An outlaw town with an unruly history is an industry leader
The frontier days of Hays City, as locals call it, were filled with gun smoke, cowboys and outlaws. Established as a Union Pacific railroad stop in 1867 and located about 180 miles northwest of Wichita, Hays grew quickly as homesteaders rushed to claim land in western Kansas and Colorado. The need to protect railroad workers, create peace between rival businesses and manage the fallout from violent conflicts with Native Americans pushed the government to build an Army fort. The town grew as people decided to stay nearby out of fear of future confrontations. But staying in Hays didn’t guarantee peaceful living. Lawlessness within its population was rampant, and Wild Bill Hickock was made Sheriff to bring order, though controversy surrounds his appointment and his service. A statue of him stands near downtown.
Today, history seekers visit former saloons and Boot Hill Cemetery, where statues commemorate outlaws buried “with their boots on,” a nod to the lack of procedure in the young frontier town. With a current population of about 22,000 people, Hays is known as the largest city in northwest Kansas and promotes a small-town vibe with thriving new industries and big amenities.
Hays was established as a Union Pacific railroad stop in 1867.
A statue of Wild Bill Hickock is located in downtown Hays.
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Healthcare, education and telecommunications are leading industries
Major employers include Hays Medical Center and Fort Hays State University, though tourism revolving around Wild West history also is an important source of jobs.. In 2024, the Hays MicroFactory opened along Commerce Parkway with 30,000 square feet for startups, funded by local foundations interested in paving the way for manufacturers to get their starts.
Hays Medical Center is one of the city's largest employers.
Residents may attend Fort Hays State University to obtain a college education.
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Ranch-style homes dominate the housing scene
“Although business growth seems somewhat stable, we’re seeing a significant construction boom of new homes right now,” says Patty Stull, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker for more than 20 years. “That demand probably comes from job creation at Hays Med Center and the university. Plus, smaller new businesses are moving into the city, which also drives housing demand.” The area's median price for a home is $228,000, lower than the national median but close to what buyers are willing to pay, says Stull. “If these new homes are priced right, they will get a lot of attention,” she says. “The sweet spot for many buyers is around $250,000." Recent sales range from about $60,000 for one- and two-bedroom cottages to about $300,000 for midcentury ranch-style homes.
Homes in Hays are selling below the national average.
Ranch-styled dwellings make up most of the Hays housing market.
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Sports, history and preservation are the focus of city parks
Hays' municipally run parks are scattered around the city, including an aquatic center, a regulation golf course, a disc golf course, sites focused on adult and youth sports and one -- Frontier Historic Park -- with a bison preserve established in the 1920s. The Sternberg Museum of Natural History preserves animal and plant examples from the history of the Great Plains. Also, for portions of the original Fort Hays can be toured at a state historical site. Union Pacific Plaza in the center of the city is home to the Hickok statue -- erected in 1989 -- and a large pavilion. The railroad runs straight through the plaza.
Enjoy a round of golf at Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.
Visit the bison preserve at Historic Frontier Park in Hays.
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The city is home to Fort Hays State University
Hays Unified School District 489 is graded B by Niche and manages six public schools. In 2020 the district opened the new Early Childhood Center on 13th Street. Fort Hays State University was founded in 1902 to train teachers. Today, the university is the largest in western Kansas.
Fort Hays State University was founded in 1902 to train teachers.
Hays Middle School is part of the Hays Unified School District 489.
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Downtown Hays has a little bit of everything locals want
The brick-paved streets of Downtown Hays are a retail and small business destination for north Kansans. Retailers and restaurants are located in buildings that once housed banks, brothels and betting parlors. The Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University hosts concerts, basketball games and conventions. Year-round farmer's markets, festivals, parades and art walks bring visitors to town and drive traffic to over 100 small businesses.
Downtown Hays has a wide variety of shops and retail options to enjoy.
Grab some coffee in Hays at Breath Coffee House.
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Getting around Hays
Ellis County residents are car-dependent for daily errands and work commutes. Interstate 70 runs through Hays in an east-west direction. U.S. Route 183 runs north-south from the Oklahoma border to the Nebraska border. ACCESS transportation provides limited bus service in Ellis County. Hays Regional Airport is 3 miles south of the city and offers direct flights to Denver. For other destinations, the next closest commercial airport is Salina Regional Airport, 100 miles east.
Low risk of flooding despite historic events
Floods and tornadoes are a moderate risk, but both devastated the city in 1951 and 1964, respectively. According to FBI data, Hays’ reported rates of violent and property crimes have been mostly lower than the national and state average since 2020. However, periodic spikes have occurred.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
