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D

Is Hayward, California Safe?

Population 157,113 · Safer than 17% of US cities

Declining· 2023 FBI UCR data

With a violent crime rate above the national average, Hayward faces real safety challenges. It earns a D grade and ranks below 83% of US cities. Property crime makes up the majority of offenses, with theft at 1,941 per 100K.

Hayward Crime Rates vs State and National Averages

MetricHaywardCalifornia AvgNational Avg
Violent Crime Rate453.5333.9363.8
Property Crime Rate2192.52099.21,832.3
Murder Rate6.0--5.7
Assault Rate289.0--268.2
Theft Rate1941.0--1,401.5
Vehicle Theft Rate376.0--318.3

All rates per 100,000 residents. 2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report + Census Bureau population estimates.

Overall SafetyD

264.6 crimes per 1,000 residents

Violent CrimeD

454/100K (national avg: 364)

Property CrimeD

2193/100K (national avg: 1,832)

Key Crime Statistics for Hayward

Violent crime in Hayward is above the national average. The rate of 453.5 per 100K exceeds the national 363.8.

Property crime is above the national average at 2192.5 per 100K vs. the national 1,832.3.

Theft is the most reported crime at 1,941 per 100K. The national average is 1,401.5.

Hayward Crime Breakdown by Category

Murder6
01.1x national avgAvg: 5.7
Assault289
01.1x national avgAvg: 268.2
Robbery91
01.4x national avgAvg: 63.3
Burglary334
01.2x national avgAvg: 269.8
Theft1,941
01.4x national avgAvg: 1,401.5
Vehicle Theft376
01.2x national avgAvg: 318.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. Vertical marker = national average.

How Hayward Compares

Violent Crime Rate (per 100K)

Hayward
453.5
State
333.9
National
363.8

Property Crime Rate (per 100K)

Hayward
2192.5
State
2099.2
National
1832.3

Rates per 100,000 residents. National averages from 2023 FBI UCR data.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hayward Safety

Is Hayward safe?
Not especially. Hayward earns a D with a crime rate of 264.6 per 1,000 residents, and violent crime runs above the national average. Standard precautions apply, especially at night.
What is the crime rate in Hayward?
264.6 per 1,000 residents. That breaks down to a violent crime rate of 453.5 per 100,000 (the national average is 363.8) and property crime at 2192.5 per 100,000 (national average: 1832.3).
Is Hayward safe for tourists?
Exercise extra caution. Hayward's D grade reflects real risk, particularly for property crime. Theft (1,941 per 100K) is the biggest concern for visitors. Stay in well-lit, busy areas at night.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Hayward?
Neighborhood-level data varies, but suburban residential areas in Hayward generally report lower crime than downtown or commercial districts. For block-level detail, check the Hayward police department's crime map.
Is crime increasing in Hayward?
Yes, there's been an uptick. Hayward's crime rates have moved in the wrong direction recently, though the city still holds a D grade overall.
How does Hayward compare to other cities in California?
Below average for the state. Hayward ranks behind about 86% of California cities on safety, with property crime being the bigger issue at 1.2x the national rate.
How safe is Hayward to live in?
Worth factoring into your decision. Violent crime is above the national average. The upward trend in crime is concerning.
How bad is crime in Hayward?
Bad. A D grade and 264.6 per-thousand rate put Hayward below 83% of US cities. Violent crime at 454 per 100K is the core problem.
What is the violent crime rate in Hayward?
453.5 per 100,000, which is 25% above the national average of 363.8. That includes assault (289), robbery (91), and murder (6.0) per 100,000.

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View all California city safety grades

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2024 FBI Uniform Crime Report data and Census Bureau population estimates. Safety grades calculated using national and state-level crime rate distributions. Not a substitute for local law enforcement guidance.

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