Hays, MT demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,009
4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,250/yr
-9.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
295
-3.3% year-over-year change

Hays population

How many people live in Hays

Hays is home to 1,009 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Hays locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
1,009
4.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
501
Female
50.4%
508
Value Percent YoY change
Male 501 49.6% 1.0%
Female 508 50.4% 7.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Hays is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.9% are children under 15, then 18.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.6% of the population, while another 18.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.9%
15 to 24
18.6%
25 to 44
32.6%
45 to 64
18.5%
Over 65
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 191 18.9% 6.7%
15 to 24 188 18.6% 1.1%
25 to 44 329 32.6% 7.5%
45 to 64 187 18.5% 9.4%
Over 65 114 11.3% -8.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Hays, 98.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.9% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 3.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
0.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 997 98.8% 5.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3 0.3% -25.0%
Non-citizens 9 0.9% -35.7%
Racial breakdown
White
2.6%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
91.8%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 26 2.6%
Black or African American 19 1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 926 91.8%
Two or more races 38 3.8%

Households in Hays

A peek inside Hays households

Hays has 260 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 66.9% are families, while the remaining 33.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
260
1.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
86
Family households
174
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 86 33.1% 19.4%
Family households 174 66.9% -6.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Hays

The housing landscape of Hays

Hays's housing consists of 295 units, with 67.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 12.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
295
-3.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 200 67.8%
1 unit, attached 3 1%
2 units 33 11.2%
3 or 4 units 13 4.4%
10 to 19 units 8 2.7%
Mobile home 38 12.9%
Homes built since 2020
3
50.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Hays

In Hays, the median construction year is 1981. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2 0.7% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 11 3.7% -21.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 34 11.5% -20.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 88 29.8% -7.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 108 36.6% 4.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 12 4.1% 71.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 37 12.5% -5.1%
Built in 2020 or later 3 1% 50.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Hays occupancy rates

Out of the 260 occupied housing units in Hays, 49.2% are owner-occupied, while 50.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
260
1.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
132
Owner occupied
128
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 132 50.8% 1.5%
Owner occupied 128 49.2% 0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
11.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Hays housing costs

Housing costs in Hays come to a median of $404 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $625.

Median housing costs per month
$404/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Hays
$625/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Hays

Hays education at a glance

About 36.3% of the population in Hays went to high school, while 24.4% pursued college studies. Another 25.5% earned an associate degree and 12.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4 0.5% -75.0%
High school diploma 268 36.3% 0.4%
College diploma 180 24.4% 11.8%
Associate degree 188 25.5% -1.6%
Bachelor's degree 93 12.6% 12.1%
Graduate degree 5 0.7% 25.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Hays

How much people earn in Hays

The average annual household income in Hays was $70,035 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,250, reflecting a -9.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Hays
$70,035/year
9.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Hays
$52,250/year
-9.7% year-over-year change

Hays income by age

In Hays, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $44,485. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,000 overall. Overall, 76.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $44,485 5.7%
45 - 64 $58,000 -15.2%
Over 65 $64,688 4.5%
Above poverty level
769
Below poverty level
239
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 769 76.3% 13.1%
Below poverty level 239 23.7% -16.4%

Average renter income in Hays

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Hays, their median household income was $50,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 15%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$50,000
Rent-to-income ratio
15%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Hays

Workforce and job types in Hays

The job market in Hays is powered by 332 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.3% run their own businesses, 38.2% are employed by private companies, and 55.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
332
3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
219
Blue collar
113
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 219 66% 3.8%
Blue collar 113 34% 2.7%
Employer type
Self employees
3.3%
Private companies
38.2%
Governmental workers
55.1%
Not for profit companies
3.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 11 3.3% -26.7%
Private companies 127 38.2% -4.5%
Governmental workers 183 55.1% 11.6%
Not for profit companies 11 3.3% 22.2%
Unemployment rate
21.1%
-21.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Hays stands at 21.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Hays

How people get around in Hays

In Hays, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 77.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
-1.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 255 77.5% 6.2%
Taxicab 9 2.7% -10.0%
Walk 19 5.8% -13.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Hays by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
59527 1,345 314 $54,500 $71,215

Explore more communities

FAQs about Hays demographics 

What is the total population of Hays?

Hays has a total population of 1,009 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +4.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Hays?

The gender ratio in Hays is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (501 residents)
  • 50.4% females (508 residents)

What is the median age in Hays?

The median age in Hays is 37.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Hays?

The age distribution in Hays is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.9% (191 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 18.6% (188 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.6% (329 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18.5% (187 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.3% (114 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Hays?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Hays is as follows:
  • White: 2.6% (26 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.9% (19 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 91.8% (926 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.8% (38 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Hays are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.8% of the population in Hays.

How many housing units are there in Hays?

There are 295 housing units in Hays, reflecting a -3.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Hays and what is the average household size?

Hays has a total of 260 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Hays?

Hays has a median household income of $52,250, representing a -9.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Hays?

The employment rate is 78.9% in Hays, with a workforce of 332 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66% (219 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34% (113 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.3% (11 residents)
  • Private companies: 38.2% (127 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 55.1% (183 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.3% (11 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025