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
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Hays covers 8.7 sq mi of land at 2411 people per square mile.
About Hays, KS
Age is the most distinctive thing about Hays: a median age of 30.2, younger than the national median. With 21,078 residents, Hays is a city in Kansas. It ranks #21 among cities in Kansas by population.
The typical household earns $56,861, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $220,100, with typical rent around $890.
About 43.9% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, above the 35.0% national figure. Home-based work is uncommon, at 4.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 12 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
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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).
Hays city, KS Climate
Hays city, KS has an average annual temperature of 12.1°C (54°F) and receives about 590 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.1°C
Avg Temp
590
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 28° | 12 mm |
| February | 1° / 33° | 16 mm |
| March | 6° / 42° | 50 mm |
| April | 12° / 53° | 57 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 81 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 79 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 90 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 72 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 53 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 36 mm |
| November | 5° / 41° | 28 mm |
| December | 0° / 32° | 16 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Hays city, KS
The most comfortable months to visit Hays city, KS are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near -9°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Hays
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.