$253,392Average Value$178Average Price per Sq Ft53Homes For Sale
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.
Written By
Sarah Albiston
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Zach Manwell
Video By
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Hays, KS sell after 99 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Hays, KS over the last 12 months is $226,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don’t miss this inviting 2-story home nestled on a corner lot! This well-maintained home features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom on the main floor and two additional bedrooms upstairs. You will find another full bathroom and a family room in the basement, plus plenty of room for storage. With great curb appeal, and a flexible floor plan, this home is full of potential. Whether you're a first-time
Spacious 5-bedroom, 2-bath bungalow located just minutes from Fort Hays State University and downtown Hays. This home offers nearly 2,000 square feet of finished living space, including a partial basement with three additional bedrooms—ideal for student housing or rental income potential. The main level features two bedrooms, a full bath, a comfortable living area, and convenient main-floor
Charming bungalow with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 2 non-conforming bedrooms in the basement. Recently updated with a 50-year Malarkey roof, all-new plumbing, electrical, and drywall. Perfect for a first-time homebuyer or a solid investment opportunity. Contact Sharrah Marshall with Platinum Group at 785-639-3631 to view this property.
Charming 3-Bed, 2-Bath Bungalow! This well-kept home makes a great primary residence but could easily be converted into up and down units—with a 2 bed, 1 bath upstairs and a 1 bed, 1 bath downstairs. Features include off-street parking, a fenced backyard, and plenty of potential for flexibility or rental income. A perfect starter home or investment opportunity! Call A.J. Preisner with Platinum
Escape to the tranquility of country living on 4 acres, where luxury and comfort meet in this stunning 6-bedroom, 3.5-bath home. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted by 11-foot ceilings, custom cabinetry, and gleaming quartz countertops. Designed with entertaining in mind, the open-concept kitchen and living area features a built-in audio system that flows effortlessly onto the back
Charming 4-bed, 2-bath well built masonry home. Ideally located in a desirable neighborhood, just minutes from schools and shopping. The home features beautiful hard wood floors throughout, a large open floor plan, gas-log fireplace perfect for comfortable living and entertaining. This warm inviting home is waiting for you to put your own personal touches. Call Sharrah 785.639.3631 for your
Investment opportunity near Fort Hays State University! This property offers up-and-down units. 2-bed 1-bath up and 1-bed 1-bath down. Ideal for student housing with plenty of space and flexibility for roommates or separate living arrangements. For details, contact A.J. Preisner with Platinum Group at 785-259-5242.
Charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home with a spacious backyard! This property is versatile, making it perfect for both primary residence and investment purposes. Enjoy plenty of outdoor space for entertaining, gardening, or pets. For more information, contact A.J. Preisner with Platinum Group at 785-259-5242.
This spacious duplex offers a rare combination of comfort, functionality, and extra space. Each unit features a large 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom layout with its own attached garage and private in-unit laundry, providing privacy and convenience for tenants or owners alike. In addition, the property includes a 22’ x 24’ detached garage that is heated and equipped with a bathroom—perfect for a workshop,
Discover the perfect site for your new development, located with easy access to I-70 and nearby shopping. This location offers the best of both worlds – a bustling retail scene nearby and effortless access to major highways. Don’t miss out on this highly sought-after prime location for your next development project, where convenience meets opportunity. Call Sharrah 785.639.3631 with Platinum
Just steps from campus! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath unit features two separate kitchens, offering flexibility for roommates or multi-student living. A great option for parents seeking housing for their college student or investors looking for solid rental income in a prime location near Fort Hays State University. For more information, contact A.J. Preisner with Platinum Group at 785-259-5242.
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo that offers easy, low-maintenance living right off the golf course. The main level features two living spaces, a kitchen, and a full bathroom. The second level includes all 3 bedrooms and 2 additional full bathrooms. The real highlight is the stone fireplace with a spiral staircase wrapping around it, which instantly catches your eye and adds so much
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home, perfectly situated on nearly a half-acre lot just outside of Hays. Offering the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and room to grow, this property is ideal for everyday living and entertaining alike. Step inside to discover two inviting living spaces on the main level—one featuring a cozy wood-burning fireplace and the other a thoughtfully
Don’t miss this inviting 2-story home nestled on a corner lot! This well-maintained home features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom on the main floor and two additional bedrooms upstairs. You will find another full bathroom and a family room in the basement, plus plenty of room for storage. With great curb appeal, and a flexible floor plan, this home is full of potential. Whether you're a first-time
Cozy 2 bedroom apartment within walking distance of FHSU campus, Main Street, and local restaurants.Perfect apartment for two individuals or someone looking for an in-home office. The unit also features a shared patio and off-street parking.Owner pays for water, gas, trash and takes care of the yard. Rent is $725/monthAvailable starting June 1st.No washer and dryer
Cozy 2 bedroom apartment within walking distance of FHSU campus, Main Street, and local restaurants.Perfect apartment for two individuals or someone looking for an in-home office. The unit also features a shared patio and off-street parking.Owner pays for water, gas, trash and takes care of the yard. Rent is $725/monthAvailable starting June 1st.No washer and dryer
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