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Hays, Kansas

city · Ellis County

At a glance

21,143
Population
$225,500
Median home value (all homes)
26% below U.S. median
$257,712
Typical market value
Zillow, 2026-07
$922/mo
Median rent
32% below U.S. median
$58,459
Median household income
26% below U.S. median
11.1 min
Average commute
93.5%
Homes with broadband
100%
Locations with fiber available
3.6%
Unemployment

Cost of living (Clay Affordability Index)

CAI 93 — 7% below the national average. how it's computed

Housing8% below
Goods & services5% below
Utilities7% above
Taxes7% below
Insurance16% below
Commute cost60% below
For business: Kansas is CBII band 2/5 · time to build band 1/5. See state page for the breakdown.

Living here

Colleges in town:
Fort Hays State University Graduate degrees
Nearest 4-year college1 mi
Nearest community college46 mi
Nearest technical college1 mi
High school graduates94.3%
College graduates42.7%

Doing business here

Economic development contacts, most local first:

city Hays Area Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber in Hays, Kansas works diligently to make business connections and foster community advancement in the region, serving businesses and non-profits with membership resources, events, and advocacy.
state Kansas Department of Commerce
The Kansas Department of Commerce is the state agency providing business development resources, incentives, and workforce services. It serves businesses looking to locate or expand in Kansas.
State sales taxYes
State income taxYes
Right-to-work stateYes

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