$252,972Average Value$178Average Price per Sq Ft41Homes 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
Photography Contributed By
Zach Manwell
Video By
Patrick Johnson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Hays, KS sell after 98 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Hays, KS over the last 12 months is $225,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
8Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in a sought-after neighborhood close to the hospital and schools. Vaulted ceilings add an open, welcoming feel, while the oversized detached heated garage with running water offers incredible versatility. The basement features a great bar space—perfect for hosting family and friends. Call Sharrah 785.639.3631 with Platinum Group for your showing
Spacious 5-bedroom, 4-bath two-story Colonial home located along Hole #6 of Smoky Hill Country Club, offering beautiful golf course views and a prime location. This home features a classic brick exterior and a layout designed for comfort and functionality. Inside, you’ll find a large primary bedroom and bathroom, with the flexibility to have a primary suite either on the main floor or upstairs,
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
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.
Your private escape awaits! This charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is tucked away on 21 acres just on the outskirts of town. Perfect for the home chef, this kitchen boasts a commercial-grade gas cooktop, while the spacious outdoor areas offer plenty of room for entertaining family and friends. Enjoy this peaceful retreat nestled among mature trees, scenic walking trails and the tranquility of Big
8Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in a sought-after neighborhood close to the hospital and schools. Vaulted ceilings add an open, welcoming feel, while the oversized detached heated garage with running water offers incredible versatility. The basement features a great bar space—perfect for hosting family and friends. Call Sharrah 785.639.3631 with Platinum Group for your showing
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
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,
Properties like this are hard to come by and rarely ever hit the open market. The Eller Ranch features a custom built ranch-style home, a large shop and nearly 400 acres of cattle grazing land with great deer hunting potential! The property is conveniently located between Ellis and Hays, Kansas.- HOME - The home was built in 2005 by a very reputable local builder. It includes 4 bedrooms and 4
Don't miss this great 3 bedroom , 2 bath nestled in a quit neighbor centrally located.. Move in ready, lots of natural light from large windows through out the house. Has laundry room and plenty of space to relax. Enjoy the covered back patio ready for coffee in the mornings and BBQ s on the weekends. Has 2 storage sheds 8x8 and Brand new shed 10 x 16. Refrigerator , Washer & Dryer are all Brand
Welcome home! This updated property offers two convenient main-floor bedrooms, one being a large primary bedroom, and a roomy living area. Downstairs, you’ll find a large family room perfect for movie nights, gatherings, or extra space to spread out. A great opportunity for first-time buyers or investors alike! To view this home please contact Luke Scoby with Bel Air Realty at 785-650-3237.
Well maintained all brick bungalow. Ideal for first time buyer. The first floor has hardwood floors. Two bedrooms and bath on the first floor two bedrooms and bath in the basement. The attic has lots of storage space. Large laundry room in the basement. Ready to move into. Basement bedrooms have escape windows.
Build your future in Tallgrass Addition, Hays’ newest subdivision on the east side of town between 17th Street and 22nd Street. Located just south of Hays Medical Center, this exciting new development offers a desirable setting with convenient access to schools, churches, medical services, and other community amenities. Twenty four lots are anticipated to be available this fall, with sizes
Curtis LeachKeller Williams Realty Signature Partners, LLC
This property at 108 W 17th St features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, offering a total of 1840 square feet. The basement has a second family room and a bonus room that would make for a good game room, office or additional storage. Unfinished utility room in the basement has a washer and dryer. The exterior offers manageable yard space, suitable for outdoor activities. Utilities included are gas,
2 Br. 1 Bath in Hays, KS, available May 1st with the following amenities:882 sqft. living space+250 sqft. Attached Garage w/ Remote OpenerCentral A/C and HeatRefrigerator and StoveFront and Back YardWasher/Dryer HookupsFront PorchCeiling fan in each bedroomClotheslineGreat Neighborhood!Pet friendly (+$40/mo. and +$470 refundable pet deposit)
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