Hays is a city in Hays County, Texas, United States. The population was 227 at the 2020 census. Hays is located in northeastern Hays Count…Hays is a city in Hays County, Texas, United States. The population was 227 at the 2020 census. Hays is located in northeastern Hays County 14 miles southwest of downtown Austin. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.22 square miles, all land.