$257,545Average Value$177Average Price per Sq Ft54Homes 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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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Hays, KS sell after 98 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Hays, KS over the last 12 months is $228,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Wonderful home in an established neighborhood with plenty of space. This four bedroom, three bathroom home offers multiple living spaces, a large kitchen, a separate dining room, large primary bedroom with a HUGE walk in closet and main floor laundry. Want to entertain? In addition to the various living spaces, there is also a wet bar and recreation room in the basement, perfect for a pool table
You will fall in love with this ranch home with over 2800 finished square feet! Featuring a floor plan with large rooms and lots of built-in storage. Primary bedroom suite features a walk-in closet, private bathroom with sunken tub and separate shower with access to its own covered deck overlooking the fenced back yard. Formal dining area with built-in hutch. Large utility room. 3 bedrooms and 2
Step into this spacious one-level home and imagine the possibilities. This house features durable steel siding, a detached two-car garage with heating, garden shed and a cooled hobby shop. Inside, there are three bedrooms. In the primary, you will find an ensuite bath and laundry. The den provides additional entertainment space. Use the bonus room to create a large pantry, or relocate the washer
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,
Excellent investment opportunity near Fort Hays State University with strong rental demand and great cash flow potential! This 4-unit property features four separate units and offers investors the chance to add a solid income-producing property to their portfolio. Its location near campus provides consistent appeal for student housing, long-term rentals, or a mix of both. Whether you’re looking
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 5-bedroom, 2-bath property is located just steps from Lewis Field Stadium and within walking distance of Fort Hays State University, making it an attractive option for student or long-term rental housing. Offering strong rental appeal and excellent income potential, this property looks good in person—but it looks even better on paper. Whether you're adding to your portfolio or purchasing
Welcome to 2217 Clay Drive! This beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom property is perfect for a family looking for a spacious home with plenty of outdoor space for the kids to run around! This home is perfect for hosting parties with a bar in the basement and plenty of space for entertaining! Call Jed Simpson at 785-731-5365 or Carter Normandin at 785-639-1421 if you are interested in seeing this
Now is your chance to own a home on desirable Fairway Dr. with massive square footage priced over $100,000 below county appraised value! A 2004 addition dramatically expanded the main floor living space, adding a second living room, spacious utility room, and an additional primary suite complete with an oversized walk-in closet and private bath. The partially finished basement offers another
Welcome home to this well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo ideally located adjacent to Smoky Hill Country Club. Enjoy the convenience of a one-car garage, a quiet and peaceful setting, and recent updates including new upstairs flooring, paint throughout and a new roof installed in 2025. Residents appreciate the shared meeting and entertaining space along with a large common lawn area perfect
Welcome to this spacious and move-in ready 5 bedroom, 3 bath home with a large non-conforming room offering endless possibilities for a home office, gym, or guest space. Recently refreshed with all new flooring throughout and fresh interior paint, and newly painted exterior, this home feels clean and updated. The finished basement features a bar area, perfect for entertaining. Enjoy the
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
Opportunity knocks just steps from Fort Hays State University! Whether you're an investor looking to expand your rental portfolio, a parent seeking housing for a future FHSU student, or someone exploring the potential of a short-term rental, this property deserves a look. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home offers functional living space, including a basement bedroom that adds flexibility and value.
Space is no issue in this move-in ready, historic two-story home! Located on a large corner lot, and within walking distance to the Arc Park! The main floor offers a spacious living room and a formal dining room, giving everyone plenty of space to gather, entertain, or simply relax. The heart of the home is the rustic-inspired kitchen, featuring beautiful custom woodwork and an open-concept
Nestled on 119 +/- acres, this secluded country paradise offers the perfect blend of peaceful rural living with exceptional equestrian facilities. Located on a quiet dead-end road just minutes from Hays, the property is ideally suited for a private ranch lifestyle or horse enthusiasts, whether it is for personal enjoyment or business opportunities. Built in 1994, the two-story home features
All home tour showings will be conducted at the community office located at 1010 Reservation Road, Hays, KS, 67601. Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Countryside Estates KS, here in Hays, Kansas. Built in 2019, this 924 sq. ft. home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and is move-in ready. Submit an application today! Roots' manufactured housing community, Countryside Estates, is the
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