Cost of Living in Hays, KS
Population 21,143 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Hays, KS is $922/month, 13% lower than the Kansas median and 35% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $225,500, 32% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $58,459 a year, 21% lower than the state median.
Affordability
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Hays vs. Kansas vs. U.S.
| Hays | Kansas | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $922 | $1,060 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $225,500 | $217,200 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $58,459 | $74,275 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 58.5% | 67.2% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 42.7% | 35.6% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 20.1% | 11.3% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 3.9% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 5.2% | 11.8% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 30.2 | 37.4 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Hays, KS?
The median gross rent in Hays, KS is $922 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Hays, KS?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $36,880 a year in gross income.
Is Hays, KS expensive to live in?
Rent there is 35% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.9 times the median household income.
Other cities in Kansas
Cities with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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