Median Income
$57,875
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$61,100
78% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
538/100K
42% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.5%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$550
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.0%
43% higher than US avg
Unemployment
14.7%
308% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.8%
92% higher than US avg
How Hays Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population967
Median Age34.2 yrs
Density36/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 2%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$57,875
Per Capita$21,427
Unemployment14.7%
Poverty23.8%
County GDP$227M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$61,100
Rent$550
Ownership49.4%
Zillow$160,056
Housing Units286
Rent Burden12.9%
Crime
F
Violent538/100K
Property3,605/100K
Health
Obesity46.0%
Uninsured14.2%
Smoking28.2%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain14.3 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation3,935 ft (1,199 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.5%
High School+83.9%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score4.81
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 45%
Commute16 min
Broadband81.7%
Libraries2
Is Hays a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hays receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Hays has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hays is $57,875, 23% below the national average of $75,149. At 14.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 23.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hays is $61,100, 78% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $550 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 538 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,605 per 100,000, 84% above the national average.
Education
14.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Hays has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Hays has a population of 967 with a density of 36 people per square mile, spread across 27.1 square miles. The median age is 34.2 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (94.8%), with 2% White, 3.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.7% of residents, while 14.3% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 69.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.2yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.7%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.3%
7% above US avg
The median household income in Hays is $57,875, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,427 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $904, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 14.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 23.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 204 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,875 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,427 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $904 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,375 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.7% |
| 308% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.8% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 204 |
| County GDP | $227M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,160 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.17% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 51.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.7% |
The median home value in Hays is $61,100, 78% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,056, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $550 (53% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 49.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 286 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $3,160. 12.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $61,100 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $160,056 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $550 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 49.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 49.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 50.6% |
| Housing Units | 286 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,160 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.17% |
In Hays, 46.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 36.3% have high blood pressure. 28.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.4% report binge drinking. 31.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.0% experience frequent mental distress. 14.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,745. The dentist ratio is 1:1,156. 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hays vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.3% |
| Asthma | 15.7% |
| COPD | 9.6% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 5.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.2% |
| 101% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.7% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 24.0% |
| Physical Distress | 21.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 69.3% |
| Uninsured | 14.2% |
| 65% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,745 |
| Dentists | 1:1,156 |
| Mental Health | 1:460 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Dental Visits | 45.0% |
| Premature Death | 18,542/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Hays has a violent crime rate of 538 per 100,000 residents, 42% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,605 per 100,000, 84% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Hays receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hays vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 538.2/100K |
| 42% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,604.8/100K |
| 84% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hays has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 274 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 14.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 3,935 feet.
Temperature
20°F Jan (-7°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 43.9°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 20°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,935 ft (1,199 m) |
| Area | 27.1 sq mi (70.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 36/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 48.0104°N, 108.6606°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Blaine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Great Falls International (GTF)
131 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.3"
62% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
2.60"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 45.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 95.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 13.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M2.7 on Jul 10, 2021.
| Dec 5, 1991 |
15 km WSW of Hays, Montana |
M3.0 |
19 km |
| Oct 16, 2011 |
Eastern Montana |
M2.7 |
70 km |
| Jul 10, 2021 |
24 km SSE of Malta, Montana |
M2.7 |
67 km |
| Jul 15, 2015 |
48 km E of Zortman, Montana |
M2.5 |
60 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
29 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1988 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1981 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1962 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 2007 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2002 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 25, 1980 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 2022 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2020 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2019 |
EF0 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2014 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2005 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 2003 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2002 |
EF0 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 2002 |
EF0 |
74 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BLAINE C (138,192 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
BLAINE C |
138,192 |
58 km |
| 2003 |
MISSOURI BREAKS COMPLEX |
137,947 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
LOST CREEK (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
38,550 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
SODA CREEK (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
33,767 |
75 km |
| 2012 |
WELDER |
32,985 |
31 km |
| 2010 |
RAVEN |
26,631 |
60 km |
| 1990 |
VETERANS |
23,660 |
20 km |
| 2021 |
TAYLOR |
21,704 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
21,165 |
72 km |
| 2021 |
PINE GROVE |
16,158 |
5 km |
| 2006 |
LODGEPOLE (BLACK PULASKI COMPLEX) |
15,248 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
DEVILS CREEK |
15,077 |
93 km |
| 2012 |
WOLF CREEK |
12,168 |
66 km |
| 1984 |
CENTENNIAL |
11,775 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
JULY |
11,409 |
15 km |
| 1994 |
CK CREEK |
11,206 |
56 km |
| 2012 |
ESTER LAKE |
10,898 |
35 km |
| 2019 |
RIDGETOP |
10,316 |
65 km |
| 1996 |
ALKALIE |
10,044 |
84 km |
| 2012 |
WELLS |
9,921 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Hays has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 20°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (2.6") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Hays. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$237 ($142–$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189–$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95–$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757–$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142–$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378–$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95–$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57–$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142–$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784–$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378–$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203–$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473–$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730–$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892–$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757–$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189–$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946–$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71–$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84–$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37–$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37–$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84–$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78–$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76–$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135–$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28–$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568–$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473–$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189–$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378–$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730–$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95–$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $937 |
| Toddler | $969 |
| Preschool | $837 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $736 |
| Toddler | $749 |
| Preschool | $749 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hays
What is the population of Hays?
Hays has a population of 967 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 36 people per square mile, spread across 27.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Hays expensive to live in?
Hays is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $57,875, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $61,100 (78% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $550 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hays safe?
The violent crime rate in Hays is 538 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,605 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Hays receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hays?
Hays has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 20°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Hays?
The job market in Hays faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $904. There are 204 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 10.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hays?
The median home value in Hays is $61,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $160,056. For renters, the median monthly rent is $550. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 49.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,160.
How are the schools in Hays?
Schools in Hays have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.5% of adults in Hays hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hays?
The obesity rate in Hays is 46.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.2% of adults are smokers. 31.7% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 14.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,745.
What is transportation like in Hays?
The average commute in Hays is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 51.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hays?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hays is 2% White, 3.2% Black or African American, 94.8% Hispanic or Latino. 85.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.3% speak Spanish. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 29.9% of residents have a disability. 69.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
