Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hay Springs, NE
Thinking of moving to Hay Springs, NE? With a close-knit population of just under 600, Hay Springs offers affordable living, with median home prices around $88,500 and average rents of $670. The town enjoys low crime rates, short average commutes of 15 minutes, and a relaxed rural lifestyle. Residents benefit from small class sizes in local schools, a high owner-occupied housing rate, and plenty of sunny days each year. Explore the charm and affordability of Hay Springs as you plan your next move.
Demographics - Hay Springs, NE
Demographics - Hay Springs, NE
Hay Springs is a small, close-knit community of about 599 residents, with a median age nearing 50 and a population density of 550 people per square mile. The town is predominantly White, but also includes a small mix of other backgrounds and 3.5% non-English speakers. Its balanced gender ratio and mature population make for a peaceful, neighborly atmosphere.
Population:
599
Density:
550 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.8%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
5.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hay Springs, NE?
Hay Springs offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $88,500 and average rents at $670 per month. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making this rural Nebraska town a budget-friendly choice for housing, groceries, and utilities. Residents also benefit from relatively low property taxes and modest monthly expenses.
Median House Value:
$88,500
Gross Rent:
$670
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,170
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
2.46%
|
High:
6.84%
Cost Of Living Index:
80.1
Grocery:
93.2
Housing:
61.5
Utilities:
88.7
Transportation:
81.0
Health Care:
92.5
Miscellaneous:
77.0
Crime
Is Hay Springs, NE a safe place to live?
Hay Springs experiences very low crime rates compared to national averages, with only 65 violent crimes and 580 property crimes per 100,000 people annually. Residents enjoy a safe environment, with a 1 in 1,540 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 172 chance for property crime. The town’s peaceful atmosphere is a key draw for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
65
Property Crimes Per 100k:
580
Crime Index:
645
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 172
Weather
What is the weather like in Hay Springs, NE year-round?
Residents enjoy a varied climate with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and chilly winters with lows around 11°F. The area receives about 19.4 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine about 63% of the year. Seasonal changes bring distinct weather, perfect for those who appreciate all four seasons.

Winter
Min:
11°F
Max:
37°F

Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
29°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
19.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Hay Springs boasts a friendly rural community where the median household income is $45,100 and the unemployment rate is just 2.8%. With a poverty rate of 9.5% and average commute times of only 15 minutes, residents benefit from a relaxed lifestyle. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, reinforcing the town’s strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$35,800
Household Income:
$45,100
Family Income:
$53,700
Per Capita Income:
$27,600
Income Male:
$33,400
Income Female:
$27,300
Poverty Rate:
9.5%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$670
Unemployment Rate:
2.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
15.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.5%
Education
How are the schools in Hay Springs, NE?
Hay Springs offers quality K-12 education through Hay Springs Public Schools, which boasts small class sizes and personalized attention with a student-teacher ratio of 8.9. Higher education is accessible just 26 miles away at Chadron State College. The town’s strong educational offerings support families and lifelong learners.

Public Schools
Name:
Hay Springs Public Schools
Street:
407 N Baker St
Phone:
308-638-4434
Students:
185
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.9

Colleges
Name:
Chadron State College
City:
Chadron
State:
NE
Distance:
26 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Hay Springs is accessible, with Box Butte General Hospital nearby and a physician ratio of 1.4 per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of the population has health insurance coverage, ensuring good access to essential medical services. The town’s healthcare index reflects reliable care for local families.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Box Butte General Hospital
Address:
2101 Box Butte Ave, Alliance, NE 69301
Phone:
(308) 762-6660
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hay Springs, NE?
Hay Springs features a stable and affordable housing market, with a median home price of $88,500 and an owner-occupied rate of 74.6%. Rental options are available, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $670 and a low vacancy rate. Modest appreciation and minimal foreclosure rates make it a secure place to invest in a home.
Median Home Price:
$88,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$670
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Hay Springs handle driver and vehicle services through the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV offers convenient online services and is headquartered in Lincoln, with support available by phone and through its website. Local residents benefit from state-standard registration, licensing, and titling options.
State:
Nebraska
Department:
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone:
402-471-3985
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.