| Ashland | 956 | $39,429 | $137,500 | Compare |
| Victor | 948 | $51,898 | $247,500 | Compare |
| Browning | 990 | $34,318 | $121,100 | Compare |
| Florence | 993 | $97,850 | $460,000 | Compare |
| Superior | 995 | $43,750 | $260,300 | Compare |
| Absarokee | 998 | $57,212 | $258,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Montana
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, MT?
The population of Hays, MT is 967 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Montana.
What is the median household income in Hays?
The median household income in Hays, MT is $57,875 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hays?
The median home value in Hays, MT is $61,100, which is 75% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Hays?
The median monthly rent in Hays, MT is $550, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hays?
The unemployment rate in Hays, MT is 26.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hays, MT a good place to live?
Hays offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 967 and a median age of 34.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Hays, MT?
14.5% of residents in Hays aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Hays?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hays, MT: median home value is $61,100 (75% below national), median rent is $550/month, and median household income is $57,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hays?
The poverty rate in Hays, MT is 29.6%, 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, MT?
Hays's population is 4.6% White, 94.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.