Median Income
$54,063
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$158,900
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
450/100K
18% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.2%
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.1%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Hays Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,355
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density220/mi²
Male / Female55% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$54,063
Per Capita$31,169
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,234M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$158,900
Ownership91.2%
Zillow$191,735
Housing Units777
Rent Burden41.7%
Crime
F
Violent450/100K
Property3,766/100K
Health
Obesity35.1%
Uninsured10.2%
Smoking15.5%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain51.7 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation1,336 ft (407 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.2%
High School+89.6%
Graduate+3.2%
School Score5.62
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 20%
Commute27 min
Broadband93.6%
EV Stations6
Libraries2
Is Hays a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hays receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Hays offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hays is $54,063, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hays is $158,900, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 450 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,766 per 100,000, 92% above the national average.
Education
19.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Hays enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 51.7 inches, including 5.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Hays has a population of 1,355 with a density of 220 people per square mile, spread across 6.2 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.5% female and 54.5% male. The city is predominantly White (87.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.6% of residents, while 15.4% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
84.6%
8% above US avg
Spanish
15.4%
15% above US avg
The median household income in Hays is $54,063, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,169 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $923, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,388 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 3.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,063 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,169 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $923 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,890 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,388 |
| County GDP | $3,234M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 126 |
| Retail | 225 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,412 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.4% |
The median home value in Hays is $158,900, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,735, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $981 for a one-bedroom to $1,161 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 777 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1992. The average annual property tax is $3,412. 41.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $158,900 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $191,735 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $932 |
| 1 Bedroom | $981 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,161 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,499 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,780 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.8% |
| Housing Units | 777 |
| Median Year Built | 1992 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,412 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.15% |
In Hays, 35.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 15.5% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,632. The dentist ratio is 1:2,436. 66.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hays vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.1% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,632 |
| Dentists | 1:2,436 |
| Mental Health | 1:413 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 56.6% |
| Premature Death | 12,047/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 126 |
Hays has a violent crime rate of 450 per 100,000 residents, 18% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,766 per 100,000, 92% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 17 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Hays receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hays vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 450.0/100K |
| 18% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,766.0/100K |
| 92% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 17 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hays enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 299 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 51.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 5.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 1,336 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 57.3°F |
| 6% above US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,336 ft (407 m) |
| Area | 6.2 sq mi (16.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 220/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.2469°N, 81.1142°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Wilkes County County |
| Nearest Airport | Statesville Regional (SVH) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.7"
36% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 86.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
39 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 14, 2025.
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
65 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
100 km |
| Jun 5, 1998 |
4 km SSE of Mooresville, North Carolina |
M3.2 |
83 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
149 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
70 km |
| Aug 4, 2007 |
12 km ENE of Lake Lure, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
122 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
97 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
94 km |
| Aug 25, 2013 |
3 km NNE of Blowing Rock, North Carolina |
M2.9 |
50 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Mar 6, 2006 |
3 km W of Burnsville, North Carolina |
M2.8 |
116 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
124 km |
| Feb 12, 2021 |
8 km SW of Banner Hill, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
113 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
117 km |
| Aug 14, 2025 |
7 km N of Columbus, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
143 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
63 km |
| Jul 12, 1993 |
5 km SW of Greensboro, North Carolina |
M2.7 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Fran (1996, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1996 |
Fran |
Category 3 |
247 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 1 |
172 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
215 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 278 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF4 |
96 km |
4 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
87 km |
3 |
| Mar 28, 2010 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2008 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1998 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 22, 1985 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 26, 2022 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Feb 6, 2020 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2017 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2012 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 2011 |
EF2 |
99 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
80 km |
2 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BRUSHY RIDGE (12,405 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
BRUSHY RIDGE |
12,405 |
82 km |
| 2007 |
LINVILLE COMPLEX (DOBSON KNOB) |
7,151 |
86 km |
| 2016 |
CHESTNUT KNOB |
6,418 |
85 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
4,610 |
74 km |
| 2017 |
WHITE CREEK |
4,166 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
BULL MOUNTAIN |
3,300 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,976 |
76 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,242 |
73 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,194 |
60 km |
| 2008 |
SUNRISE |
1,906 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,879 |
94 km |
| 2016 |
RAILROAD GRADE 2016 |
1,790 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
TOMBSTONE |
1,747 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
DOBSON KNOB |
1,720 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
HUFF HOLLOW |
1,566 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
HAMPTON |
1,536 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
1,504 |
92 km |
| 2016 |
HORTON |
1,480 |
42 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,460 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
1,388 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
47°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
39°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Hays has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 38°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (3.5").
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) |
$236 ($141–$377) |
| Specialist Visit |
$330 ($189–$519) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($94–$330) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,075 ($754–$4,715) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$236 ($141–$377) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$566 ($377–$943) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($94–$330) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($57–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$377 ($141–$754) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,601 ($3,772–$11,316) |
| Roof Repair |
$943 ($377–$1,886) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,487 ($5,187–$14,145) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,415 ($472–$3,301) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,145 ($4,715–$28,290) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,715 ($1,886–$9,430) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,415 ($754–$2,829) |
| Will Preparation |
$472 ($189–$943) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,358 ($943–$4,715) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$236) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.87 ($2.83–$5.19) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.30 ($2.36–$4.72) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.36–$5.19) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.24 ($2.83–$6.13) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.19 ($3.77–$7.07) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$236) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$472) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,886 ($1,132–$3,301) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.54–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$236) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,132 ($566–$2,358) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$943 ($472–$1,886) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$377 ($189–$660) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$943 ($377–$2,358) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,788 ($4,715–$28,290) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$283 ($141–$472) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($94–$377) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $793 |
| Toddler | $688 |
| Preschool | $471 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $544 |
| Toddler | $568 |
| Preschool | $474 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hays
What is the population of Hays?
Hays has a population of 1,355 residents and is located in North Carolina. The population density is 220 people per square mile, spread across 6.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
Is Hays expensive to live in?
Hays is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,063, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $158,900 (44% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hays safe?
The violent crime rate in Hays is 450 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 3,766 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 51.7 inches, with 5.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Hays?
The job market in Hays is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $923. There are 1,388 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 3.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hays?
The median home value in Hays is $158,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $191,735. The homeownership rate is 91.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,412.
How are the schools in Hays?
Schools in Hays score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.2% of adults in Hays hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. 3.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hays?
The obesity rate in Hays is 35.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.5% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 10.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 66.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,632.
What is transportation like in Hays?
The average commute in Hays is 27 minutes. 87.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hays?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hays is 87.1% White. 84.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.4% speak Spanish. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.