Median Income
$70,208
7% lower than US avg
Home Value
$83,300
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
78/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.3%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.6%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.3%
23% higher than US avg
How Hayes Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population258
Median Age54.1 yrs
Density956/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$70,208
Per Capita$33,939
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty15.3%
County GDP$95M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$83,300
Rent$775
Ownership73.8%
Zillow$215,378
Housing Units160
Rent Burden12.5%
Crime
F
Violent78/100K
Property3,079/100K
Health
Obesity42.6%
Uninsured13.8%
Smoking14.9%
Depression17.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain21.5 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation3,057 ft (932 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.3%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+4.9%
School Score5.29
Community
2024 VoteR 96% / D 4%
Commute24 min
Broadband70.9%
Libraries1
Is Hayes Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hayes Center receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Hayes Center offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hayes Center is $70,208, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. The poverty rate of 15.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hayes Center is $83,300, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Hayes Center is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,079 per 100,000, 57% above the national average.
Education
16.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Hayes Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.5 inches, including 30.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Hayes Center has a population of 258 with a density of 956 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 54.1 years, 39% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.6% female and 43.4% male. The city is predominantly White (84.9%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 81% of residents, while 19% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.1yrs
Median Age
39% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Hayes Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.0%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.0%
42% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Hayes Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Hayes Center is $70,208, which is 7% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,939 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $736, 49% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 38 business establishments, including 3 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 11.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Hayes Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,208 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,939 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $736 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,480 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.3% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 38 |
| County GDP | $95M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 4 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.1% |
The median home value in Hayes Center is $83,300, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,378, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 160 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. 12.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $83,300 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $215,378 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.2% |
| Housing Units | 160 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
In Hayes Center, 42.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 21.5% report binge drinking. 29.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 17.4% report depression. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 13.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The food environment index is 3.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hayes Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 9.0% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.3% |
| Depression | 17.4% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 13.8% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 61.2% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 3.5/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Hayes Center has a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,079 per 100,000, 57% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hayes Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hayes Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 78.0/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,079.1/100K |
| 57% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hayes Center experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 21.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 3,057 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.2°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,057 ft (932 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 956/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.5110°N, 101.0204°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Hayes County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mc Cook Ben Nelson Regional (MCK)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.5"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.3 on Apr 19, 2018.
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Nov 13, 2001 |
Kansas |
M3.3 |
90 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
118 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
118 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Apr 16, 2007 |
11 km WSW of Maywood, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
26 km |
| Feb 14, 2003 |
7 km S of Holbrook, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
90 km |
| Apr 14, 2002 |
12 km SSW of Lebanon, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
87 km |
| Apr 15, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
121 km |
| Sep 10, 2010 |
8 km WNW of Norton, Kansas |
M2.6 |
114 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
4 km NW of Arnold, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
482 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 1 fatality, 44 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 15, 1990 |
EF4 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2019 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 17, 2000 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1991 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1989 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 11, 1978 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jul 27, 1972 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1971 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1967 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 1956 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1954 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1953 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BETTY'S WAY (68,425 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
BETTY'S WAY |
68,425 |
91 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 702 |
45,166 |
80 km |
| 2022 |
ROAD 739 |
32,997 |
97 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
27,237 |
95 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
17,990 |
92 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
15,972 |
72 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
11,012 |
24 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
7,793 |
82 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,681 |
91 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
4,777 |
90 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
3,473 |
32 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,149 |
86 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,706 |
79 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,544 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,488 |
56 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,476 |
24 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,397 |
65 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,318 |
98 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
1,285 |
19 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,262 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Hayes Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 27°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.5") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Hayes Center. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hayes Center
What is the population of Hayes Center?
Hayes Center has a population of 258 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 956 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.6% female and 43.4% male.
Is Hayes Center expensive to live in?
Hayes Center is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $70,208, 7% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $83,300 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hayes Center safe?
Hayes Center is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 78 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,079 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hayes Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hayes Center?
Hayes Center has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.5 inches, with 30.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Hayes Center?
The job market in Hayes Center is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $736. There are 38 business establishments in the area, including 3 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 11.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hayes Center?
The median home value in Hayes Center is $83,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $215,378. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.8%.
How are the schools in Hayes Center?
Schools in Hayes Center score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.3% of adults in Hayes Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hayes Center?
The obesity rate in Hayes Center is 42.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 29.3% are physically inactive. 17.4% of residents report depression. 13.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Hayes Center?
The average commute in Hayes Center is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hayes Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hayes Center is 84.9% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 81% of residents speak only English at home, while 19% speak Spanish. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
