Hay Springs, NE
Population 659 · Nebraska
About Hay Springs, NE
Hay Springs is a small community located in Nebraska with a population of 659 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,833 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hay Springs features a median home value of $91,900, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Hay Springs one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $692, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 380 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (233 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (67 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hay Springs shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hay Springs have an average one-way commute time of 18.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.7% of Hay Springs 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 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hay Springs, NE
Compared to national averages, Hay Springs has a median household income of $45,833 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $91,900, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $692 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Nebraska, Hay Springs's income is 30% below the state average of $65,895, and home values are 27% below the state median of $125,824.
Why Live in Hay Springs, NE?
Hay Springs offers affordable housing with a median home value of $91,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $692/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 12.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 18.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,833) that falls below the national average. However, Hay Springs’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hay Springs has a population of 659 with a median age of 53.8 years. Compare Hay Springs with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Nebraska.
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Other Cities in Nebraska
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hay Springs
What is the population of Hay Springs, NE?
The population of Hay Springs, NE is 659 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Nebraska.
What is the median household income in Hay Springs?
The median household income in Hay Springs, NE is $45,833 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hay Springs?
The median home value in Hay Springs, NE is $91,900, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hay Springs?
The median monthly rent in Hay Springs, NE is $692, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hay Springs?
The unemployment rate in Hay Springs, NE is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hay Springs, NE a good place to live?
Hay Springs offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 659 and a median age of 53.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Hay Springs, NE?
13.7% of residents in Hay Springs 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 Hay Springs?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hay Springs, NE: median home value is $91,900 (62% below national), median rent is $692/month, and median household income is $45,833. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hay Springs?
The poverty rate in Hay Springs, NE is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hay Springs, NE?
Hay Springs's population is 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.