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
Get Hays's next ACS population data
Subscribe for Population Review updates by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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
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).
Where to stay in Hays
Visiting or relocating to Hays, KS? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
More from Kansas
Population 396,488
Population 197,199
Population 154,776
Population 143,720
Population 126,103
Full rankings of Kansas cities by population
Statewide data for Kansas
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Kansas
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.