Hay Springs was established in 1885 when the railroad was extended to that point.

[6] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.38 square miles (0.98 km2), all land.

There were 328 housing units at an average density of 863.2 per square mile (333.3/km2).

The racial makeup of the city was 92.8% White, 5.4% Native American, and 1.8% from two or more races.

46.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 26.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

31.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Hay Springs is located at the junction of U.S. Route 20 and Nebraska Highway 87.