Hays, NC
Population 1,355 · North Carolina
About Hays, NC
Hays is a small community in North Carolina with a population of 1,355 residents. The median household income is $54,063 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Hays is 41.7 years.
Housing in Hays has a median home value of $158,900 and median monthly rent of $0. Of the 745 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 539 owner-occupied and 52 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Hays is 0.0% and the poverty rate is 4.4%. 19.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 26.7 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hays
What is the population of Hays, NC?
The population of Hays, NC is 1,355 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Hays?
The median household income in Hays, NC is $54,063 per year.
What is the median home value in Hays?
The median home value in Hays, NC is $158,900.
What is the average rent in Hays?
The median monthly rent in Hays, NC is $0.
What is the unemployment rate in Hays?
The unemployment rate in Hays, NC is 0.0%.