Hays, NC
Population 1,355 · North Carolina
About Hays, NC
Hays is a small town located in North Carolina with a population of 1,355 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,063 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hays features a median home value of $158,900, which is 35% 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 $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 745 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (539 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (52 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hays 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 4.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hays have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.2% 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, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 8.3% Asian residents, with 6.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hays, NC
Compared to national averages, Hays has a median household income of $54,063 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $158,900, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Carolina, Hays's income is 16% below the state average of $64,468, and home values are 31% below the state median of $228,922.
Why Live in Hays, NC?
Hays offers affordable housing with a median home value of $158,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,063) 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 1,355 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare Hays with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Hays
Cities in North Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murphy | 1,356 | $36,989 | $221,100 | Compare |
| Alamance | 1,358 | $88,438 | $404,700 | Compare |
| Chadbourn | 1,347 | $19,853 | $100,300 | Compare |
| Cordova | 1,343 | $65,801 | $155,200 | Compare |
| Bonnetsville | 1,368 | $41,217 | $89,300 | Compare |
| West Canton | 1,369 | $35,583 | $190,200 | Compare |
| Banner Elk | 1,338 | $67,917 | $422,900 | Compare |
| Spring Hope | 1,334 | $35,577 | $142,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Carolina
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, NC?
The population of Hays, NC is 1,355 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in North Carolina.
What is the median household income in Hays?
The median household income in Hays, NC is $54,063 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hays?
The median home value in Hays, NC is $158,900, which is 35% 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, NC is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hays?
The unemployment rate in Hays, NC is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hays, NC a good place to live?
Hays offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,355 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hays, NC?
19.2% 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, NC: median home value is $158,900 (35% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $54,063. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Hays?
The poverty rate in Hays, NC is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hays, NC?
Hays's population is 4.6% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 8.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.0% of residents are foreign-born.