Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hays, KS
Thinking of moving to Hays, KS? With a population of just over 20,000, Hays offers affordable living, with median home prices around $203,000 and rents averaging $820. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 11 minutes, a low violent crime rate of 144 per 100k, and 66% sunny days each year. Hays features excellent educational opportunities with Fort Hays State University and highly rated schools, making it a comfortable, community-oriented place to call home.
Demographics - Hays, KS
Hays, KS, is home to about 21,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 31 and a population that is predominantly White. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a small but notable presence of non-English speakers, contributing to its welcoming Midwest character.
Population:
20,948
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
1.6%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
7.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hays, KS?
Hays boasts a cost of living index well below the national average at 87.2, with affordable median home values around $203,000 and average rents of $820. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation remain budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for families and professionals seeking value.
Median House Value:
$203,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$445
State Taxes:
Low:
3.1%
|
High:
5.7%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.2
Grocery:
94.1
Housing:
72.5
Utilities:
99.0
Transportation:
85.5
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
91.8
Crime
Is Hays, KS a safe place to live?
Hays maintains a low violent crime rate of 144 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a strong sense of security. Property crime risk is also moderate, making the city a safe choice for families and individuals alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
144
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,645
Crime Index:
1,789
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 694
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 61
Weather
What is the weather like in Hays, KS year-round?
Residents in Hays experience four distinct seasons, with hot summers reaching up to 92°F and chilly winters dipping to 18°F. The city enjoys 66% sunny days yearly and moderate rainfall, allowing for a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
70°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
Typical households in Hays earn a median income of about $56,600, with a low unemployment rate of 2.6% and a quick average commute just under 11 minutes. The area is highly educated, with over 95% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, creating a friendly and stable community environment.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$56,600
Family Income:
$77,500
Per Capita Income:
$28,350
Income Male:
$40,100
Income Female:
$32,800
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
6.3%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
2.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
10.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.6%
Bachelors or More:
41.2%
Education
How are the schools in Hays, KS?
Hays stands out for its strong educational offerings, including well-rated public schools and the prominent Fort Hays State University, which enrolls nearly 16,000 students. Families benefit from a variety of K-12 and higher education options, supporting lifelong learning in the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Hays High School
Street:
2300 E 13th St
Phone:
785-623-2600
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Lincoln Elementary School
Street:
700 W 3rd St
Phone:
785-623-2500
Students:
330
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Family Elementary School
Street:
1800 Milner St
Phone:
785-625-3131
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
Fort Hays State University
City:
Hays
State:
KS
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
15,900
Healthcare
Hays provides quality healthcare anchored by Hays Medical Center and a strong physician presence at 2.1 per 1,000 residents. With over 91% of locals having health insurance, residents benefit from accessible medical services and emergency care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hays Medical Center
Address:
2220 Canterbury Dr, Hays, KS 67601
Phone:
(785) 623-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hays, KS?
The housing market in Hays is affordable, with a median home price of $203,000 and around 62% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are accessible and stable, with vacancy rates at 6.1% and steady home appreciation for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$203,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Hays are managed by the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles, offering convenient access to licensing and registration both online and at the main office in Topeka.
State:
Kansas
Department:
Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles
Address:
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone:
785-296-3671
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.