Amenities
The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Located in the state of Kansas, Hays is a moderately-sized city with a population of 21,398 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Hays is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. The median age of all Hays residents is 32, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Hays is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 10 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Hays could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Kansas if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Hays and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Kansas and national averages.
With a livability score of 78 out of 100, Hays is ranked #2,117 in the United States and #18 in Kansas. This is a terrific score, as Hays ranks well in multiple categories! Hays also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the rankings for each individual category, Hays has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (A+), cost of living (A) and housing (A+).
If you're considering living in Hays, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Hays provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Hays can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Hays is actually affordable. The median home price for Hays homes is $322,027, which is 30.5% higher than the Kansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Hays, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.2, which is 40% higher than the Kansas average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Hays | Kansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 10min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 85.8% | 82.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.6% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 0.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.4% | 2.4% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.0% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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