Hayes Center, Nebraska

Hayes Center is a village in Hayes County, Nebraska, United States, which has served as that county's county seat since 1885. As of the 2020 census, Hayes Center had a population of 224.

History

Hayes Center was founded in 1885. It was named from its position near the geographical center of Hayes County.

Sanctuary city for the unborn

On April 6, 2021, Hayes Center became the first city in Nebraska to outlaw abortion by local ordinance, declaring itself a "sanctuary city for the unborn." The ordinance declares abortion to be "a murderous act of violence that purposefully and knowingly terminates a human life," and it outlaws abortion "at all times and at all stages of pregnancy."

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts, (R) has praised Hayes Center for its actions to outlaw abortion, issuing a statement that: "Nebraska is a pro-life state, and communities are working to recognize and protect innocent life in a variety of ways. The Biden-Harris Administration is pushing a radical, pro-abortion agenda, and Nebraska must do everything we can to stand against the abortion lobby.”

2010 census

At the 2010 census there were 214 people, 101 households, and 60 families in the village. The population density was . There were 122 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the village was 95.3% White, 0.5% Asian, and 4.2% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.3%.

Of the 101 households 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.6% were non-families. 39.6% of households were one person and 22.8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.83.

The median age in the village was 46.8 years. 23.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.3% were from 25 to 44; 27.5% were from 45 to 64; and 25.2% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the village was 50.9% male and 49.1% female.

2000 census

At the 2000 census there were 240 people, 106 households, and 69 families in the village. The population density was . There were 125 housing units at an average density of . The racial makup of the village was 91.67% White, 0.42% Asian, 7.50% from other races, and 0.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.83%.

Climate

Television

Hayes Center is the city of license for TV station KWNB, a satellite of Kearney, Nebraska, ABC affiliate KHGI-TV. The KWNB broadcast tower is located north of Hayes Center.