Kansas / Ellis County

Moving to Hays, KS

Thinking of making a move to Hays, KS? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Hays before you move.

Moving Help for Your Hays, KS Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Hays move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hays, KS

Considering a move to Hays, KS? This welcoming community of 20,850 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $235,000 and average rents near $920. Commute times average 15 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (66% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Hays's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Hays, KS

Hays has a population of 20,850 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 28 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 84% White, 2% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 10% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
20,850
Density
2,050 per sq mi
Median Age
27.6
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
9.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
83.5%
Black
2.0%
Asian
2.7%
Others
11.8%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Hays, KS?

The cost of living in Hays is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.4. Median home values are around $235,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $920. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$235,000
Gross Rent
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$1,620
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,540
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 3.1%| High: 5.7%
Cost Of Living Index
86.4
Grocery
92.0
Housing
72.8
Utilities
98.5
Transportation
91.2
Health Care
96.0
Miscellaneous
89.3

Crime

Is Hays, KS a safe place to live?

Hays is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 240 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 56. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Kansas.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
240
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,780
Crime Index
2,020
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 417
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 56

Weather

What is the weather like in Hays, KS year-round?

Hays experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 93°F and cold winters dipping to 20°F. The area receives about 24 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 66% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
20°F
Max
43°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
93°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
72°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
23.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
66%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $59,000 and a low poverty rate of 17.8%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 33% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 15 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$31,500
Household Income
$59,000
Family Income
$75,000
Per Capita Income
$28,500
Income Male
$41,000
Income Female
$32,000
Poverty Rate
17.8%
Non English Speakers
13.2%
Rent
$920
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Public Transport Usage
2.4%
Commute Time
14.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.5%
Bachelors or More
32.8%

Education

How are the schools in Hays, KS?

Hays offers quality education options, with public schools like Hays High School and Hays Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Fort Hays State University and North Central Kansas Technical College - Hays Campus. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Hays High School
Street
2300 E 13th St
Phone
785-623-2600
Students
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio
15.0
Name
Hays Middle School
Street
201 W 29th St
Phone
785-623-2400
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
Thomas More Prep-Marian High School
Street
1701 Hall St
Phone
785-625-1880
Students
250

Colleges

Name
Fort Hays State University
City
Hays
State
KS
Distance
0 miles
Students
15,000
Name
North Central Kansas Technical College - Hays Campus
City
Hays
State
KS
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,100

Healthcare

Hays residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like HaysMed and Martha’s Vineyard House / Via Christi Village Hays nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 89.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
HaysMed
Address
2220 Canterbury Dr, Hays, KS 67601
Phone
(785) 623-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Martha’s Vineyard House / Via Christi Village Hays
Address
2225 Canterbury Dr, Hays, KS 67601
Phone
(785) 623-6181
Type
Skilled Nursing & Long-Term Care
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
89.7%
Health Care Index
71.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Hays, KS?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $235,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 58%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Hays offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$235,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$920
Owner Occupied Rate
58.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Hays handle vehicle services through the Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles, conveniently located in Topeka. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Kansas
Department
Kansas Department of Revenue - Division of Vehicles
Address
915 SW Harrison St, Topeka, KS 66612
Phone
(785) 296-3621

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.

FAQs About Moving to Hays, KS

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Hays, review the core fields on this page: population 20,850, median home value $235,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $920, commute time 14.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 66%.

Ready to Move to Hays, KS?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes