Is Hays Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hays
Hays, Kansas, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and regional significance, making it a noteworthy place to consider for relocation. As the largest city in Northwest Kansas, it serves as a hub for commerce, education, and healthcare for a wide surrounding rural area. The city’s strategic location along Interstate 70, midway between Kansas City and Denver, provides convenient access for travel and commerce.
The community is anchored by Fort Hays State University, contributing to a vibrant university atmosphere. Hays also boasts a revitalized downtown area with unique shops and entertainment options, alongside expanding retail on the north side of town. This combination of educational institutions, growing commercial centers, and a focus on quality of life makes Hays an appealing prospect for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Is it Safe to Live in Hays?
Hays presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than both the national and state averages. The overall crime rate in Hays is approximately 20% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Hays are notably lower, estimated to be 35% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
While the north and southeast parts of the city are generally considered the safest neighborhoods, your chance of being a victim of crime varies by area. In a typical year, the crime rate is around 31.35 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This translates to a chance of 1 in 60 of becoming a victim of crime in Hays (as reported by AreaVibes).
Violent Crime Statistics
The rate of violent crime in Hays is approximately 3.613 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This is lower than the Kansas average and the national average, indicating a relatively secure environment regarding violent offenses. Residents who consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest may find reassurance in these statistics.
When examining specific violent crime categories, Hays reports fewer incidents than national averages in areas like assault and robbery. However, rape statistics in Hays are higher than the national average (as reported by Niche). The chance of being a victim of violent crime varies by neighborhood, with the southwest neighborhoods experiencing more incidents than the southeast areas.
Property Crime Statistics
Property crime rates in Hays are also below national and state averages. Hays recorded 307 property crimes, which is about 17% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a generally secure environment for personal property within the city.
The chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Hays is 1 in 69 (as reported by AreaVibes). While lower than the national average, it’s important to remain vigilant, as property crimes such as theft and burglary do occur. The northwest parts of Hays tend to experience a higher number of total crime incidents annually compared to the west part of the city.
Cost of Living in Hays
Hays offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average, particularly in housing. The median home value in Hays was approximately $216,300 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA), which is lower than the national median of $332,700. This affordability makes homeownership more accessible for many residents.
While housing costs are a significant factor in the cost of living, other expenses in Hays also tend to be reasonable. The overall cost of living, including utilities, groceries, and transportation, is often more budget-friendly compared to larger metropolitan areas. This economic advantage can contribute to a higher quality of life for residents.
Housing Costs
The housing market in Hays presents a favorable picture for potential buyers and renters. The median sale price of a home in Hays was around $199,000 in the most recent data (as reported by Redfin). This median price is up 27.4% year-over-year, indicating a growing market.
For renters, the average rent in Hays is approximately $950 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure is significantly lower than the national average rent of $1,910 per month (as reported by Zillow). Specifically, a two-bedroom apartment averages around $930 per month (as reported by Rentable), well below the national average.
Average Salary and Income
The average annual household income in Hays was reported as $79,484 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), showing a slight increase from the previous year. The median income stood at $58,459, also reflecting a positive shift over the same period (as reported by Point2Homes).
The average salary in Hays is approximately $46,828 per year, or about $22.51 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This average salary range typically falls between $31,010 and $58,963 annually, depending on occupation and experience. The income levels in Hays provide a reasonable standard of living, especially when considering the lower cost of living.
Job Market and Major Employers
Hays boasts a diverse job market, with key sectors that contribute to its economic stability. The most common employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). These industries provide a broad range of employment opportunities for the local workforce.
The city’s economy is supported by several major employers, reflecting its role as a regional hub. Fort Hays State University is a significant employer, alongside HaysMed, which is the largest employer in Ellis County (as reported by Hays Post). Other notable employers include Walmart, Costco Wholesale, and various educational institutions.
Key Industries and Employment
The healthcare and education sectors are particularly strong in Hays, providing numerous job openings. HaysMed’s role as a major healthcare center for Northwest Kansas underscores the importance of this industry. Similarly, Fort Hays State University and the broader educational services sector employ a substantial portion of the population.
Retail trade also plays a vital role in the local economy, with major retailers like Walmart and Costco providing numerous positions. The presence of these diverse industries ensures a dynamic job market that caters to a variety of skill sets and career aspirations.
Climate in Hays
Hays experiences a climate with distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Temperatures typically range from an average low of 18°F in January to an average high of 93°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This temperature range offers a full spectrum of seasonal weather experiences.
The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 25 inches, with July being the wettest month, receiving around 4 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is also a factor, with an average of 14 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The humidity levels are generally comfortable, especially during the summer months.
Temperature and Precipitation
Summers in Hays are hot, with July typically being the hottest month, often reaching highs around 93°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with January seeing average highs around 44°F and lows around 19°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The transition seasons of spring and autumn offer more moderate temperatures.
Hays receives a moderate amount of rainfall annually, with the majority occurring in the summer months. The climate is characterized by significant shifts throughout the year, offering a true four-season experience. Residents can expect a variety of weather conditions, from hot and dry summers to cold and snowy winters.
Education in Hays
Hays is served by the Hays Unified School District, which provides educational opportunities for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district is generally well-regarded, with schools often performing at or above the state average in various metrics. Hays Unified School District has an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche).
The district’s schools demonstrate strong academic performance, with proficiency scores in math and reading often exceeding the Kansas state average. For example, Hays public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% and a reading proficiency score of 43% (as reported by Public School Review).
School Ratings and Performance
Several schools within the Hays Unified School District receive high ratings. Kathryn O’Loughlin McCarthy Elementary School is particularly noted for its strong performance, often ranking among the top elementary schools in the state (as reported by SchoolDigger). Hays High School also maintains a strong reputation with a high graduation rate.
The Hays school district as a whole is ranked within the top 20% of all school districts in Kansas based on combined math and reading proficiency testing data (as reported by Public School Review). This indicates a commitment to providing quality education for the community’s children.
Demographics of Hays
Hays is a city with a population of approximately 21,143 residents, making it the 21st most populated city in Kansas (as reported by Data USA). The population is fairly balanced in terms of gender, with slightly more males than females. The median age in Hays is around 30.2 years, indicating a relatively young population (as reported by Point2Homes).
The racial composition of Hays is predominantly White, accounting for about 88.2% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes). Other racial groups are represented in smaller percentages, contributing to the city’s diverse, albeit primarily White, demographic makeup.
Population and Age Distribution
The population of Hays has seen a slight increase in recent years, with a projected growth rate of 0.07% annually (as reported by Data USA). The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in the younger adult brackets, with 15.8% under 15, 26.8% between 15 and 24, and 24.3% between 25 and 44 (as reported by Point2Homes).
This age distribution suggests a community that is dynamic and has a strong presence of young families and working-age adults. The median age of 30.2 years (as reported by Data USA) further supports this observation, indicating a population that is largely in its prime working and family-raising years.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The majority of Hays’s residents are White, with approximately 88.2% identifying as such (as reported by Point2Homes). Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 7.4% of the population (as reported by Neilsberg). Other racial groups, including Black or African American and Asian residents, are present in smaller numbers.
The citizenship rate in Hays is high, with about 98% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The foreign-born population is a small percentage of the total, indicating a community that is largely native-born.