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.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hays, KS

Considering a move to Hays, KS? This welcoming community of 20,948 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $203,000 and average rents near $820. Commute times average 11 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 20,948 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 31 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 89% White, 2% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 6% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Hays is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.2. Median home values are around $203,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $820. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 144 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 61. 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
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?

Hays experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 23 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
18°F
Max
41°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
70°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
73°F
Average Rainfall Inches
23.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
66%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $56,600 and a low poverty rate of 13.7%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 41% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 11 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Hays High School and Lincoln Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Fort Hays State University. 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
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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Hays Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 91.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Hays Medical Center
Address
2220 Canterbury Dr, Hays, KS 67601
Phone
(785) 623-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $203,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 62%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Hays offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

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
300 SW 29th St, Topeka, KS 66611
Phone
785-296-3671

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 20,948, median home value $203,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $820, commute time 10.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 66%.

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