Hays, NC demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,053
-22.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$55,035/yr
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
562
-24.6% year-over-year change

Hays population

How many people live in Hays

Hays is home to 1,053 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55.1% of Hays locals are male, and 44.9% are female.

Total population
1,053
-22.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55.1%
580
Female
44.9%
473
Value Percent YoY change
Male 580 55.1% -21.5%
Female 473 44.9% -23.2%
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 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.6% are children under 15, then 17.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 14.5% of the population, while another 34% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.6%
15 to 24
17.5%
25 to 44
14.5%
45 to 64
34%
Over 65
19.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 154 14.6% -37.4%
15 to 24 184 17.5% -18.2%
25 to 44 153 14.5% -37.5%
45 to 64 358 34% -17.7%
Over 65 204 19.4% 0.0%
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

At the same time, 9.6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 16.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
90.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 952 90.4% -25.3%
Non-citizens 101 9.6% 24.7%
Racial breakdown
White
83.2%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
16.8%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 876 83.2%
Two or more races 177 16.8%

Households in Hays

A peek inside Hays households

Hays has 469 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 70.8% are families, while the remaining 29.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
469
-20.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
137
Family households
332
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 137 29.2% -17.0%
Family households 332 70.8% -22.1%
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 562 units, with 81.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 18.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
562
-24.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 460 81.8%
Mobile home 102 18.2%
Homes built since 2020
23
9.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Hays

In Hays, the median construction year is 1991. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 66 11.7% -1.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 11 2% -26.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 84 15% 15.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 32 5.7% -66.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 79 14.1% -20.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 115 20.5% -38.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 103 18.3% -16.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 49 8.7% -12.5%
Built in 2020 or later 23 4.1% 9.5%
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 469 occupied housing units in Hays, 94.5% are owner-occupied, while 5.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
469
-20.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
26
Owner occupied
443
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 26 5.5% -50.0%
Owner occupied 443 94.5% -17.8%
Unoccupied housing units
16.5%
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

Median housing costs per month
$741/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.

Education in Hays

Hays education at a glance

About 48.5% of the population in Hays went to high school, while 23.8% pursued college studies. Another 12.4% earned an associate degree and 6.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 17 1.9% 0.0%
High school diploma 436 48.5% -17.4%
College diploma 214 23.8% -11.9%
Associate degree 111 12.4% -26.5%
Bachelor's degree 57 6.3% -52.1%
Graduate degree 64 7.1% 25.5%
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 $75,371 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 $55,035, reflecting a +1.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Hays
$75,371/year
9.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Hays
$55,035/year
1.8% year-over-year change

Hays income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $42,245 overall. Overall, 95.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $42,245 0.4%
Over 65 $57,014 0.2%
Above poverty level
1,001
Below poverty level
52
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,001 95.1% -21.7%
Below poverty level 52 4.9% -13.3%

Employment in Hays

Workforce and job types in Hays

The job market in Hays is powered by 638 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 49.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 50.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.6% run their own businesses, 70.8% are employed by private companies, and 1.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
638
-19.9% year-over-year change
White collar
315
Blue collar
323
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 315 49.4% -31.7%
Blue collar 323 50.6% -3.9%
Employer type
Self employees
14.6%
Private companies
70.8%
Governmental workers
1.6%
Not for profit companies
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 93 14.6% -15.4%
Private companies 452 70.8% -20.1%
Governmental workers 10 1.6% -74.4%
Not for profit companies 83 13% 1.2%

Transportation in Hays

How people get around in Hays

In Hays, the average commute time is 26 minutes.

Commute time
26 min
-4.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 613 96.1% -20.4%
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
28635 2,669 1,249 $44,901 $62,512

Explore more communities

FAQs about Hays demographics 

What is the total population of Hays?

Hays has a total population of 1,053 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 -22.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Hays?

The gender ratio in Hays is as follows:
  • 55.1% males (580 residents)
  • 44.9% females (473 residents)

What is the median age in Hays?

The median age in Hays is 48.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Hays?

The age distribution in Hays is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.6% (154 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.5% (184 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 14.5% (153 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 34% (358 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.4% (204 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Hays?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Hays is as follows:
  • White: 83.2% (876 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.8% (177 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 90.4% of the population in Hays.

How many housing units are there in Hays?

There are 562 housing units in Hays, reflecting a -24.6% 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 469 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Hays?

Hays has a median household income of $55,035, representing a +1.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Hays?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 49.4% (315 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 50.6% (323 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.6% (93 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.8% (452 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 1.6% (10 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13% (83 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