City profile
Hays, KS
Ellis County · Population 21,143
Hays is a town in Ellis County, KS with about 21,143 residents and a typical home value near $226,000. It is 135 miles from Wichita, KS, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Four seasons
Winter avg
31°F
Summer avg
79°F
Sunny days / yr
225
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$225,500
Typical monthly housing
$1,467
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
89
Taxes
- Property tax
- 1.29%
- State income tax (top)
- 5.58%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Partly exempt
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 8.65%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Very Low · county score 33/100
Top hazards: Hail, Winter weather, Ice storm
Nearest major airport
247 mi to Eppley Airfield (OMA)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Republican · 26% Democratic / 72% Republican
Community
Population
21,143
Black population
1.3%
County
Ellis County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hail, tornadoes
Highlights
- About 21,143 residents
- Typical home value about $226,000
- 135 miles from Wichita, KS
Trade-offs
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.