Hays, Kansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Hays, Kansas is 21,078 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 21st-largest city in Kansas. The median household income is $56,861, the median home value is $220,100, and the median age is 30.2.
The population has grown 3.4% since 2010 (20,523 → 21,213).
21,078
Population
2411
People / sq mi
$56,861
Median Income
$220,100
Median Home Value
Hays covers 8.7 sq mi of land at 2411 people per square mile.
About Hays, KS
Hays is a city in Kansas with a population of 21,078. It ranks #21 among cities in Kansas by population. The median age is 30.2, younger than the national median. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The median household income in Hays is $56,861, below the US median of $74,580. 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $220,100, with monthly rent averaging $890. The homeownership rate of 58.3% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hays reflects 43.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 11.6 minutes each way.
Hays city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Hays city had a population of 20,523 in 2010 and 21,213 in 2024, a 3.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,213 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.24%.
21,213
Population (2024)
20,523
Population (2010)
21,213
Peak (2024)
0.24%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,523 |
| 2011 | 20,778 |
| 2012 | 21,038 |
| 2013 | 21,002 |
| 2014 | 20,988 |
| 2015 | 21,051 |
| 2016 | 21,018 |
| 2017 | 20,881 |
| 2018 | 20,812 |
| 2019 | 20,744 |
| 2020 | 21,152 |
| 2021 | 21,088 |
| 2022 | 21,111 |
| 2023 | 21,149 |
| 2024 | 21,213 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$56,861
Median Household Income
$33,310
Per Capita Income
10.4%
Poverty Rate
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$220,100
Median Home Value
$890
Median Rent
58.3%
Owner-Occupied
Education
95.4%
High School+
43.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
79.6%
Public Transit
4.8%
Work From Home
11.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
21.4%
Foreign Born
92.5%
Non-English at Home
3.7%
Veterans
11.4%
With Disability
92.1%
Health Insurance
97.1%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 35.6% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 13.9% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.0% |
| Information | 4.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 4.5% |
| Construction | 4.2% |
| Manufacturing | 4.1% |
| Retail Trade | 3.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 3.1% |
| Public Administration | 2.8% |
Largest cities in Kansas
Largest counties in Kansas
Part of Kansas
Metro areas in Kansas
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hays, Kansas has a population of 21,078 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 21st-largest city in Kansas.
The median household income in Hays, Kansas is $56,861, with 10.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Hays, Kansas is $220,100, with median monthly rent at $890 and a homeownership rate of 58.3%.
The median age in Hays, Kansas is 30.2 years. The population is 50.6% male and 49.4% female.
The population has grown 3.4% since 2010 (20,523 → 21,213).
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.