Hays is a city in Kansas with about 21,078 residents. Hays was founded in 1867 and sits in Ellis County. The median age is 30.2 and the median household income is $56,861. Homes carry a median value of $220,100, and about 58% of residents own where they live. White residents make up the largest share of the population (87%). Around 44% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the typical commute runs about 12 minutes.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (5-year).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (5-year).
Housing
Property report
Median home value
$220,100
Median gross rent
$890/mo
Owner-occupied
58.3%
Median year built
1972
Households
8,899
Avg. household size
2.21
Area-level figures. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS (5-year). Parcel-level records coming next.
Education
Schools
Schools: Below average
Hays has 7 public schools — 4 elementary, 1 middle, 1 high.
Student proficiency · grade 8, 1 school
Reading37%
Math37%
% of students at or above proficient on state assessments.
Hays HighHighGrades 9–12
Hays Middle SchoolMiddleGrades 6–8
Kathryn O'Loughlin McCarthy ElemElementary
Lincoln ElemElementaryGrades -1–5
Roosevelt ElemElementary
Woodrow Wilson ElemElementary
Hays Virtual SchoolOther
Public schools + grade-8 proficiency. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education (NCES directory + EDFacts assessments), via Urban Institute.
Safety
Crime
violent crime9% above national
Hays421
Kansas436
United States386
↑ 47% higher than 2019
2019–2023
property crime37% below national
Hays1,234
Kansas2,084
United States1,952
↓ 32% lower than 2019
2019–2023
Rate per 100,000 residents/year, Hays Police Department, 2023. Source: FBI UCR/NIBRS (Crime Data Explorer).
Environment
Environmental hazards
Toxic-release sites and regulated facilities in and around Hays.
Data source being added: U.S. EPA — Toxics Release Inventory (public). We show real, sourced figures only — never estimates.
Risk
Natural disaster risk
Very Low
Top hazards · Ellis County
HailRelatively Moderate
Ice stormRelatively Moderate
LightningRelatively Moderate
Strong windRelatively Moderate
Winter weatherRelatively Moderate
Cold waveRelatively Low
County-level natural-hazard risk. Source: FEMA National Risk Index.
Context
Neighborhood info
Hays is in Ellis County — see county-wide risk, demographics, and registry.
Hays was founded in 1867 and sits in Ellis County. Elevation ~616 m.
Map of Hays
Hays, KS
Where Hays is
Historic places
10 on the National Register of Historic Places.
First Presbyterian ChurchPhillip Hardware StoreDrees HouseGallagher HouseSt. Joseph's Church and Parochial SchoolSt. Joseph's Church and Parochial SchoolMermis, J.A., HouseChestnut Street Historic District (Boundary Increase)
Source: Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and state registries. Public record. This information is provided for public awareness. Using it to harass, threaten, or discriminate against any registrant, or for any purpose prohibited by law, is illegal. Verify against the official registry record before relying on it.
Common questions
Hays — frequently asked
What is the population of Hays, Kansas?
Hays has a population of about 21,078, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (5-year).
What is the average home value in Hays?
The median home value in Hays is $220,100, and the median gross rent is $890/month (U.S. Census ACS).
Is Hays safe? What is the crime rate?
Hays Police Department reported a violent-crime rate of about 421 per 100,000 residents in 2023 — higher than the U.S. rate of 386. Source: FBI UCR/NIBRS.
What natural-disaster risks does Hays face?
FEMA's National Risk Index rates Ellis County as "Very Low" overall, with top hazards including hail, ice storm, lightning.
How many schools are in Hays?
Hays has 7 public schools (4 elementary, 1 middle, 1 high). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, NCES.
How many registered sex offenders are in Hays?
Public registry data lists 4 registered sex offenders in or near Hays. This is neighborhood-safety information from the public state registry.