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
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kendra Trueblood,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Hays, KS sell after 96 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Hays, KS over the last 12 months is $220,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your dream home- This spacious 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is perfectly tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac. Located in a wonderful neighborhood, you’ll find neighbors still wave hello! Inside, you’ll love the vaulted ceilings, cozy living spaces, and the fully finished basement complete with a bar—perfect for movie nights or hosting friends! With plenty of room for everyone and a layout
Step into this beautifully updated home featuring 3 bedrooms and a full bath on the main floor, along with a spacious, open-concept kitchen perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The finished basement offers even more room to spread out, with a cozy living area, built-in bar with mini fridge, a fourth bedroom, a second full bathroom, and a versatile bonus room—ideal for a home office or
Craving more space but still want to be close to Hays? This 5-bedroom, 2-bath home offers room to spread out while keeping you near town. A finished basement gives you added flexibility for living or entertaining. Need accessibility? This home includes a ramp for wheelchair access. Enjoy quiet mornings or gatherings on the covered deck. Sitting on a spacious 0.40-acre lot, you’ll appreciate the
Myrietta LeachKeller Williams Realty Signature Partners, LLC
Nestled just outside Hays, KS, this spacious 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath ranch-style home offers 3060 sq. ft. of comfortable living space with a fully finished basement. The main level features three well-appointed bedrooms, a full bath, and a convenient half bath, along with a cozy living room and an office with elegant French doors. A two-car garage provides ample storage and parking. Downstairs,
Move-In Ready Duplex! This fully updated duplex offers 4 spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on each side. Whether you're looking for a smart investment opportunity or the perfect setup for extended family living, this property checks all the boxes! - Each unit boasts: • Open-concept living and dining areas • Modern kitchens with updated appliances and finishes • Fully finished basement • Turnkey
You will want to check out this move in ready home! Nice and clean. Neutral Decor. Not only do you have a formal dining area, but you also have an eating area in the kitchen. Large bedrooms. Lots of built-in storage. Main level laundry area with sink and BI ironing board. Wholehouse fan. New carpet and paint. Finished basement with Family Room, Rec Room with Refrigerator and Microwave,
Quiet neighborhood, close to many restaurants & major grocery store. Only 10 minutes from Fort Hays State University (FHSU) campus. Also close to NCK Tech School. Unit A -- 3 Bedroom / 1 Full bathroom (Upper Unit -- Front Door) Unit B -- 3 Bedroom / 1 1/2 bathrooms (Lower Unit -- Side Door Entry, All Bedrooms with large windows & blinds) $1,335 (or $445 per person)
Newly renovated 5 bedroom/2.5 bath house in a quiet residential neighborhood near TMP. Asking $1900, water, trash, and electricity included. Washer and dryer on site. Newly updated Heat and AC. Message me to arrange a showing with the property manager. Owner pays for water, sewer, trash, and electric. Tenant pays for any other utilities like phone or internet. Pet friendly. Available July 11.
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